Mass. Sen. President Rosenberg to Berkshire Gas: Pipeline is dead; lift the moratorium

The Republican ^

[SteveH]

Really? Next thing you know, people will be saying that our US President is somehow under the control of foreign Muslim interests.

:-(

[Ozark Tom]

They shut down the coal fired portion of the electric grid and shifted generation to natural gas fired turbines. When the pressure drops in the supply/ distribution pipelines, the heating customers have priority over electric utilities. The gas distribution operation has no more capacity to sell and remain a stable, reliable utility.

It’s not as if this is suddenly an unanticipated result. The pipeline cannot get the right-of-way easements necessary to place line, and has withdrawn as an active proponent at this time. The gas distribution utility must have a new supply to expand a customer base. Their pricing is regulated by the utility commission, thus they can buy long term contracts at a set price and deliver to a limited size customer base with guaranteed service. It’s a political failing to not sort out more pipeline installed capacity, not a distribution failing for not having more supply available to sell.

Liquefaction of natural gas is costly, and delivery in bulk problematic. Shipping by truck or rail would also add considerable costs, as the fuel energy density by volume is lower than oil or coal. Ships and barges for liquefied gas transport have large tank-age, and require specialized requirements for terminals. Passing these costs through to customers is a headache, as the utility commission must approve. Politicians are passing the buck.

[cicero2k]

I said years ago as natty became the major power generation fuel that plant site storage would be a danger. Power plants don’t store much gas on site, not the 60 days that coal plant would have.

[MSF BU]

Sixty days is normal. That’s a terrific bulwark against interruptions, natural disaster, etc.