G.Palermo
# 2010 Vancouver
Manitoba Hydro is the electrical and natural gas utility for the province of Manitoba. A project to expand the existing natural gas system was initiated in 2005 which required the installation of a 29 kilometer (18 miles) main to connect a new town to the existing system. Project financial restrictions could not be met using typical steel or polyethylene (PE) materials and the application of the new to North America material PE 100 was investigated. The use of PE 100 with a maximum operating pressure determined through a minimum required strength (MRS) and categorized required strength (CRS) rating was determined to provide a $200,000 advantage over the second best alternative. This cost reduction was sufficient to permit the project to proceed. Details on PE 100, Manitoba Hydro and the regulatory environment in which it operates, and the project will be provided.