Could natural gas be coming to few new communities in West Grey? That is the hope of council.
West Grey has thrown its support behind Enbridge’s proposal to include expansion of natural gas service into Neustadt and Ayton in their application to the Ontario Energy Board.
Mayor Christine Robinson say the project makes good economic sense and has strong local support.
Robinson says “We know natural gas can offer significant savings to energy bills and act as an incentive for attracting industry.”
She notes West Grey has enjoyed a very positive working relationship with Enbridge over a number of years to bring this project forward.
Robinson says it is now ready to go and Council is very hopeful the application to the Ontario Energy Board will be successful.
West Grey’s formal expression of interest will play an important role in Enbridge’s OEB application.
In a show of support for the project, West Grey has agreed to make a financial contribution towards the proposed Neustadt and Ayton Expansion Project by Enbridge Gas Inc., in an amount equivalent to the property tax that would be recovered on the new natural gas infrastructure for a period of 15 years.
West Grey is also sending a letter of support to Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP and Associate Minister of Energy Bill Walker notifying him of West Greys support of the proposed Neustadt and Ayton natural gas expansion project.
In December 2019 the Ontario Government announced plans to further increase access to natural gas by making financial support available for new service expansion projects.
Robinson says the Natural Gas Expansion Program will unlock financial support needed to expand natural gas service to new areas across Ontario like Neustadt and Ayton that are not economically feasible without support.
Robinson says West Grey is eager to bring this affordable, reliable fuel source to residents and businesses.