Filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), PennEast said the amendment is a step towards meeting the urgent and growing need for clean and low-cost natural gas in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Under the new proposal, Phase One of the project would consist of 36 inch (914.4 mm) pipe for 68 miles (111 km), constructed entirely within Pennsylvania and anticipated to deliver natural gas by November while the second phase would comprise the remaining route in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with a targeted completion of 2023.
PennEast Pipeline Company Board of Managers Chair Anthony Cox said the amendment is a big step forward for families and businesses who will benefit from greater access to low-cost natural gas.
“In the years since the initial announcement of the project, demand for natural gas has continued to grow, yet the benefits of new job creation, economic development, air quality, and lower energy bills have been denied to all customers by short-sighted political interests,” said Mr Cox.
“Building the project in phases allows PennEast to meet the clear public need in the short term in Pennsylvania, and in the long term in New Jersey by affording sufficient time for permit and legal issues to be resolved.”
Under the phased approach, PennEast will have three Pennsylvanian delivery points: UGI Utilities to serve the Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Carbon County, with new interconnections with Columbia Gas and Adelphia Gateway to serve the growing demand in the southeast region.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr said Pennsylvania’s business community is urging for swift approval by the commission for the phased plan.
“With key approvals at the federal and state level already, a phased approach for PennEast would allow Pennsylvania businesses to finally lower their energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and continue adding to their competitive advantage over nearby states like New Jersey,” said Mr Barr.
For more information visit the PennEast website.
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