US: Pipeline grid undergoing expansion

GAS PIPELINE construction will continue at a steady pace across the US over the next year, despite the financial crisis, says the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Over the past decade, high natural gas prices and significant growth in US gas reserves triggered a building boom that resulted in the nation's pipeline network expanding by at least 20,000 miles and more than 97bn cubic feet a day (cf/d) of capacity. Falling prices in recent months and the credit crunch have prompted some operators to cut budgets. However, prices should begin to recover as production from existing wells declines. In addition, the National Weather Service has forecast the coldest winter in a decade, which c