8 Dec 2017, 8.55 pm GMT
Houston, 8 December (Argus) — New Hampshire natural gas distributor Liberty Utilities is planning to build a 16-inch intrastate pipeline project to ship supplies from the coast to the central part of the state.
The Granite Bridge project would span 27 miles (43km), connecting the existing Portland Natural Gas Transmission System and Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline facilities in Stratham with the existing Tennessee Gas Pipeline facilities in Manchester.
Plans for Granite Bridge also include a 2 Bcf (57mn m³) LNG storage facility, allowing the company to purchase gas in the summer when prices are low and store it for use in the winter when demand typically spikes amid cold weather.
The new pipeline would be located within the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's right of way along Route 101.
The LNG storage facility would be located in an abandoned quarry adjacent to Route 101 in Epping.
Liberty Utilities' existing infrastructure in the state is nearing capacity, and the company could have to turn down new requests for gas service in the coming years if it does not expand its footprint.
The project is subject to review by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, the New Hampshire Siting Evaluation Committee, and other State agencies to ensure it meets the state's needs. The utility expects the pipeline to begin service about two years after approval, and for the LNG storage facility to begin service two to three years after approval.
