The Gas Pipeline Group formally changed its name in September 2000 to Enron Transportation Services to emphasize its ability to deliver innovative solutions to its customers. These emerging services augment our core competency: operating interstate pipelines safely and efficiently. In 2000 we continued our record of strong returns with consistent earnings and cash flow. Income before interest and taxes reached $391 million, up from $380 million in 1999. Cash flow from operations rose to $415 million in 2000 from $370 million in 1999. Throughput remained relatively unchanged in 2000 at 9.13 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), compared to 9.18 Bcf/d the previous year.

Together, our interstate pipelines span approximately 25,000 miles with a peak capacity of 9.8 Bcf/d. We transport 15 percent of U.S. natural gas demand. We connect to the major supply basins in the United States and Canada, and we continue to increase capacity from those basins to our major markets. We have added 840 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) over the past two years, and nearly 1 Bcf/d is scheduled to enter service in the next three years. At the same time, our expense per MMcf/d has declined by 26 percent from 1992 to today.

Enron Transportation Services pipelines have brought to market a variety of new products and services specifically tailored to address customer needs. Northern Natural Gas, for has used interruptible storage products that extend its capability to meet the growing demand for services to manage physical positions. Transwestern Pipeline Company is offering shippers increased service flexibility by accessing third-party storage. Across all pipelines, web-based applications have been introduced to allow customers to better manage transactions and allow the pipelines to maximize their capacity offerings. Northern Natural Gas, Transwestern Pipeline and Florida Gas Transmission began to sell available capacity on EnronOnline in 2000 to give customers the convenience of eCommerce transacting.