By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, July 17 -- El Paso Corp. and GDF Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Gaz de France SA, have begun an open season for 3 bcf of natural storage capacity in Schuyler County, NY.
The season will close July 27.
The facility will be able to provide 10-day withdrawal service and 20-day injection service. Depending on market support, said the companies, the facility could be expanded over multiple phases to 10 bcf of capacity.
Proposed interconnects will be with Dominion Transmission and Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co.
If all goes as planned, the capacity will be available for service October 2004.
El Paso unit Crystal Gas Storage Inc. will operate El Paso's interest in the facility. It also operates Petal Gas Storage LLC and Hattiesburg Gas Storage Co.
Joe Averett Jr., president of Crystal Gas Storage, said, "The facility will provide needed peaking service for new and existing gas-fired electric generation facilities in the New York area as well as highly flexible injection and withdrawal service for the growing needs of this strategic market."