Vermont Gas today filed a request for approval of Phase 2 of the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project with the Vermont Public Service Board. The second phase of the three-part project extends natural gas service to the towns of Cornwall and Shoreham, the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga, and establishes the infrastructure to bring natural gas service to Rutland 15 years earlier than otherwise possible, at no cost to Vermonters.
"The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project will help homeowners and businesses in Addison and Rutland counties cut heating costs by about 50 percent, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 25 percent," said Don Gilbert, president and CEO of Vermont Gas. "This is cleaner, safer and more affordable energy that can help retain and create more good jobs in areas that really need it, and keep Vermont families warm through the winter."
Providing natural gas service to Cornwall and Shoreham will save customers at least $2 million over 20 years, and the communities will have access to energy-efficiency programs and ongoing tax revenue.
By routing the 10-inch underground transmission line to International Paper, Vermont Gas will be able to reduce the cost of delivering service to Rutland County and deliver the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas to Rutland 15 years earlier than otherwise possible.
Revenue from International Paper will cover $45 million of the expense to bring natural gas to Rutland. Without the revenue from International Paper, current and future Vermont Gas customers would shoulder that $45 million burden in order to get to Rutland by 2020.
A bi-partisan statement of support for the project signed by all of Rutland County's legislators, and sent to the Public Service Board, was included with Vermont Gas' petition. ‘ The 18-member legislative delegation provided their "unanimous and full support" because natural gas can strengthen Rutland County's economy by significantly reducing energy costs; improve air quality and support renewable energy development.
With a conversion from oil to natural gas, the Ticonderoga Paper Mill will reduce its emissions by one million tons over a twenty-year period. ‘ That's the equivalent of taking almost 10,000 cars off the road per year, or the amount of carbon that could be sequestered by 37,000 acres of trees per year.
Vermont Gas serves almost 50,000 customers in Franklin and Chittenden counties and is currently working to expand service into Addison and Rutland counties through the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project. The company's long heritage for safe and reliable operations includes its award-winning energy-efficiency programs, which reduce energy use while saving current customers an additional $13 million annually for homes and businesses.
For more information about the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project, visit www.addisonrutlandnaturalgas.com
Source: Vermont Gas Systems 11.19.2013
Vermont Gas files plans for phase 2 of Addison-Rutland natural gas project
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on