Interest

TXU of Dallas agreed to sell its majority interest in a MexicoCity gas distribution system to Gas Natural and Hidroelectrica delCantabrico for $68 million. Gas Natural will become operator whenthe deal closes, which is expected later this year.

Columbia Gas began an open season Wednesday to assess interestin increased FT on Line 10338 in New York from the Ramapo Stationto the Buena Vista Station. The expansion would be achieved throughan upgrade of Ramapo Station. Contract terms would be for 10 yearsor longer, but the service would terminate automatically ifColumbia abandons Line 10338 by conveyance to its proposedMillennium Pipeline project. The open season will run through 4:30p.m. EST March 31. The pipeline also is asking existing FTcustomers on Line 10338 if they wish to permanently turn back theircapacity. Call Bernie Schaffler at (703) 227-3265 for moreinformation.

A Williams pipeline unit said last week that it has receivednonbinding interest for about 190 MMcf/d on its proposedinternational gas pipeline link from the Pacific Northwest tocogeneration plants on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Thestrong results prompted Williams and its partner, BC Hydro, to goback to the drawing board on the proposed size, route and generalscope of the project, which was originally estimated at about $120million and 100 MMcf/d.

Courage Energy Inc., an oil and natural gas company withoperations in western Canada, announced yesterday a purchase of aninterest in producing wells and facilities in the Peace River Archarea of northern Alberta for $13.5 million. The seller wasundisclosed and Courage will now operate the property with 55%ownership. The acquisition will immediately add over 3 MMcf/d tothe company’s production. There are additional wells awaitingcompletion, and pipeline tie-in, which will add to these productionvolumes, Courage said. The purchase includes 28,000 acres (16,000acres net) of land and a comprehensive seismic database. Anindependent engineering report, prepared for the Vendor, hasassigned 14.1 Bcf of proved reserves and an additional 6.428 Bcf ofrisked probable reserves for a total 20.5 Bcf of establishedreserves. The scheduled date to close the acquisition is Feb. 28,with an effective date of Dec. 31.

Aquila Energy sold to San Jose-based Calpine Corp. a 50%interest in its 600 MW gas-fired, combined-cycle Aries power plantnow under construction in Pleasant Hill, MO. Under the agreementMerchant Energy Partners, an Aquila subsidiary, will manage thefuel supply for the plant as well as all the power produced by theplant. Calpine will oversee construction, operation andmaintenance.

Williams Gas Pipeline snagged Duke Energy’s 9.8% stake in theAlliance Pipeline partnership last week, bringing its totalinterest in Alliance to 14.6%. Transaction details, including shareand unit prices, were not disclosed.

Williams Gas Pipeline snagged Duke Energy’s 9.8% stake in theAlliance Pipeline partnership yesterday. The transaction bringsWilliams’ total interest in Alliance to 14.6%. Transaction details,including share and unit prices, were not disclosed.

Denver-based Western Gas Resources Inc. made a purchase and saleagreement with EXCO Resources Inc. to sell its 69% interest in theBlack Lake Unit, including the Black Lake processing and treatingfacilities in Louisiana. The sales price of $7.8 million is subjectto adjustment. Western expects to realize a pre-tax loss of about$6.5 million this quarter. This deal is expected to close by Jan.7.

Portland Natural Gas Transmission System is holding an open season through Oct. 22 on its PNGTS Pipeline to elicit interest regarding new transportation services such as access to an interconnect with Algonquin’s HubLine project and consequently, to the lucrative Boston power generation market.