PORTLAND (AP) — The Public Utilities Commission staff doesn’t want Maine electric customers to be charged for a natural gas pipeline expansion in New England. But it’s nonetheless recommending accepting the proposal so it can be fully evaluated. The recommendation will help the three-member PUC decide whether Maine should move ahead with an unprecedented plan […]
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, New England, sj-web
Spectra, Northeast Utilities team up for $3 billion New England natural gas project
PORTLAND, Maine — The Houston-based Spectra Energy announced Tuesday that Northeast Utilities, New England’s largest electric utility, plans to be a co-investor in a $3 billion effort to expand two major natural gas pipelines in the region, one of which runs through Maine. Spectra’s pipeline expansion proposal was made public to a regional group coordinating […]
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Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Shrinking natural gas reserves threaten Maine’s pipeline plans
PORTLAND — Natural gas reserves in the U.S. are at an 11-year low, which has national energy analysts concerned and sets a backdrop in Maine for a series of precedent-setting decisions about expanding pipeline capacity for the fuel used to generate heat and electricity. Patrick Woodcock, director of the governor’s energy office, said in a […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Subcontractor for natural gas pipeline sues in federal court
AUGUSTA (AP) — Another federal lawsuit has been filed in connection with the installation of a natural gas pipeline in the Kennebec Valley. A subcontractor hired to install the pipeline for the $350 million Summit Natural Gas Inc. project is suing the contractor as well as an insurance company. Ursa Major Underground Inc. is suing […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Hundreds sign up for natural gas service in Maine
CUMBERLAND (AP) — The developer hasn’t even broken ground yet, but businesses and homeowners in Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth are already signing up for natural gas service. Summit Natural Gas is preparing to break ground on the pipeline soon. Service is scheduled to begin in parts of the towns later this year. By the end […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Residents question safety at Searsmont natural gas pipeline station
SEARSMONT — First came the noise late New Year’s Eve at the Searsmont natural gas pipeline compressor station, so loud that it caused nearby homes to shake and some residents, frightened by the jet-engine-like roar, to pack up their cars and flee for the night. Then came the questions, as some members of the normally […]
Posted inFranklin, sj-web
University system moves forward on natural gas
FARMINGTON — The University of Maine System last week notified Summit Natural Gas and Trane U.S. Inc. that the University of Maine at Farmington would like to work with both parties to bring natural gas to campus and to convert certain University facilities to use this energy. UMF next will seek to meet with the […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Maine wind, Canadian hydro, natural gas
It’s the latest way of thinking about New England’s energy future: Each state has something the others need. Maine has wind resources and the space for turbines. Southern New England has the demand for renewable energy. Maine now has a law that asks state officials to look into the best options for bringing more inexpensive […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Natural gas, oil companies compete for customers
BANGOR — With the winter freeze approaching, natural gas companies are scrambling to hook up their last new customers of 2013, while Maine oil and propane dealers are trying to give their users money-saving options in hopes they won’t convert. “We’re on track to put in about 800 new services this year,” Andrew Barrowman, manager […]
Posted inLetters
E.Elcik: Savings on heating costs
Natural gas for Lisbon Falls? Possible, if enough Lisbon citizens will take the time to contact the town office to indicate their interest. It is a fact that natural gas is less expensive per heating unit than fuel oil. Think of all the money that could be saved on heating costs at the end of […]