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NEB fields bids for 1 tcf of Canadian gas

March 10, 1997

Nine U.S. firms have applied to Canada's National Energy Board to export more than 1 tcf of natural gas the next 10 years. The combined exports would average about 283 MMcfd, or 103.2 bcf/year. While not the largest group of applications ever filed with NEB, it is a "lot of gas," said board spokesman Denis Tremblay. The most recent group of export applications to NEB had sought exports totaling 356 bcf for 10-16 years (OGJ, Dec. 16, 1996, p. 25).

Nine U.S. firms have applied to Canada's National Energy Board to export more than 1 tcf of natural gas the next 10 years.

The combined exports would average about 283 MMcfd, or 103.2 bcf/year. While not the largest group of applications ever filed with NEB, it is a "lot of gas," said board spokesman Denis Tremblay. The most recent group of export applications to NEB had sought exports totaling 356 bcf for 10-16 years (OGJ, Dec. 16, 1996, p. 25).

In the latest round of filings, topping the list in terms of volume is an application by CoEnergy Trading Co., Detroit, for a license to export 80 MMcfd. The gas will be purchased from three suppliers and destined for markets in Michigan and elsewhere, including U.S. northeastern markets to be served by the proposed Portland Natural Gas Transmission system (OGJ, Feb. 17, 1997, p. 31).

Running a close second is Enron Capital & Trade Resources Corp., Houston, which filed three applications totaling about 79 MMcfd. One application seeks exports of 40 MMcfd, purchased from four suppliers. Another application calls for exports of 30 MMcfd, also from four suppliers. Enron's third application seeks exports of 9.1 MMcfd purchased from a single supplier. All three export deals are intended to enhance Enron's overall supply portfolio.

Coastal Gas Marketing Corp., Houston, filed for approval to export a total of about 80 MMcfd to several U.S. markets. The first application, for 49 MMcfd from five suppliers, will serve the company's Michigan and northeastern U.S. markets. The second application, for 30.5 MMcfd from six suppliers, is intended to bolster a portfolio of supplies to U.S. Midwest and Northeast markets fed mainly by the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Other export applications were filed by: Westcoast Gas Services Inc., Calgary, for 25.2 MMcfd from four suppliers to U.S. Midwest and Northeast markets; United States Gypsum Co. for 13.6 MMcfd from one supplier for use in Gypsum's plants in New York, Ohio, and Alabama; and Ranger Oil Ltd. for 5 MMcfd from its own supply pool for Coastal Gas Marketing to supply its Northeast gas market.