TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Williams (NYSE: WMB) announced today that Transco has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for its New York Bay Expansion Project to deliver additional natural gas to New York City in time for the 2017/2018 heating season.

Earlier this year, Williams' Transco placed into service two other major New York City natural gas pipeline projects, the Rockaway Delivery Lateral and the Northeast Connector. These facilities are providing significant additional supply to the 1.8 million customers served by National Grid in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island.

The New York Bay Expansion is designed to deliver an additional 115,000 dekatherms a day of natural gas into National Grid's distribution system through the Rockaway Delivery Lateral and the Narrows meter station. That's enough gas to meet the needs of 500,000 homes and will supply National Grid's immediate and growing needs for the 2017/2018 winter.

"A reliable and resilient supply of energy is critical to the local New York and Long Island communities we serve," said Ken Daly, President, National Grid New York. "Williams' New York Bay Expansion project will help ensure affordable, cleaner, safe, reliable, secure and stable energy to meet our customers' needs and support the region's economic vitality."

The New York Bay Expansion Project, which is estimated to cost as much as $130 million, will include installation of additional horsepower at three existing Transco compressor facilities, in addition to uprating Transco's existing Lower New York Bay lateral and replacing approximately 0.25 miles of 42-inch pipe in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The project will also include modifications to existing Transco meter and regulator stations in Middlesex County, New Jersey, Chester County, Pennsylvania and Richmond County, New York. The work is confined to existing company property or rights of ways.

"Demand for natural gas in New York City and other major markets continues to grow as customers recognize its value as a clean, affordable and abundant energy source," said Rory Miller, senior vice president of Williams Partners' Atlantic-Gulf operating area. "Our extensive footprint in North America gives Williams a strategic advantage to leverage across existing infrastructure to meet emerging needs. Whether it's incremental growth like the New York Bay Expansion or large-scale organic projects, our focus as a premier natural gas infrastructure provider is connecting the best supplies with high-value markets."

Transco, the nation's largest-volume and fastest-growing interstate natural gas pipeline system, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ), of which Williams owns 60 percent, including the general-partner interest. Transco delivers natural gas to customers through its 10,200-mile pipeline network whose mainline extends nearly 1,800 miles between South Texas and New York City. The system is a major provider of cost-effective natural gas services that reach U.S. markets in 12 Southeast and Atlantic Seaboard states, including major metropolitan areas in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

About Williams

Williams (NYSE: WMB) is a premier provider of large-scale infrastructure connecting North American natural gas and natural gas products to growing demand for cleaner fuel and feedstocks. Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., Williams owns approximately 60 percent of Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ), including all of the 2 percent general-partner interest. Williams Partners is an industry-leading, large-cap master limited partnership with operations across the natural gas value chain from gathering, processing and interstate transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids to petchem production of ethylene, propylene and other olefins. With major positions in top U.S. supply basins and also in Canada, Williams Partners owns and operates more than 33,000 miles of pipelines system wide – including the nation's largest volume and fastest growing pipeline – providing natural gas for clean-power generation, heating and industrial use. Williams Partners' operations touch approximately 30 percent of U.S. natural gas. www.williams.com

Portions of this document may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the "safe harbor" protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the company's annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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