Spectra Energy Partners is conducting a nonbinding open season to solicit participation in capacity on its East Tennessee Natural Gas (ETNG) pipeline system. The open season is in response to requests from producers for additional market outlets and from end-users for increased access to Appalachian supplies.

The proposed expansion, called the Greenway Project, is expected to move an additional 250,000 to 450,000 Dth/d of new supply from the Appalachian basin in southwest Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky to Southeast and Mid-Atlantic markets. The proposed project would improve access to domestic supply and enhance the diversity and reliability of supply in these market areas, where demand for gas continues to rise.

“We are well-positioned to readily expand upon our existing system to connect these regionally produced, new supplies with markets that are calling for more natural gas,” said Patrick Gibson, vice president of East Tennessee Natural Gas. “We are working closely with current East Tennessee Natural gas customers, as well as potential customers, to develop projects that will meet their timing and needs.”

The exact nature of the required facilities, estimated to cost $300 million to $500 million, will be determined by the results of the open season. With consideration given to shippers that desire a phase-in of their contracted capacity, the project will allow contracts to begin as late as 2012.

“With the Greenway Project, ETNG is planning to construct pipeline assets that will extend deeper into the production areas of southwest Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky,” the company said in its project brochure. “While the primary delivery point out of ETNG is anticipated to be Cascade Creek — ETNG’s existing connection with Transco in North Carolina, the enhancements to the ETNG mainline system will provide for outlets to other existing delivery points as well as to new delivery points as determined by market requests.”

A spokesman said no details on what new facilities the project might entail were available.

Nonbinding nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m. EST Feb. 29. For more information, contact William Wickman at (865) 692-2110 or wewickman@spectraenergy.com. Information is also available at www.spectraenergypartners.com.

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