Enbridge

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline said it signed a contractwith Enbridge Gas New Brunswick to jointly build a number offacilities required to serve the local distribution system in theprovince. Maritimes hopes to construct the facilities this year,depending on construction timelines and regulatory approvals. Itplans to apply soon for authorization from the National EnergyBoard to construct the seven custody transfer stations and the twosections of transmission pipeline. Maritimes will conduct a seriesof open houses in New Brunswick prior to submitting applications tothe National Energy Board. Meanwhile clearing activities continueon the Halifax Lateral Pipeline project. More than 80% of theclearing has been completed.

SaskEnergy and Enbridge Consumers Gas last week dropped out ofthe competition for a distribution franchise in Nova Scotia once itbecame clear the provincial government would allow industrialcustomers to apply for direct connections to the Maritimes andNortheast Pipeline. Their departure leaves only Sempra Atlantic Gasand Maritimes NRG competing for province-wide distributionfranchise rights and seven small municipal agencies competing forsite-specific franchises.

SaskEnergy and Enbridge Consumers Gas last week dropped out ofthe competition for a distribution franchise in Nova Scotia once itbecame clear the provincial government would allow industrialcustomers to apply for direct connections to the Maritimes andNortheast Pipeline. Their departure leaves only Sempra Atlantic Gasand Maritimes NRG competing for province-wide distributionfranchise rights and seven small municipal agencies competing forsite-specific franchises.