Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Gas today summed up its key arguments for its Middlebury natural gas pipeline project in a submittal to the Vermont Public Service Board. The PSB is considering whether to reopen Vermont Gas' Certificate of Public Good because of two cost increases in 2014. It is expected to decide whether to do so by the end of the summer. If it does reopen the CPG, it could ultimately cancel the project, put new requirements on the project or let the existing CPG stand as is. Vermont Gas recently hired a new contractor for 44-mile project, which will connect the gas line now serving Chittenden and Franklin counties with Addison County.
“What we are submitting today shows that we are on budget and on schedule, and that this project will save millions and millions of energy dollars for new customers while creating new economic opportunity for Vermonters,” said Vermont Gas President and CEO Don Rendall. “This project contributes to Vermont’s clean energy future by giving more families and businesses the opportunity to reduce emissions and lower their energy bills.”
“We are pleased to see good progress on the pipeline this year,” said Geoff Conrad, who manages the Middlebury Inn and represents the Addison County Chamber of Commerce on the Addison County Regional Planning Commission. “For us it’s as simple as getting needed access to a clean, safe, affordable energy choice that saves families and businesses money and strengthens the economy. We’re encouraged by the leadership and focus at Vermont Gas and look forward to a completed project later next year.”
By switching to natural gas from heating oil, the Middlebury Inn will avoid emissions comparable to the emissions from burning 33 tons of coal.
“We feel very good about the case we’ve made to the PSB and are eager to continue the important work we are doing to bring the choice, and benefits, of natural gas energy to more Vermonters,” Rendall stated.
Phase 1 will extend service to Middlebury and Vermont Gas hopes to continue the expansion of natural gas service further in future years. Initial plans called for the pipeline to eventually connect down to Rutland.
Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley said, “This project is very important to the residents and businesses of Vergennes. I want to thank Vermont Gas for getting the project back on track. Over recent months there’s been a lot of discussion and re-hashing about this project, and for people in Vergennes it’s time to proceed.”
“Clean energy, affordable energy, reliable energy is key to any thriving community and we need natural gas service in Rutland to compete in this economy,” said Rutland Mayor Chris Louras, a longtime supporter of bringing natural gas to Rutland City. “We respectfully urge the Board to move quickly to approve this phase of the project so we can bring natural gas to more Vermont communities as soon as possible.”
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Source: 8.10.2015 www.vermontgas.com