Yankee Gas Services Co. has begun the first phase of a $23 million comprehensive, multi-year expansion of its natural gas distribution system that will include 70 miles of new gas mains and services throughout its service territory in Connecticut. The expansion follows an agreement with state regulators when the company completed its merger with Northeast Utilities (see Daily GPI, Dec. 30, 1999).

The expansion, said Yankee Gas, will extend customers’ fuel diversity and “serves as the strong first pillar” in NU’s future plans. Its last major expansion was in 1993, when its gas mains were extended to provide natural gas at the U.S. Navy’s Groton submarine base. Mains since then have been extended to other businesses and residences in the Groton area.

“This investment in our gas distribution business is an important first leg of our strategy for growth,” said NU CEO Michael G. Morris. “By investing in our utility infrastructure, we’re investing in our future. At the same time, we’re increasing energy choices for businesses and homeowners in Connecticut.” Yankee Gas is the largest natural gas distribution company in Connecticut, serving about 187,000 customers in 69 cities and towns across the state.

Construction has already begun at two industrial parks, Silvermine Industrial Park in Seymour, CT, and Willenbrock Industrial Park in Oxford, CT, which are among 12 projects targeted for this phase of the expansion effort. Some of the other expansion projects are slated to begin later this year and others over a four-year period. The Willenbrock project will have 9,600 feet of main, while the Seymour project will have 7,500 feet of main.

Seven other projects also slated to begin this year in the state include Middlebury, 10,200 feet of main; Woodbury, 38,200 feet of main; Prospect, 32,000 feet of main; Suffield-residential, 12,300 feet of main; Suffield-business district, 46,940 feet of main; Ellington, 15,500 feet of main; and Enfield, 2,400 feet of main.

©Copyright 2001 Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. The preceding news report may not be republished or redistributed, in whole or in part, in any form, without prior written consent of Intelligence Press, Inc.