Although Ruby Pipeline operator El Paso Corp. had indicated Tuesday that a systemwide shutdown might be ended as early as Wednesday, the in-service date has been shifted to sometime between Saturday and next Wednesday. Ruby said a full assessment of the scope of necessary repairs has been completed, and the longest lead item is for replacement of the 42-inch block valve. The restoration of service depends on the time required to secure and install the replacement valve.

Citing forecasts of warm weather resulting in reduced system demand, Nicor Gas implemented caps Wednesday for deliveries to its citygate by six pipelines (see the bulletin board for volume details). “The cap levels are being set at levels that are based on expected market demand, maintenance of required storage withdrawals and the overall distribution of deliveries necessary to ensure the operational integrity of the Nicor Gas system,” the Chicago-area LDC said. It added that Nicor Hub interruptible storage injection services are being halted and will not be available until further notice, but withdrawals will continue to be accepted.

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