NEWS RELEASE
MPP Piccini and Minister Smith Announce Natural Gas Expansion in Haldimand Shores Province makes life more affordable for families and businesses
GRAFTON, ON—Today, David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South, joined Todd Smith, Minister of Energy,to announce that approximately 109 homes and businesses in Grafton 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 $2,827,923 to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system and help make life more affordable in Northumberland–Peterborough South.“Our government is delivering affordable energy and expanding natural gas pipelines to more communities,” said MPP Piccini. “Access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Northumberland–Peterborough South. Residents will benefit from the cost savings, and local businesses will be more competitive.”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 on energy costs per year.“Alnwick Haldimand Township is very pleased to have been chosen as one of 28 successful applications to receive funding from the provincial Natural Gas Expansion Program,”said Gail Latchford, Mayor,Township of Alnwick Haldimand. “This will allow Enbridge to provide clean, reliable and affordable product to more homes and businesses in the Haldimand Shores area. We want to thank MPP David Piccini for this announcement and his continued support. Enbridge Gas has provided excellent service and we look forward to continuing to work with them as they expand their service within Alnwick Haldimand.”“In order to grow the economy of rural communities, our families, farms and businesses need access to natural gas,” said Bob Crate, Warden, Northumberland County.“We are pleased that the Province is making further investment in the Natural Gas Expansion Program, working with distribution companies to expand infrastructure for this reliable, affordable source of energy to rural customers. The project announced today will benefit over 100 potential customers in the Grafton area, improving affordability for residents and increasing economic opportunity for businesses. As we pursue economic recovery from COVID–19, this is welcome news for our community.” “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.
