U.S. midstream operators are focusing on incremental additions to their natural gas infrastructure in the Haynesville Shale, Permian and Appalachia basins as quicker and lower-risk solutions to rising production growth.

DCP Midstream LP is in “advanced discussions” with its partners on the Gulf Coast Express Pipeline (GCX) to bring “quick and efficient” capacity to the market via an expansion, according to management. CEO Wouter van Kempen last week said an open season was set to be launched “in the coming days” for the 2 Bcf/d Permian conduit.

The pipeline is co-owned and operated by Kinder Morgan Inc., whose management team discussed the potential expansion with investors last month. Altus Midstream Co. also is an owner in the 530-mile pipeline, while Targa...