Natural Gas Project Moving Forward in East Hampton

A large-scale gas infrastructure expansion will begin in East Hampton this spring. The approved natural gas project will consist of installing more than 9 miles of new gas main.

The expansion will bring “fuel choice to more than 400 residences and businesses,” according to a press release from UIL Holdings Corporation and its subsidiary, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation.

“This project creates a major savings opportunity for the town,” said Michael Maniscalco, East Hampton Town Manager, “but everyone in the community will benefit in some way. Residential and commercial property owners who have been paying big heating bills are excited about the chance for another energy option, and the town is excited about enhancing infrastructure and diversifying our tax base.”

UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation and The Berkshire Gas Company,

East Hampton is not presently served by a natural gas distribution utility and will become part of the Connecticut Natural Gas service territory.

‘Significant Savings on Annual Heating Costs’

“CNG is able to move forward with the expansion through an agreement with the town to convert a number of municipal buildings and schools to natural gas, as well as interest from area businesses,” the press release stated. “Through the conversion to natural gas, the Town of East Hampton anticipates significant savings on annual heating costs.”

Edward Jackowitz, President and CEO of American Distilling, Inc., said the plan is to install high efficiency natural gas equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.

“We’ll see the large cost benefit, but switching will also support our corporate environmental sustainability initiatives,” he said.

‘A Progressive Opportunity’

East Hampton Town Council Chairwoman Barbara Moore provided the following statement:

“The Town of East Hampton welcomes the arrival of natural gas through the expansion of 9 miles of gas mains connecting our town-owned buildings and offering this service to our businesses. Our town manager, finance director and members of the Town Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education have all agreed that this project is very positive for the growth of our infrastructure. We thank the representatives of Connecticut Natural Gas for being available for our meetings and for their patience answering our questions and concerns. We look forward to the next several months as we watch the progress of this project. As we move forward, we also anticipate inviting many neighborhoods to join and commit to this progressive opportunity.”

CNG is exploring new areas in which to expand gas infrastructure made possible by legislation passed in 2013 supporting Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s Comprehensive Energy Strategy, which called for efforts to expand natural gas service to 280,000 new customers in Connecticut over 10 years, the press release stated.

The Project’s Timeline

The installation of the new gas pipeline in East Hampton is scheduled to kick off in March and, due to the project’s size, will take several months to complete, according to the press release.

The gas company plans to contact residents and businesses along the route and those interested in conversion are encouraged to call promptly to schedule the installation of their individual gas service lines.

“This is just the beginning of what we hope we can do in East Hampton,” said Anthony Marone, Senior Vice President for Customer and Business Services at UIL Holdings. “The goal once we complete this project is to continue to expand in the future to bring natural gas to many more interested residents and businesses.”

Photo courtesy of UIL Holdings Corporation