Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP (KMP) reached agreements with local natural gas distribution companies (LDCs) in New England to transport about 500,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) of long-term firm transportation on the market path component of Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co.’s (TGP) Northeast Energy Direct project. LDCs with agreements include: The Berkshire Gas Co.; Columbia Gas of Massachusetts; Connecticut Natural Gas Corp.; Liberty Utilities (EnergyNorth Natural Gas) Corp.; National Grid; and Southern Connecticut Gas Corp.

“Multiple studies continue to suggest there is a need for up to 2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of new pipeline capacity into New England and neighboring markets, and the commitment by the LDCs represents a critical milestone in the development of TGP’s role in solving the need for new energy infrastructure,” said Natural Gas Pipelines East Region President Kimberly S. Watson in a statement.

Northeast Energy Direct has transportation capacity scalable from about 800,000 Dth/d to 1.2 Bcf/d, or ultimately up to 2.2 Bcf/d depending on final customer commitments. Capacity will include new pipeline, existing pipeline, additional pipeline loops, new compressor stations, station modifications and metering and measurement equipment in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. TGP expects to begin pre-filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in September. Subject to approval and receipt of sufficient customer commitments, the project is expected to enter service in November 2018.