A unit of Williams announced Wednesday that it is holding a binding open season through March 22 for shippers interested in firm natural gas transportation service in a proposed Alva to Southwest Missouri Expansion Project. If sufficient market support is obtained in the open season, Williams plans to seek approval for the expansion from FERC, with anticipated service to begin as early as the second quarter of 2003.

The project proposes capacity expansion of Williams’ Central pipeline system in Missouri and Oklahoma on the following line segments.

Bids may be for firm capacity in Central’s market area, production area or both. Consistent with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission policy, existing shippers presently holding firm capacity on the identified line segments will be invited to submit binding offers to relinquish capacity. The level of market commitment obtained during the open season will determine the facilities, incremental capacity and rates for the project.

“Natural gas demand continues to increase throughout southwest Missouri,” said Jerry Morris, director of business development for Williams’ Central and Texas Gas systems. “Traditional local distribution markets and the fast growing natural gas-fired power generation market are driving this growth.”

Additional information regarding the project may be obtained by contacting Duane Kirkendoll at (270) 688-6613, Dale Sanders at (270) 688-6944 or Jim Neukam at (270) 688-6918. Existing shippers may access open season information at: https://wgpcentral.twc.com/.

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