American Gas - May 2014 - (Page 21)

gas by expanding our infrastructure to improve our employers' competitiveness, reduce the use of petroleum for electricity generation, and, finally, lower Mainers' electric bills." Responding to the area's need for additional natural gas supply, Spectra Energy held an open season in February and March for the new Atlantic Bridge project. A proposed expansion of its Algonquin Gas Transmission and Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline systems, the project would connect North American natural gas supplies with additional markets in New England, including Maine, and Atlantic Canada. Algonquin and Maritimes & Northeast recently executed an agreement with Unitil Corp., the largest gas distributor in Maine, to participate as an anchor shipper in the project. The expansion, which would be operational by 2017, would increase current pipeline capacity by 100,000 dekatherms per day, for a total of more than 600,000 Dth/d. In addition, Portland Natural Gas Transmission System plans to expand pipeline capacity in the state with its Continent to Coast project. Slated to begin service in November 2016, the expansion will add 120,000 Dth/d to 150,000 Dth/d of capacity, for a total range of 300,000350,000 Dth/d. -G.J. massachusetts Expiration Date New gas-fired plant agrees to cut emissions over time and shut down in 2050 SaLEm, ma -Massachusetts has approved construction of a gas-fired power plant-with a few strings attached. The plant must agree to reduce emissions over time and shut down completely by 2050. The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board voted to accept a plan under which the plant will emit less carbon dioxide over time and then cease operation in 2050, about 35 years after it goes into service. The plan was developed by the nonprofit Conservation Law Foundation and Footprint Power, the company that will build and operate the plant. CLF had challenged construction of the facility, arguing that it violated the state's Global Warming Solutions Act, which mandates that Massachusetts lower its emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. "The agreement was in response to appeals CLF filed focused not on our plant per se but on the fact that the Global Warming Solutions Act INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS With new upcoming regulations, operators will be required to increase resources and budgets to support additional inspection, testing, piping replacement, and documentation of their pipeline system. Structural Integrity has an innovative and experienced team of integrity specialists to provide support. Structural Integrity is a leader in pipeline integrity and regulatory compliance. * Integrity Management * Corrosion Control * NDE Inspection and Assessment * Regulatory Compliance Support 8 7 7 - 4 7 4 - 7 6 9 3 ( 8 7 7 - 4 S I - P O W E R ) Scan the QR Code for more information www.structint.com/aga may 2014 AmericAn GAs 21 http://www.structint.com/aga http://www.structint.com/aga

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American Gas - May 2014