The projects – known as HubLine Phase II and the Dominion Expansion – also will help in the development of more flexible and economical energy transportation systems in each market, said Tom O’Connor, president of DEGT.

“DEGT is continuing its efforts to respond to the increasing demand for natural gas in these two high-growth areas – fuel that is especially critical during extended cold weather periods,” O’Connor said. “These two projects will be significant additions to the country’s energy infrastructure that will help meet the anticipated increase in natural gas for decades to come.”

On Feb. 5, the company’s Algonquin Gas Transmission unit asked FERC to amend the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity originally granted for the HubLine project in 2001 to facilitate development of a project that will transport eastern Canadian natural gas from the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline to an interconnection point on the Algonquin system in Everett, Mass.

The new project – HubLine Phase II – consists of about seven miles of pipeline, called the Everett Extension, originating from Algonquin’s previously approved Deer Island Lateral in Boston to the interconnection with Algonquin, three meter stations and associated facilities along the pipeline route. HubLine Phase II will provide an additional supply source to the heart of the greater Boston market and increase the reliability of natural gas infrastructure in eastern Massachusetts.  

Algonquin has asked FERC to extend the construction deadline for the Deer Island Lateral in order for the lateral to be built concurrently with the Everett Extension project. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2004 with a projected in-service date in summer 2005. More information is available at www.everettextension.com.

The Dominion Expansion Project, filed with FERC in late January by Duke Energy’s Texas Eastern Transmission, LP affiliate, consists of about 35 miles of new 36-inch diameter pipeline to be constructed within the Texas Eastern right of way adjacent to the existing pipeline. About 35 miles of an abandoned 24-inch diameter pipeline in western Pennsylvania would be removed to accommodate the larger diameter line.

Included in the project is an upgrade of some facilities at the Uniontown compressor station in Fayette County, as well as construction of the new pipeline in Greene, Fayette, Somerset, Fulton and Franklin counties. When completed, the project will transport natural gas to Dominion Transmission Inc. for delivery to markets in the mid-Atlantic region. The project is expected to be in service in November 2004. For more information, visit www.degt-dominionexpansion.com.

Duke Energy Gas Transmission is a North American leader in developing energy infrastructure and connecting major natural gas supply basins to growing markets. The company’s natural gas operations include more than 18,900 miles of interstate transmission pipeline and 250 billion cubic feet of storage capacity in Canada and the United States. More information on DEGT can be found at www.degt.duke-energy.com.

Duke Energy is a diversified multinational energy company with an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. The company manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses – meeting the energy needs of customers throughout North America and in key markets around the world. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.