Tracking the life of a contract just got easier thanks to the introduction of contract versioning. Through an integrated gas management system (project called Dovetail), contract versioning allows for a contract to be amended, making it easier to link related, past and future contracts. In the past, contracts had to be completely replaced when modified due to renewals, reversions of temporary assignments, and decreases resulting from transfers and assignments. Contract versioning is currently used on our Canadian Mainline System, so implementation to our Alberta System has the added advantage of reducing costs for our customers.

The Tolls, Tariff, and Procedures Committee (TTP) assessed the concept of contract versioning and a resolution to adopt the practice was passed at the June 2002 meeting. "Contract versioning will streamline contracting practices for both our Alberta System customers and TransCanada," says Randy Pattison, Senior Specialist, Business and Systems Integration. "It will be more efficient and much simpler to track the life of a contract."

The required Information systems for contract versioning are currently being developed. We hope to launch contract versioning sometime during the third quarter of this year, provided that we receive approval from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board ("EUB"). TransCanada will provide a minimum of two weeks advance notice to the EUB and customers of the effective date of the Tariff amendments.

For further information on contract versioning, please contact Randy Pattison at (403) 920-5841. For information on the TTP process, contact Dave Hands at (403) 920-5838.