From the Boston Globe
Pipeline operator Enbridge, together with Eversource and National Grid, said it needs more time to build political support for a proposed tariff on electric ratepayers.
The state’s two biggest utilities are shelving a massive $3.2 billion natural gas pipeline project known as Access Northeast until they can find a way to pay for it.
Eversource and National Grid — together with pipeline operator Enbridge — said they notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday that the companies would suspend the permitting process. The pipeline expansion, they say, is needed more than ever in New England, to bring cheaper natural gas on particularly cold days to the region’s power plants. But they need more time to build political support for a proposed tariff on electric ratepayers.
This is the second massive natural-gas project in New England to be put on hold because of financing problems. Pipeline operator Kinder Morgan suspended a major pipeline plan last year.
“Once we work through the legislative [support], we’ll be able to reengage the FERC filing process and be back on track,” said Brian McKerlie, a vice president at Enbridge.
