Williams’ Transco pipeline has received approval for its SouthCoastExpansion, a project to deliver up to 204 MMcf/d of additionalsupplies starting in November, primarily in Georgia and SouthCarolina. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued acertificate for the project Monday, accepting Transco’s alternateincremental rate scheme, requiring signed 15-year contracts for 100%of capacity, and dismissing protests (see FERC Docket CP99-392)

The 44 miles of expanded pipe primarily will serve Atlanta GasLight (AGL) (61 MMcf/d), Georgia Power (40 MMcf/d) and a new powergeneration plant to be built by the South Carolina Public ServiceAuthority (Santee Cooper) (80 MMcf/d), as well as various smalltowns and cities. The facilities will increase mainline capacitybetween Station 85 in Butler, AL, to delivery points in Zone 4.

The $108,354,725 project includes approximately 44 miles of 24- and48-inch looping in Alabama and Georgia and two compressors totaling31,500 hp (see Daily GPI, April 30,1999). FERC also approved a certificate for Santee Cooper to build2.1 miles of 16-inch pipe from its plant construction site in SouthCarolina to a connection with Transco in Georgia. The agency said itwould cost more to connect to the Transco system in Georgia, which isin a different rate zone because the fuel retention percentage wouldbe higher. Crossing the state line puts the power authority’sconnector under FERC jurisdiction, but the Commission granted SanteeCooper’s requested waiver of onerous interstate reportingrequirements.

The Commission approved an incremental rate for firm transportationon the expanded facilities on Transco’s mainline of $7.6214/Dth and$5.4518/Dth for its North Georgia Extension. Transco and theCommission by-passed protests to the pipeline’s initial plan forrolled-in rates, settling on incremental rates so that existingcustomers would not bear the burden of the expansion costs (see DailyGPI, Nov. 24, 1999). The SouthCoastExpansion is expected to have minimal impact on the environment andsurrounding landowners since construction will occur on or nearTransco’s existing right-of-way.

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