Duke Energy to delay review process for Central Corridor Pipeline extension

US-based Duke Energy is extending its review process beyond July this year to determine the two alternative routes it is set to propose for the Central Corridor Pipeline extension in Hamilton County.

With this additional time, the company will be able to review customer feedback on the project by meeting with community leaders, elected officials and neighbours.

The pipeline extension is part of the company’s long-term plan to improve reliability for its natural gas delivery system in Southwest Ohio, as well as Northern Kentucky.

The 30-inch, 12-mile to 14-mile central corridor pipeline will also enable the retirement of older infrastructure, which include propane peaking plants that are ageing.

Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky president Jim Henning said: "Our goal is to have the best possible plan with the least impact on property owners, the environment and the communities we serve.

"The job for the Duke Energy team is to provide answers to as many concerns as we can.

"That includes looking at all potential routes of the proposed natural gas pipeline, while balancing the need for replacing aging infrastructure, increasing the reliability of our natural gas supply, and meeting the future energy needs of all of our natural gas customers."

Duke Energy said it is proposing to build and operate the pipeline to ensure it is in full compliance with modern engineering safety and regulatory controls.

At present, the company operates more than 250 miles of natural gas pipelines in Ohio and Kentucky and is planning to submit two proposed routes to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) later this year.