Costs for TC Energy’s Eastern Panhandle Expansion Double After Drilling, Legal Delays
TC Energy’s Columbia Gas Transmission reported costs for its Eastern Panhandle Expansion in Pennsylvania and West Virginia doubled to $45.6 million, driven by drilling issues under the Potomac River and construction delays, according to a FERC filing.
By Mary Holcomb, Digital Lead
(P&GJ) — TC Energy’s Columbia Gas Transmission LLC reported that costs for its Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project more than doubled from the company’s initial estimate, according to a final cost report filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Nov. 5
The 3-mile natural gas pipeline, placed into service on June 26, 2025, runs between Fulton County, Pennsylvania, and Morgan County, West Virginia. Columbia originally estimated project costs at about $25 million, but the final post-construction total reached $45.6 million, an increase of more than $20 million.
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The report cited multiple factors for the overrun, including higher material and labor costs, legal disputes over land rights, and drilling complications under the Potomac River. TC Energy said unanticipated issues with drilling fluid circulation caused by karst formations led to environmental cleanup, mitigation measures, and grouting of the pilot hole.
Other cost increases stemmed from rework of previously purchased pipe due to certification delays, extended project timelines, and increased oversight during construction.
The FERC filing was submitted by LaShawndra R. Proctor, manager of project authorizations at Columbia Gas Transmission, a subsidiary of TC Energy.
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