Vermont Gas notifies stakeholders of plans to seek approval for pipeline

Vermont Gas Systems today took the first step toward seeking regulatory approval of the second phase of its effort to extend natural gas service to Addison and Rutland counties.
Vermont Gas submitted advance notice to the planning commissions and select boards of communities where the project will be located. The letter, which serves as early notice of plans to proceed, is a step required by the state's regulatory process. The filing outlines details of Phase 2 of the Addison Natural Gas Project that would extend service to portions of the towns of Cornwall and Shoreham, and the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga. This second phase of the project will establish the infrastructure to bring natural gas service to Rutland many years sooner than otherwise possible, at no additional cost to Vermonters, by leveraging revenues from International Paper.
"Natural gas has played a key role in the economic opportunities and environmental improvements in Chittenden and Franklin counties, and it is expected to bring $200 million in energy savings to Addison County communities over the next twenty years, while reducing emissions by 300,000 tons," said Don Gilbert, President and CEO of Vermont Gas. "These economic and environmental benefits continue to grow significantly if natural gas service is extended to Rutland. That is why many Addison and Rutland county residents, employers and community organizations have expressed their support for natural gas and the economic and environmental benefits to their communities."
The challenge is to bring the benefits that have been in northwestern Vermont for almost 50 years, and are planned for Addison County, to the Rutland area - an area where the median family income is more than $20,000 less than in Chittenden County.
"The agreement with the Ticonderoga Paper Mill makes service a reality in Rutland many years sooner than would otherwise be possible," Gilbert said.
In addition to a description of the project, which requires approval from the Vermont Public Service Board, the letter provides stakeholders with information on the regulatory process and the anticipated timeline. Vermont Gas anticipates filing a formal petition with the Public Service Board around November 19.
The letter was sent to all regional planning commissions and municipal legislative bodies in accordance with rules governing the regulatory process. The letter also describes the rights of the local and regional planning commissions to comment on the Project plans and to participate in the Board process.
Specific benefits to communities cited in the letter include the "realization of natural gas' significant competitive advantage over fuel and propane (approximately 45%), resulting in up to $2,000/year in savings for residential customers (plus) an additional 20% in savings for eligible low income customers; significant savings for municipal buildings and schools; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 23%; reduction of energy use through increased availability of Vermont Gas' award-winning energy-efficiency programs; high quality customer service (24-7 service, no required prepayments or deliveries); increased tax revenues to towns for municipal and school purposes; and advancement of the goals set forth in Vermont's progressive long-term Comprehensive Energy Plan."
Vermont Gas serves more than 45,000 customers in Franklin and Chittenden counties and is currently working to expand service into Addison and Rutland counties through the Addison 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 $13 million annually for homes and businesses. For more information about the Addison Natural Gas Project, visit www.addisonnaturalgas.com.
Source: South Burlington, Vt. - Vermont Gas Systems 10.3.2013