Planned major gas pipeline to cross northern Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — Three companies have announced plans for a major pipeline to link emerging shale gas fields in eastern Ohio to energy companies and customers in the Midwest and beyond.

The 250-mile pipeline would originate in northeastern Ohio, follow utility corridors across the state, and hook up with a line in Michigan. Two major pipeline corporations and a large energy company announced the joint plans Tuesday.

The 30- to 36-inch diameter pipeline would be capable of carrying 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, according to Houston-based Spectra Energy, one of the three companies involved. The others are Enbridge Inc. of Canada and Detroit-based DTE Energy.

The Nexus Gas Transmission System, which will cost $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion, could be in service by November 2015, connecting eastern Ohio shale gas fields to customers in Ohio and Michigan, and potentially other states in the Midwest, and to Ontario, Canada, according to the companies.

The project would have to be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which would also approve the customer rates.