Calgary-based TransCanada Pipelines has posted net income of US$20 million for first-quarter 2007, a $US7.6-million improvement over the year-ago period on the strength of purchases in three other pipelin companies.

TC credited its new 46 percent equity in Great Lakes Gas-Transmission Ltd. Partnership., its 20 percent in Northern Border Pipeline Co. and 49 percent in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Co. — all acquired within the last year — for the better business result.

TC paid $733.3 million to El Paso Corp. for its Great Lakes stake in February 22, 2007.