A study of 10 of the largest U.S. natural gas pipelines showsthey can expect to collectively derive a total of $42.5 millionannually in savings from Gas Research Institute technologies over afour-year period from 1997 to 2000, GRI said.

The savings will result from GRI technologies that improveproductivity, reduce operating, maintenance and capital costs andavoid regulatory costs. “The benefits analysis itself was valuablein that it provided a consistent, systematic data-based approachfor the participating companies to quantify the GRI benefits,” saidJack W. Hotzel, Duke Energy general manager-project engineering.

The study relied extensively on information from the pipelinesthemselves to quantify the economic impact. “All benefits wereidentified by pipeline company employees, including experts at eachcompany who can attest that the reported benefits are valid andreal,” said Tom Steinbauer, GRI acting vice president and generalmanger, pipeline business unit.

The study, “Impacts Derived from GRI Technologies by 10Interstate Gas Pipeline Companies” (GRI-99/0021) can be ordered byfax at (630) 406-5995. It is free for GRI members and $25 fornon-members.

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