Bgs

Maine’sBureau of General Services (BGS) has selectedMaine Natural Gas(MNG) to deliver natural gas to 19 of its 25 facilities in the state’s capital for the next decade, the company said. The facilities consume more than 87% of the gas used by the state in Augusta. The award decision is subject to final approval by theState Procurement Review Committee. MNG said it expects to begin contract discussions with BGS “immediately” since the state plans to begin receiving gas at some Augusta facilities by Nov. 1. MNG in March signed a contract with three companies to begin building the 12-inch diameter steel pipeline backbone of its Augusta gas distribution system (seeDaily GPI,March 11). The 21.4-mile Augusta backbone pipeline is 99% completed and is expected to be ready to start gas delivery to its first Augusta customers by the end of this month, MNG said. MNG andSummit Natural Gas of Mainehave been racing to bring natural gas to the area for some time. Summit on Tuesday said it has signed agreements withInland HospitalandRedington-Fairview Hospitalto supply those central Maine facilities with natural gas line and utility service.