A proposal for an underwater gas pipeline that had been rejected three times in New York has a new life after officials decided it could help reinforce the state’s energy supply.
Last week, the Public Service Commission, a state agency that regulates utilities, accepted a long-term plan for National Grid, a company that provides gas to about two million customers in New York City and Long Island.
National Grid’s plan was recently amended to include use of the pipeline, known as the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, or NESE, should it get the greenlight.
In a nearly unanimous vote, regulators said their decision came down to reliability concerns, citing a winter storm in 2022 that almost disrupted gas service in New York City.
“We need to find different ways to ensure our energy system can continue to operate reliably as our demand increases,” said Ken Lovett, the governor’s communications adviser for energy and efficiency, before the decision.
Some energy activists and political leaders are concerned that the commission’s move was the strongest signal yet that the pipeline could become a reality at a time when New York should be focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other critics of the pipeline point out that utility customers would be paying for the pipeline’s roughly $1 billion price tag.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The post Proposed Gas Pipeline Tests New York’s Allegiance to Green Energy appeared first on New York Times.
