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2003 News Releases
Date: July 23, 2003
Gulfstream Natural Gas System
Prepares for Mainline Extension
FERC Amendment Filed Seeking Minor Modifications to Phase
II Construction
TAMPA, Fla. -- In conjunction with its recently executed agreement
to provide transportation service to Florida Power & Light Company,
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. today filed an amendment with
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking minor modifications
to the timing, facilities and rates previously approved for its
Phase II pipeline construction.
"We are diligently preparing for the next phase of pipeline
construction, which will extend Gulfstream's reach to directly serve
Florida's east coast natural gas markets," said Guy Buckley,
Gulfstream senior vice president and general manager. "The
amendment filed today keeps us moving in that direction, with no
material change to the facilities or route that have already been
evaluated by the Commission."
Specifically, the amendment:
-- Increases the diameter of a five-mile segment of pipe in Martin
County from 24 inches to 30 inches.
-- Anticipates construction completion of certain Phase II facilities
required to serve FPL's Martin power plant by fourth quarter 2004.
Those remaining facilities in St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties
would be identified as Phase III to be placed into service by February
2006.
-- Modifies the initial recourse rates to reflect updated construction
costs.
Gulfstream's Phase II pipeline construction will extend its Florida
mainline by approximately 110 miles from Polk County to FPL's Martin
power plant in Martin County. Gulfstream anticipates Phase II construction
to begin next spring.
The Phase II construction is part of a 23-year agreement for Gulfstream
to provide up to 350 million cubic feet per day of firm natural
gas transportation to serve FPL's Martin and Manatee power plant
expansions. The two expansions are designed to provide service to
an additional 400,000 electric customers beginning in mid-2005.
FERC approved the construction and operation of the Gulfstream pipeline
project in February 2001. Gulfstream later received permission from
FERC to phase construction - placing 581 miles in service last May.
Since the Gulfstream project was initiated in 1999, company representatives
have worked with state and local officials as well as civic and
community groups to share information and answer questions about
the project, conducting public meetings, delivering presentations
and making information available through its web site.
The Gulfstream pipeline is a joint development between Williams
(NYSE:WMB) and Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK). Additional information is
available on the Internet at www.gulfstreamgas.com or by calling
the company toll-free at 1-888-GAS-4-FLA.
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