Eganville — Today, John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke joined Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, to announce that approximately 674 homes, businesses and farms in Eganville will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time thanks to the province’s Natural Gas Expansion Program.
Under Phase 2 of the program, Ontario will allocate $26,169,413 to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system and help make life more affordable in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
“Our government is making good on its promise to deliver affordable energy and expand natural gas pipelines to more communities,” said MPP John Yakabuski. “Access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.”
The Ontario government is expanding access to natural gas across the province to help keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers. Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support approximately 8750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
“As part of our government’s plan to make life more affordable, we are lowering energy costs for homes, businesses and farms across rural, remote and underserved communities,” said Minister Smith. “With Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion program, we’re putting people first, bringing prosperity to their communities, and ensuring Ontario remains open for business.”
The average household could save between $250 to $1,500 per year in energy costs by switching to natural gas from costlier fuel sources. Businesses are expected to save up to 30 per cent per year on energy costs.
“The expansion of natural gas will help cut energy costs and attract investment by keeping our local businesses competitive and by supplying cost-effective energy options to households. We thank the province and Enbridge Gas for bringing more energy choices to our community,” said Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy. “We know strategic infrastructure investment pays dividends supporting our businesses and families now and guiding our growth into the future.”
“We’re thrilled that through Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, Enbridge Gas will bring much needed and wanted natural gas in the most affordable way to more communities across Ontario, including this one,” said Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President & President, Gas Distribution & Storage, Enbridge Inc. “Natural gas is the most economic way to heat buildings and water, and we are excited to work with local officials and the community to move this project forward, so residents can benefit from the cost savings, and local businesses can be more competitive.”
Construction for projects under Phase 2 will begin as soon as this year, with all 28 expansion projects expected to be underway by the end of 2025.
QUICK FACTS
- Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support 28 new natural gas expansion projects from 2021 to 2026.
- Since its launch in 2019, Phase 1 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program has supported projects that are forecasted to connect over 9,000 customers, in 16 communities, to natural gas.
- Phase 1 and 2 projects are funded through a $1-per-month charge to existing natural gas customers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES