FERC approves Williams’ Northeast Supply Enhancement project

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Williams authorizing the company to go ahead with the Northeast Supply Enhancement project (NESE project), a proposed expansion of the existing Transco gas pipeline infrastructure in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

The Northeast Supply Enhancement project is designed to cater to New York markets in time for the 2020/2021 winter heating season by delivering 400,000 dekatherms per day of additional natural gas to National Grid.

Williams says that as National Grid is converting nearly 8,000 customers a year from heating oil to natural gas in New York City and Long Island, the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project is important to make the conversions possible, and also to keep up with new development in the area.

John Bruckner – National Grid New York President said: “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.

“This project aligns with our 80×50 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.”

FERC approves Williams’ Northeast Supply Enhancement project. Photo courtesy of Free-Photos from Pixabay.

The FERC order completes a regulatory review process that took almost three years to determine that the Northeast Supply Enhancement project will be of public interest and that environmental impacts will be minimized through mitigation measures proposed by it and Williams.

Micheal Dunn – Williams Chief Operating Officer said: “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.

“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.”

Once Williams secures all the required regulatory approvals, it will start construction on the Northeast Supply Enhancement project facilities most likely in the fall of 2019. The Transco expansion project is expected to create 3,186 jobs directly and indirectly during the construction period.

The Northeast Supply Enhancement project will expand the Transco gas pipeline in the three states mainly by looping – by laying out new pipe alongside existing pipe parallel to the existing right of way.

The Transco expansion project facilities comprise nearly 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 compressor station (32,000 horsepower) and associated appurtenant facilities.