FERC cleared Kinder Morgan Inc. and Southern Co.'s gas pipeline joint venture to put in service a compressor that was moved to Liberty County, Ga., as the developers bring online a pipeline expansion that will serve the Elba Island LNG export terminal.

In a Dec. 16 order, FERC authorized Southern Natural Gas Co. LLC to place into service its 4,700-horsepower Riceboro compressor unit, after the compressor engine was relocated from the Toca station in St. Bernard Parish, La. The relocation is part of the company's Zone 3 expansion project, which includes the construction and abandonment of pipeline, meter and compressor facilities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana.

The company on June 1 received its approval order for the Zone 3 expansion project. Kinder Morgan started construction on the $2 billion, 0.35-Bcf/d Elba Island terminal Nov. 1. (FERC docket CP14-493)

Southern Co. on Sept. 1 closed its $1.47 billion acquisition of a 50% stake in Southern Natural Gas, which Kinder Morgan continues to operate.