Owensboro, KY-based Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline. Inc. said Friday that due to the fully subscribed status of its existing firm storage service it is seeking to expand the capacity of its Elk City storage field near Independence, KS.

Southern Star had a successful open season earlier this year to expand its existing storage capacity by 4,000,000 Dth, with an increase in daily deliverability of 40,000 Dth/d. On Oct. 9 the company filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for authorization to build the facilities necessary for the Elk City expansion. The open season was launched because Southern Star said it has received numerous requests over the years for new storage service.

“Additional firm storage service will enhance services and flexibility for our customers and gas supply management, flexibility and liquidity for shippers,” said CEO Jerry Morris. “The Midcontinent region has exhibited a growing appetite for new storage, and we believe this expansion is a great first step towards satisfying that appetite.”

Southern Star experienced a successful open season for its Ozark Advance Expansion Project earlier this year for the expansion of firm transportation service in southwest Missouri. Southern Star will be expanding portions of its pipeline system to meet incremental demand from firm transportation shippers in this growing area of the Southern Star system.

Southern Star noted that it had a successful open season for its Sedalia Pipeline expansion project earlier this year for the expansion of firm transportation service along its Sedalia Line (Line Segment 235) in western Missouri. The company said it will be able to meet incremental demand from firm shippers in this growing area of its system.

Southern Star operates an interstate natural gas transmission system spanning more than 6,000 miles in the Midwest and Midcontinent regions of the United States. The company’s pipeline facilities are located in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas.

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