Millennium Pipeline said late Monday that it has launched an open season to finalize capacity commitments on its new natural gas pipeline system, which is designed to meet growing energy needs in the U.S. Northeast.

“As the first new natural gas pipeline into the Northeast in more than a decade, market interest in Millennium has remained very strong,” said Christopher Helms, chairman of Millennium Pipeline Management Committee and president of NiSource’s Pipeline Group. “The pipeline will offer much-needed access to new sources of natural gas supply, enhanced storage options and added delivery capacity. Millennium is critical to enhancing supply reliability, price stability and the clean energy future of the region.”

The Millennium project is jointly sponsored by units of NiSource Inc., KeySpan Corp. and DTE Energy. The project was granted a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) certificate in 2002. Under a phased development plan announced last year, Millennium plans to construct a 186-mile section of pipeline from Corning, NY, to Ramapo, NY. This section replaces and upgrades an existing Columbia Gas Transmission natural gas pipeline.

The company said its open season runs from June 13-June 30, providing an opportunity for shippers to formally express interest in capacity on Phase 1 of the project. KeySpan previously announced it will be among the anchor shippers on Phase 1 of the project, with plans to purchase 150,000 Dth/d of capacity on the pipeline. The total capacity of Millennium Phase 1 is expected to be 500,000 Dth/d.

Once the open season is closed, Millennium said it anticipates filing a certificate amendment with FERC detailing the project’s new capacity holders and phased development approach. Pending the receipt of necessary approvals, Millennium is targeting a Nov. 1, 2007 in-service date.

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