This presentation was given before the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC*) Winter Meeting held in Washington, February 21-24, 1999. It provides an a broad overview of the current capabilities of the U.S. natural gas pipeline transmission network and the underground natural gas storage facilities associated with that network. Over the last 7-8 years the natural gas pipeline transmission network in the U.S. has changed and grown significantly. Several factors have brought about this change: 1) Market demand rebounded from its slump of the 1980's; 2) Open-access under FERC Order 636 has created a more flexible and competitive gas transportation market; 3) Supply sources have shifted; 4) New pipelines have been built to tap into these supplies and others have been expanded extensively; and 5) End-use markets such as the electric Generation market have expanded their use of natural gas throughout the country, necessitating the building of new laterals and major expansions on regional pipelines. Underground Natural Gas Storage capabilities changed and expanded in response to pipeline transportation market changes and greater demand for peaking services.
* The NARUC Natural Gas Committee provides an ongoing forum for States to promote the uniformity of regulation of public utilities and to further cooperative efforts among States concerning the safe operation and supervision of public utilities and carriers. The Committee also promotes cooperative efforts between of the State utility commissions and Federal counterparts.