News Summary
The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board is holding public hearings on a proposed moratorium limiting new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island. Scheduled for August 20 and August 27, the hearings will address community concerns and the potential impacts of this restriction amid ongoing discussions about the Portsmouth Gate Station. The board aims to gather valuable feedback from residents and businesses after a significant gas outage in 2019 highlighted the need for reliable energy solutions.
Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board is set to conduct two public hearings to gather community input on a proposed moratorium that could limit new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island. The first hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on August 20 at Innovate Newport, located at 513 Broadway, Newport, followed by a second hearing at the Portsmouth Middle School Little Theatre Auditorium, 125 Jepson Lane, Portsmouth, on August 27, also at 6 p.m.
The proposed moratorium is part of ongoing discussions regarding Rhode Island Energy’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporization facility situated at 135 Old Mill Lane in Portsmouth. This facility, known as the Portsmouth Gate Station, serves as a backup system during periods of peak demand and was granted an operating license on August 22, 2024.
The consideration of a moratorium was initiated by hearings associated with the licensing process of the LNG facility. The board is examining the possibility that a restriction on new gas connections could lessen capacity risks, thereby potentially negating the need for the current vaporization facility. In particular, the Siting Board believes that merging energy efficiency measures with the moratorium may help mitigate the risk of gas outages, which could eliminate the necessity for the LNG facility altogether.
No decisions have been finalized regarding the proposed moratorium, as the issue is still open for discussion. The board is actively seeking input from residents and businesses on Aquidneck Island regarding how such restrictions might affect them. Providing feedback will allow the board to consider community perspectives in its decision-making process.
Both hearing venues will be equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Those requiring interpreter services are advised to contact coordinator Kristen Masse at least 72 hours before the hearings. Additionally, relevant documents related to the proceedings will be accessible online and available for public review at the Public Utilities Commission office in Warwick.
The Town of Middletown is urging local residents to attend the hearings and express their opinions on the proposed moratorium. The discussion surrounding this moratorium gained momentum after a catastrophic gas outage in January 2019, which left approximately 7,000 homes and businesses without heat or hot water. Following the incident, National Grid reached a $2 million settlement that included $1.1 million allocated for low-income heating assistance, primarily benefiting the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
In April 2023, Rhode Island Energy’s application for a permanent LNG facility was approved with specific conditions, including the requirement for an energy efficiency plan aimed at decreasing reliance on natural gas by June 1, 2025. The board granted Rhode Island Energy a five-year license to enhance its storage capacity while mandating ongoing reviews and feedback regarding the potential gas moratorium from local councils.
Furthermore, regulators plan to tackle noise concerns and community impacts related to the LNG facility’s operations. Proposals include relocating equipment to minimize noise disturbances and increasing storage capacity to meet peak demand needs for Aquidneck Island.
The board acknowledges the necessity for significant investments in energy efficiency to bridge the capacity gap and improve gas delivery reliability for the residents and businesses of Aquidneck Island. The forthcoming public hearings present an opportunity for the community to engage in vital discussions concerning the future of energy resources on the island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WhatsUpNewp: Rhode Island Energy Board Public Hearings
- Newport Buzz: $2 Million Settlement with National Grid
- Newport This Week: The Imminent Downfall of Aquidneck Island
- Providence Journal: Portsmouth LNG Facility Approval
- Wikipedia: Natural Gas
- Google Search: National Grid Rhode Island
- Google Scholar: Liquefied Natural Gas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liquefied Natural Gas
- Herald News: National Grid Gas Outage
- Google News: Aquidneck Island Natural Gas
