PERTH EAST – Energy Minister Todd Smith was in Perth East last week, joining Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece and Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz to announce that approximately 44 local homes, farms and businesses in Brunner 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 $814,850 to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system and help make life more affordable in Perth-Wellington.
“Our government is making good on its promise to deliver affordable energy and expand natural gas pipelines to more communities,” said Pettapiece. “Access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Perth-Wellington.”
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 8,750 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 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.
“It is great news for Perth East,” said Ehgoetz. “We’re very excited and happy that it’s coming. Thank you to the government for making it possible.”
Having natural gas come to Brunner will help further reduce the cost of living for residents and promote economic development in the township’s rural communities through greater access to natural gas as a cheaper energy source.
“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, for Enbridge Inc.
Hansen continued: “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.
