Vermont Gas Systems today announcedthat it has reached agreements with owners of about 85% of parcels in the Addison Natural Gas Project pipeline corridor. Vermont Gas is engaged in ongoing constructive negotiations or neutral third-party mediation with another 10% of landowners, which the Company believes will lead to more agreements. The Company has also taken an important and necessary step of starting eminent domain proceedings with two landowners who have not responded to Vermont Gas’ repeated attempts to communicate.
“Our team has demonstrated a deep commitment to reach agreements with our landowner partners,” said Don Rendall, President and CEO of Vermont Gas Systems. “We appreciate the willingness of most landowners to work with us. We’ve taken steps to engage in thoughtful negotiations and to bring in impartial third-party mediators where necessary. Our goal is to provide landowners with the value they deserve and continue a strong working relationship in the future.”
As part of its commitment to deliver clean, affordable natural gas to the region,VermontGas has offered above-market-value easement settlements to landowners. In addition, Vermont Gas recently offered the approximately 35 remaining landowners a $2,500 stipend to assist with costs associated with negotiation or mediation.
Vermont Gas has reached out to 200 landowners holding more than 220 parcels of land along the project corridor. Right-of-way agreements are necessary to allow for the construction of the natural gas pipeline, approved by the Vermont Public Service Board in December 2013.
“For nearly 50 years, Vermont Gas has offered safe, reliable, natural gas service to families and businesses in Chittenden and Franklin counties. This is an exciting and important project for Vermont as we work to bring more Vermont communities, families and businesses the opportunity to save money and reduce our carbon footprint,” Rendall continued.
Last month,Vermont Gas filed testimonydemonstrating that the state will receive $90 million in net economic benefits from theAddison Natural Gas Projectover the next two decades. The economic benefit would compound to almost $230 million over the next 35 years.
The company is pursuing eminent domain proceedings with two landowners who have not responded to Vermont Gas’ effort to communicate with them through direct visits, phone, email and mail. Out of respect for their privacy, Vermont Gas Systems is not releasing the names of the landowners affected by today’s eminent domain filings. The company continues its efforts to contact and negotiate with remaining landowners to reach agreement wherever possible, though some additional eminent domain filings may be necessary in the coming weeks.
“We had hoped to reach agreement with all landowners. These eminent domain filings are a last resort for Vermont Gas,” said James Sinclair, Vice President of System Expansion. “We are open and hopeful that these landowners will engage with us to reach agreement. However, to keep the project on track and provide for timely delivery of service, this is a necessary and important step.”
The new pipeline will allow homes, businesses, and institutions in Middlebury and East Middlebury, Vergennes, Bristol, Monkton, and New Haven to choose natural gas as an energy option. According to recent comparative analysis of fuel prices, an average residential customer who chooses natural gas will save approximately $1,345 per year compared to heating oil and $2,700 per year compared to propane.
About Vermont Gas
Vermont Gas Systems is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for almost 50,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin and Chittenden counties. The company plays an important role in Vermont’s clean energy future by displacing higher-emitting fuels and with its award-winning energy efficiency programs. For more information about Vermont Gas visitwww.VermontGas.com.