CIG Plans New Line From Rockies to Midcontinent 
Colorado Interstate Gas has announced an open season running through July 20 for a new pipeline to transport Rocky Mountain gas from the Cheyenne Hub to connections in the Midcontinent area near Greensburg, KS. 
CIG said it has completed the archaeological, environmental and right-of-way surveys necessary to file an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by this coming October and complete the pipeline by late 2003. The company said it "has been working with interested shippers in developing this pipeline project over the past year in response to concerns that Rocky Mountain gas supplies could exceed pipeline takeaway capacity." 
The line would consist of 380 miles of 30-inch pipe and 17,000 hp of compression to carry about 540 MDth/d of gas. Planned interconnects include ANR Pipeline, CMS Panhandle Eastern, Northern Natural Gas, Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America and Williams. 
Based on the current design, the transport rate would be 28 cents/Dth, plus an estimated 0.8% fuel and unaccounted for gas, and any authorized surcharges such as an ACA charge. Prospective shippers are asked to complete an offer sheet for a 10-year contract, stating their maximum daily quantity, receipt and delivery points, acceptance of the 100% load factor rate of 28 cents/Dth, and any other conditions required of the shipper. 
CIG will notify winning bidders by July 23 and execute binding precedent agreements for firm transportation by Aug. 17, 2001. At that point CIG will evaluate all precedent agreements to determine if the project is economically viable. Contacts are Craig Coombs at (719) 520-4387 or Laine Lobban at (719) 520-4344.