MA Attorney General Says Region Does Not Need More Natural Gas Pipelines

Following an extensive study of the New England region’s energy needs, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced yesterday that the region does not need new natural gas pipelines to meet New England’s electricity demands. Her study “found that through 2030 the region’s power system reliability will be maintained during our coldest winter months.”

The study’s findings will certainly help derail efforts to construct the Kinder Morgan Northeast Energy Direct pipeline and embolden opponents of the Spectra Energy pipeline project. Construction costs for the pipeline projects has been pegged between $6 to $8 million dollars and electric ratepayers in Massachusetts were expected to shoulder at least 50% of these costs through higher electricity rates.

Back in July, MEMA President Michael Ferrante along with MEMA Board Chairman Ted Noonan and NEFI’s Michael Trunzo met with key staff within the AG’s office to discuss the heating oil industry’s concerns about the proposed pipeline projects. “AG Healey and her staff were very receptive to our positions and we have remained in contact with her office since mid-summer,” said MEMA President Michael Ferrante.

“The results of AG Healey’s study are certainly welcome and important news to our industry given that MEMA and the New England Fuel Institute have been strong advocates for sensible energy policy in our region that recognizes the important role of clean burning heating oil and Bioheat fuels; and the predatory, expand-at-any-cost practices of the natural gas utilities and pipeline companies.”

“I want to extend my thanks to all those who helped MEMA in advocating for our industry with our AG’s office including Michael and Ted; Howard Peterson with Peterson Oil; and my counterpart in Connecticut, Chris Herb, who helped establish an important working relationship with GDF Suez-Distrigas in our joint efforts to battle regional natural gas pipeline expansion,” Ferrante said.