CINCINNATI, Sept. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In response
to community feedback, Duke Energy has modified its plan for the
Central Corridor Pipeline Extension Project. The company is now
proposing to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) to construct a
smaller natural gas pipeline that operates with less pressure.
The proposed pipeline would have a 20-inch diameter and operate
at approximately 400 pounds per square inch (psi), compared with
the original design, which called for a 30-inch pipe with an
operating pressure of approximately 600 psi.
This newly proposed pipeline will still enable Duke Energy to
retire aging propane peaking plants. It will also moderately
decrease reliance on natural gas from a single source in the
southern part of the company's system that has reached its maximum
capacity.
Longer-term system needs will be addressed through other
modernization programs to be implemented over the next decade.
"We have been listening to feedback from our customers,
neighbors and community leaders," said Jim
Henning, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. "The reduction in size and pressure
of the proposed natural gas pipeline is a direct result of this
feedback."
"This new pipeline is critical for us to continue safely meeting
the natural gas needs of nearly two million people in this region,
both today and for generations to come," he added.
As part of today's filing with the OPSB, the company submitted
two proposed pipeline routes for consideration. The preferred route
identified in the application will be the eastern route and would
terminate in Fairfax. The company
was also required to submit an alternate route. Both routes are
shown at this link. The OPSB will decide the final route and may
also suggest modifications as well.
The proposed natural gas pipeline will be of similar size and
pressure as other pipelines that Duke Energy operates every day to
deliver natural gas to its customers. The natural gas that travels
through these pipelines, including the proposed one, will only be
used locally to benefit the company's 525,000 residential and
business customers in the region.
"Duke Energy has a long history of providing safe and reliable
natural gas to homes and businesses," said Henning. "Retiring aging
infrastructure and replacing older pipelines with new materials
engineered with state-of-the-art safety features and monitoring
abilities is the right thing to do for our communities."
Duke Energy will construct and operate this 12- to 14-mile
natural gas pipeline following industry-best engineering and safety
practices and in full compliance with state and federal
regulations. Currently, Duke Energy safely operates more than
14,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and service lines in its
Ohio and Kentucky service territory.
For more information about the Central Corridor Transmission
Pipeline Extension, see the company's website
at: http://www.duke-energy.com/centralcorridor.
About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More
information about the company is available at
duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for
journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and
videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online
destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and
community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into
the past and insights into the future of energy.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
Contact: Sally Thelen
Office: 513.287.2432 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853
@DE_SallyT
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SOURCE Duke Energy