The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a favorable preliminary determination on non-environmental grounds to Tuscarora Gas Transmission’s Wadsworth Lateral, a 14.2-mile pipeline extension and associated facilities that would increase Tuscarora’s transportation capacity by 95,912 Dth/d. The lateral would extend from Tuscarora’s mainline in northern Washoe County, NV, to an interconnect with Paiute Pipeline in Nevada.

The expansion of the 229-mile pipeline system, which extends from Malin, OR, to a growing Nevada market, would serve two new power generation facilities in Nevada near Tracy and Wadsworth. Duke Energy plans to construct a 540 MW plant near Wadsworth, and Morgan Stanley is now constructing the 360 MW Naniwa Energy facility near Tracy.

The added capacity also would supplement the growing gas distribution needs of Sierra Pacific Power Co. and Southwest Gas Corp., which collectively distribute natural gas to all of northern Nevada and portions of Northern California.

If FERC approves the application, Tuscarora said it would begin construction in April 2002 and begin service by the end of that year. The $60 million expansion is supported by long-term, firm transportation contracts ranging from 10-to-15 years that are contingent upon completion.

FERC also gave Northern Natural Gas the authority to abandon by sale its far east leg to Wisconsin Gas for use by affiliate Guardian Pipeline. The Northern line runs from Boone County, IA, to an interconnect with ANR in Rock County, WI. It extends to a delivery point near Eagle, WI. This nine mile, 24-inch diameter line is located primarily in Walworth and Waukesha, WI.

FERC has given Guardian Pipeline authorization to eliminate construction of its Eagle lateral, which would have run parallel to the Northern line. The 8.5 mile, 16-inch diameter Eagle Lateral would have run from a connection with Guardian to Eagle, WI, at a delivery point with nonjurisdictional facilities of Wisconsin Gas and Wisconsin Electric.

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