Dive Brief:

• Duke Energy and Dominion are the primary backers of a new interstate gas pipeline proposed to run from West Virginia to eastern North Carolina.
• The project is designed to help counties along the route attract new business and development.
• The pipeline would have an initial capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet per day with operations targeted to begin in late 2018.

Dive Insight:

Dominion and Duke Energy are the primary backers behind a new interstate pipeline that would move natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica shales to markets in North Carolina.

Dubbed the “Atlantic Coast Pipeline,” the 550-mile line would run from West Virginia to eastern North Carolina, where the region is experiencing a significant growth in gas demand.

The pipeline's primary customers are six utilities who have signed 20-year contracts: Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Virginia Power Services Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Virginia Natural Gas, and PSNC Energy.

The pipeline is planned as an economic driver, helping to boost development and jobs along the Interstate 95 corridor. Dominion would own 45% of the pipeline; Duke Energy 40%; Piedmont Natural Gas 10%; and AGL Resources would hold 5%.