Williams Receives FERC Certificate Authorizing Northeast Supply Enhancement Project
Williams (NYSE: WMB) today reported that the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) has issued a certificate of public convenience and
necessity authorizing the Northeast Supply Enhancement project – an
expansion of the existing Transco natural gas pipeline designed to serve
New York markets in time for the 2020/2021 winter heating season.
The Northeast Supply Enhancement project will provide 400,000 dekatherms
per day of additional natural gas supply to National Grid – the largest
distributor of natural gas in the northeastern United States. National
Grid is converting about 8,000 customers per year from heating oil to
natural gas in New York City and Long Island. The Northeast Supply
Enhancement Project is critical to make these conversions possible, as
well as keep up with new development in the area.
“Natural gas is a critical component of the mix of energy sources
necessary to meet the region’s growing energy needs and to help meet its
aggressive clean air goals,” said Williams Chief Operating Officer
Micheal Dunn. “We appreciate the Commission’s thorough review of this
important infrastructure enhancement project, which will help ultimately
advance New York City toward meeting the statewide carbon emissions
goals outlined in the New York State Energy Plan.”
“NESE will provide access to critical supply to serve our customers in
New York City and on Long Island, ensuring there is enough natural gas
for them to heat their homes and run their businesses,” said National
Grid New York President John Bruckner. “This project aligns with our
80x50 pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports City and
State clean energy goals, while improving safety, reliability,
resiliency and maintaining affordability and customer choice.”
The Order issued by the Commission concludes a nearly three-year
regulatory review process, ultimately determining that the Northeast
Supply Enhancement project will serve the public interest and that
environmental impacts would be minimized with the implementation of
mitigation measures proposed by the company and FERC.
Following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, Williams
anticipates beginning construction on the Northeast Supply Enhancement
project facilities in the fall of 2019.
Transco is the nation’s largest-volume interstate natural gas pipeline
system. It delivers natural gas to customers through its approximately
10,000-mile pipeline network whose mainline extends nearly 1,800 miles
between South Texas and New York City. The system is a major provider of
cost-effective natural gas services that reach U.S. markets in 12
Southeast and Atlantic Seaboard states, including major metropolitan
areas in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
About Northeast Supply Enhancement
The Northeast Supply Enhancement project will expand existing Transco
pipeline infrastructure in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York
primarily by ‘looping’ – placing new pipe alongside of existing pipe
parallel to the existing right of way. The project facilities consist of
approximately 10 miles of 42-inch pipeline looping facilities, three
miles of onshore 26-inch looping facilities, 23 miles of offshore
26-inch looping facilities, the addition of 21,902 horsepower at an
existing compressor station, a new 32,000 horsepower compressor station
and related appurtenant facilities.
According to researchers at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning
and Public Policy, the design and construction of the Northeast Supply
Enhancement project will generate approximately $327 million in
additional economic activity in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
In addition, the project will directly and indirectly generate 3,186
jobs during the construction period, resulting in an estimated $234
million in labor income.
Additional information about the Northeast Supply Enhancement project
can be found at www.northeastsupplyenhancement.com.
About Williams
Williams (NYSE: WMB) is a premier provider of large-scale infrastructure
connecting U.S. natural gas and natural gas products to growing demand
for cleaner fuel and feedstocks. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
Williams is an industry-leading, investment grade C-Corp with operations
across the natural gas value chain including gathering, processing,
interstate transportation and storage of natural gas and natural gas
liquids. With major positions in top U.S. supply basins, Williams owns
and operates more than 30,000 miles of pipelines system wide – including
Transco, the nation’s largest volume and fastest growing pipeline –
providing natural gas for clean-power generation, heating and industrial
use. Williams’ operations handle approximately 30% of U.S. natural gas. www.williams.com
Portions of this document may constitute “forward-looking statements”
as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance
that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such
statements are made in reliance on the “safe harbor” protections
provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional
information about issues that could lead to material changes in
performance is contained in the company’s annual and quarterly reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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