Eversource Looks to Bring Natural Gas to Stonington

By ALFRED BRANCH (Patch Staff)

Utility company Eversource is planning to expand its natural gas coverage to Oxford beginning this spring, the company announced Monday.

Eversource has been working to make natural gas available to more communities around the state, and in 2015, the company installed nearly 14 miles of new gas main in parts of Bozrah, Danbury, Franklin, Putnam, Southington, Vernon, and Waterbury.

In addition to Oxford, Eversource also is looking to bring natural gas to Stonington, and plans are being finalized on a “large-scale” initiative in Darien “to bring natural gas to the town’s municipal buildings, schools, several homes and three community revitalization projects.”

Said William Akley, President of Gas Operations for Eversource, in a statement, ”We’ve heard from thousands of people who are interested in converting to a more efficient and environmentally-friendly fuel. Not only are we eager to get this year’s projects underway, but we look forward to increasing the opportunity to deliver the benefits of reliable and domestic natural gas to more customers.”

According to the company, Kevin Santini, owner of several apartment complexes in Vernon, recently made the switch to natural gas, converting 34 of its buildings from oil to natural gas.

“Making the switch was quick and easy, and the payback time on our investment will be under three years,” said Santini, owner of Santini Homes, in a statement. “We’ve also significantly reduced our staff time in monitoring and servicing the old oil-fired boilers. It’s a great feeling knowing the gas is available and there when my residents need it.”

For more information about switching to natural gas, visit here, and read about the state’s Comprehensive Energy Strategy.