News October-December 2003
News Release: December 17, 2003 | View Printable PDF Version |
FERC STUDY: NEW ENGLAND NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE CURRENTLY
ADEQUATE BUT FUTURE EXPANSION NEEDED
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today released a study
prepared in consultation with the Department of Energy that concludes
there is currently adequate natural gas pipline infrastructure in
New England but finds that additional facilities will be needed
to meet the region’s future gas demand.
The study notes that there are no native sources of natural
gas or underground storage facilities in New England. The region
currently depends on interstate natural gas pipelines, imported
liquefied natural gas (LNG) and very limited above-ground storage
of LNG to meet demand.
The study says there is adequate natural gas infrastructure
to meet demand through 2005, but it concludes that additional
infrastructure will be needed to meet New England’s demand
for natural gas through 2010.
During peak periods of demand, the interstate pipeline system
is operated at a very high load factor and is not able to fully
access underground storage in New York and Pennsylvania.
Construction of new pipeline capacity to these storage facilities
and to expanded or newly constructed LNG import facilities would
enhance New England’s natural gas infrastructure, the study
notes.
The study, which was conducted with contributions from New England’s
public utility commissions, the operator of New England’s
electric grid, and representatives from all sectors of the natural
gas industry, was required by the Public Safety Improvement Act
of 2002.
The study is available on FERC’s website at www.ferc.gov.
R-03-48 (30)
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