The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved interstate natural gas pipeline replacement projects proposed by Texas Eastern Transmission LP and Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline Inc.

The authorizations came in two orders issued as part of the commission's monthly meeting Dec. 19.

FERC allowed Enbridge Inc.'s Texas Eastern to replace two aging compressor units with two new, more efficient units at its Bernville compressor station in Berks County, Pa. The order also granted a predetermination that favors rolled-in rate treatment for the project costs. The order was not available in the commission's online library as of press time Dec. 19. (FERC docket CP19-191)

For Southern Star, owned by GE Energy Financial Services and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, FERC approved the company's Line DT and DS replacement project. The company will remove two looping pipelines, each over 30 miles long, and replace them with a 32-mile pipeline and related facilities. The replacement pipeline will be in the right of way of one of the abandoned lines. The order also granted Southern Star's request for a predetermination of rolled-in rate treatment. (FERC docket CP19-31)

In April, FERC allowed Southern Star to expand the area above its Webb gas storage field in Grant County, Okla.