Mexico’s energy regulatory commission (CRE) has defined a newgas distribution geographic zone and put out a call for bids fordevelopment of a distribution system expected to cost about $35million. The system will serve the region of North Bajio includingmunicipalities Aguascalientes-Jesus Maria-San Francisco de losRomo, Aguascalientes; San Luis Potosi-Soledad de Graciano Sanchez,San Luis Potosi; and Zacatecas-Guadalupe, Fresnillo, Calera andMorelos, Zacatecas.

Belgian company Tractebel is said to be interested. The regionhas more than 1.6 million residents and 342,000 homes 86% of whichare equipped with running water and liquefied propane gasinstallations. The homes consume about 16.2 MMcf/d of propane.

In addition, the CRE recently issued transportation permits forthe Bajio geographic zone. TransCanada and Gutsa hold a permit for126-mile line. Tejas Gas International, Southern Union Co., andIntegrated Gas Services de Mexico plan to build a 142-mile line.And Midcoast Gas Services and Associated Pipeline Contractors havea permit to build a 62-mile line.

Joe Fisher, Houston

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