TULSA, Okla. — Williams (NYSE:WMB) announced today that it has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to construct an expansion on its Transco natural gas pipeline system to serve the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md., metropolitan areas.
The proposal, known as the Potomac Expansion, is designed to increase firm transportation capacity by 165,000 dekatherms per day beginning in November 2007.
“The Potomac expansion project is one of many steps that we are taking to alleviate capacity constraints and ensure the availability and deliverability of clean energy to the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States,” said Phil Wright, president of Williams’ natural gas pipeline business. “We appreciate our shippers' willingness to commit to this project and look forward to working with them to provide reliable natural gas service for years to come.”
The expansion will require approximately 16.5 miles of new 42-inch pipeline that will loop the company's existing mainline system in Pittsylvania and Campbell counties in Virginia. In addition, the company will replace approximately 3.5 miles of pipe in Fairfax County, Va., as part of the project. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $73 million. Subject to approval, pipeline construction would begin in the summer of 2007.
In November 2005, Williams notified the FERC to initiate a pre-application environmental review of the expansion project. Since that time, Williams has solicited input from citizens, governmental entities and other interested parties to collect feedback and answer questions about the proposal.
Additional information about the project can be found online at www.williams.com/potomac.
About Williams (NYSE:WMB)
Williams, through its subsidiaries, primarily finds, produces, gathers, processes and transports natural gas. The company also manages a wholesale power business. Williams’ operations are concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Gulf Coast, Southern California and Eastern Seaboard. More information is available at www.williams.com.
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Portions of this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the “safe harbor” protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the company’s annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact Information:
| Chris Stockton | Williams Media Relations | 713-215-2010 | |
| Richard George | Williams Investor Relations | 918-573-3679 |
