Spectra Energy is holding an open season to test market interest in its proposed Bronco Pipeline, which would move natural gas from supply basins in the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest and California. The open season runs through Feb. 8.

The 650-mile Bronco pipeline, which was announced in November, would access basins in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming and then run westward to a terminus at the California-Oregon border near Malin, OR, a key trading point for western markets (see Daily GPI, Nov. 2, 2007). The pipeline, which would interconnect with several pipelines en route to its western terminus, is expected to transport more than 1 Bcf/d, the Houston-based company said.

Preliminary construction costs are estimated to be $3 billion, and the project is scheduled to be placed into operation around 2011. The exact scope of the facilities and timing of the project will depend on the results of the open season, Spectra said.

While most of the talk out of the Rocky Mountains recently has been about running natural gas pipelines west-to-east, Spectra Energy’s Bronco Pipeline would cater to the under-served western markets. “The Bronco Pipeline will provide a vital outlet to transport increasing Rockies supply west to markets where natural gas is truly needed,” said Guy Buckley, Spectra Energy vice president of corporate development.

For more information, contact Dave Weathers at (713) 627-4773 or daweathers@spectraenergy.com.

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