![]() ![]() National Grid’s supply pipeline extends from the canal to Eastham. Those attending the meeting also asked that National Grid maintain open communications with elected officials, government entities and affected industries, especially with respect to the timeline. Among other sentiments expressed at the meeting was a desire for all parties to work together to shorten the pipeline replacement timeline. 9 meeting with National Grid, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, members of the Cape’s Legislative delegation and representatives from the Cape’s building and real estate communities. The immediate priority is restoration of new gas connections through expedited planning, permitting and construction of a new gas pipeline. The situation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to regional capital planning at all levels, which is a focus of the five-year Regional Policy Plan update initiated by the Commission in early December. The Commission will provide the task force with technical and communications assistance as necessary. The Commission will convene a taskforce of industry professionals, as well as local, regional and state officials to follow and assist in the process. “A five- to seven-year delay in new gas connections creates an unacceptable hardship to economic development opportunities. “We’re looking at the critical planning tools at our disposal to consolidate regulatory reviews and expedite permitting,” Commission Executive Director Paul Niedzwiecki said. National Grid estimated it could take five to seven years for such a replacement to be completed. Pressure in the pipeline was reduced to ensure safety, but also limits the ability to supply enough natural gas to meet more than existing demands. In the end, the company determined that the only safe way to restore adequate capacity to the lower Cape is replacement of 21 miles of pipe. ![]() National Grid’s announcement followed more than nine months of assessment and replacement of critical connections and pipeline welds. The Commission also expects to take a lead role in facilitating communication. Among other issues, the process will evaluate safe alternatives to full line replacements in areas with low anticipated natural gas use.Following the decision by National Grid to halt new natural gas connections between Dennis and Eastham, the Cape Cod Commission committed to an expedited permitting process. The Gas System Enhancement Program is scheduled for review in 2024 under the Clean Energy Climate Plan. Even “targeted decommissioning” of gas distribution systems may be needed to help the state transition to greater electrification. The state’s new Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 20 recognizes that long-term climate policies will affect the future of greenhouse gas emissions, and measures to reduce natural gas combustion for heating buildings and water would reduce methane emissions. ![]() HEET’s analysis shows that the Shared Action Plan is on track to cut emissions from distribution gas pipes in half. Massachusetts enacted its Shared Action Plan as state regulation in 2019, and HEET has provided independent guidance and verification of this work. The largest 7% of gas leaks emit half of all the gas leaking from pipes, and major gas utilities and climate advocates have collaborated to develop a method to find and fix these big leaks. Last year, 11,624 new gas leaks across Massachusetts emitted nearly 7,000 metric tons of methane - equal to an estimated 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or $7 million in wasted dollars, according to HEET. Also available is HEET’s annually updated map of gas leaks across Massachusetts, along with estimated emissions. Now, the public can view the location and estimated cost of each new planned gas pipe replacement project using pipe replacement maps created by HEET. The program and other statutes require gas distribution companies to ensure that leak-prone iron and steel pipes and services are replaced with new pipes. In 2014, Massachusetts created the Gas System Enhancement Program to hold the six investor-owned natural gas distribution companies responsible for reducing gas leaks by accelerating the replacement of leaking infrastructure by 2039. Massachusetts has one of the oldest natural gas systems in the country, with about 22% of the pipes under the ground considered “leakprone” in 2020, according to HEET, a Cambridge-based nonprofit dedicated to cutting emissions. A map of gas leaks across Massachusetts, updated annually, is maintained by HEET.
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