Centrica will purchase about 1.75mtpa of LNGfrom the facility in Louisiana. The target date for first delivery is September2018.

US-listed Cheniere Energy saidthe contract is for an initial 20-year period, with the option for a 10-yearextension.

Under the terms of the deal,Centrica will retain destination rights for the US cargoes, meaning it coulddivert them to other markets during times of low UK demand or high priceselsewhere.

Prime