PERTH EAST – On Oct. 3, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, joined Minister of Energy, the Hon. Todd Smith, Township of Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz and Enbridge Gas to mark the first natural gas connections in Brunner.
“Congratulations to the first 16 customers whose natural gas meters are now officially spinning. Natural gas will mean lower energy costs for businesses and residents, compared to available alternatives, and lower emissions,” said Rae. “I’m excited about the long-term benefits of this new infrastructure and the economic opportunities it will bring to the community of Brunner. Our government will continue to work with our municipal partners to build rural Ontario.”
Ontario is expanding access to natural gas throughout rural, northern Ontario and Indigenous communities, including the Perth East project being delivered by Enbridge Gas. Construction is well underway on a new natural gas pipeline that has already begun bringing reliable and affordable energy to customers in Brunner.
Smith said the average household in Brunner could save up to 60 per cent in energy costs a year as they switch from costlier fuel sources, and businesses can save up to 30 per cent. Last summer, the government announced $814,000 in funding to connect about 44 households to natural gas in Brunner.
“This is great news for people in Brunner,” said Smith. “Making progress on projects like this one shows that our government is fulfilling its commitments to keep costs down, while making rural communities more attractive for job creation and economic growth.”
Through two phases of Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, more than $360 million was allocated to expand access to families and businesses in 59 communities across the province. Due to overwhelming demand from communities, businesses and municipal councils, Ontario will begin consulting this fall on how to best deliver phase three of the program.
Ehgoetz said the local community is thrilled that the first houses have been connected to natural gas in Brunner.
“This is a great example of a collaborative economic development project that will result in long-term energy savings for our residents,” she said. “We thank the provincial government, specifically the Minister of Energy, for their leadership, the MPP’s office for their continued support and Enbridge Gas for spearheading the installation of the needed infrastructure.
“We look forward to further expansions of this essential service within Perth East.”
