Term

The recent agreement between TransCanada PipeLines and theNorthwest Territories (NWT) (See NGI, Aug. 2) makes it plain thatboth parties have their sights set on bigger game than relativelymodest pipeline extensions into the southern part of theTerritories. After lying dormant for a decade, visions are revivingof a route extending all the way to the Mackenzie Delta and theBeaufort Sea to tap an estimated 13 Tcf of reserves found in a1970s drilling boom.

The recent agreement between TransCanada PipeLines and theNorthwest Territories (NWT) (See Daily GPI, July 29) makes it plainthat both parties have their sights set on bigger game thanrelatively modest pipeline extensions into the southern part of theTerritories. After lying dormant for a decade, visions are revivingof a route extending all the way to the Mackenzie Delta and theBeaufort Sea to tap an estimated 13 Tcf or more of reserves foundin a 1970s drilling boom.

CMP Natural Gas (CMPNG) said it has signed a long-term contract to deliver gas on a proposed pipeline lateral to a 540 MW gas-fired power plant being built in Westbrook, ME, by Calpine Corp. Construction of the $200 million electric generating facility is under way and Calpine said it will require gas service by June 1, 2000.

CMP Natural Gas (CMPNG) said it has signed a long-term contractto deliver gas on a proposed pipeline lateral to a 540 MW gas-firedpower plant being built in Westbrook, ME, by Calpine Corp.Construction of the $200 million electric generating facility isunder way and Calpine said it will require gas service by June 1,2000.

Midcoast Energy Resources said its wholly owned Louisianaintrastate pipeline subsidiary, Creole Gas Pipeline, has reached along-term agreement with Chevron Chemical Co. to provide gas supplyto Chevron’s Oak Point plant in Belle Chasse, LA. The five-yearpact calls for Creole to provide Chevron with 9,500 MMBtu/d of gas,or about 90% of the total requirements of the Oak Point plant.Creole will construct a new seven-mile pipeline to provide theservice, which will start in September. Creole provides gastransportation services to major industrial customers in the NewOrleans area.

The White House has given the green-light to the renomination ofCommissioner Curt Hebert Jr. for a full five-year term at theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission. “It’s my understanding thatthey’ve signed off on my nomination,” Hebert told NGI.SenateMajority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) sent a letter to the White Housein January seeking his renomination. The Senate EnergyCommitteeis expected to schedule a hearing after Congress returns fromrecess in mid-April, at which time it will begin to schedule ahearing.

The Gas Research Institute re-elected Robert Catell, CEO ofKeyspan, as chairman of the Institute’s board of directors. Hejoined the board in 1992. It will be Catell’s second one-year termas chairman. Stanley Horton, CEO of Enron Gas Pipeline Group, wasrenamed vice chairman.

Dynegy Inc. project affiliate Rockingham Power L.L.C. signed along-term gas interconnection agreement with Williams’ Transcopipeline. Williams’ interconnection will provide capacity for up to222 MMcf/d to fuel Dynegy’s proposed 800-megawatt (MW) generationfacility in Rockingham County, NC. Construction on theinterconnection is scheduled to be completed in December. “Naturalgas power generation is increasing and we look forward toadditional opportunities to expand our pipeline system to meet thisgrowing demand,” said Frank Ferazzi, vice president of customerservice and rates, Williams Gas Pipeline-Transco.

Dynegy Inc. project affiliate Rockingham Power L.L.C. signed along-term gas interconnection agreement with Williams’ Transcopipeline. Williams’ interconnection will provide capacity for up to222 MMcf/d to fuel Dynegy’s proposed 800-megawatt (MW) generationfacility in Rockingham County, NC. Construction on theinterconnection is scheduled to be completed in December. “Naturalgas power generation is increasing and we look forward toadditional opportunities to expand our pipeline system to meet thisgrowing demand,” said Frank Ferazzi, vice president of customerservice and rates, Williams Gas Pipeline-Transco.