Gas projects key to growth?

While opposition to natural gas-expansion projects in Rhode Island to date has been limited, the disputes bear watching. If challenges were to delay or derail these projects, the volatility of supplies and pricing for electricity and heat could get worse, say some business and state leaders.

Besides the multistate Algonquin pipeline expansion, local natural gas projects include an expanded compressor station in Burrillville at Spectra Energy, which has obtained a state permit; a new Burrillville gas-fired power plant proposed by Chicago-based Invenergy LLC; and National Grid’s proposed Fields Point liquefied natural gas facility upgrade in Providence.

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo recently welcomed the Invenergy proposal, which is expected to seek state permitting in the fall.

Marion Gold, commissioner of the R.I. Office of Energy Resources, says natural gas projects are needed locally to counteract high and volatile energy costs. Without them, job growth and business investment could be thwarted, said Gold, whose office has no direct oversight over any of these projects.

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“Throughout New England, residential energy rates increased anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent [last] winter – all driven by our regional energy system challenges,” she said. “These price levels and accompanying volatility cannot be sustained and are detrimental to economic growth.”

Opponents raise concerns about safety, the environment and dependency on natural gas. Two men were arrested recently after locking themselves to the front gate of Spectra Energy’s compressor station in protest of that project.

But Spectra Energy and the Algonquin pipeline projects would increase reliability and affordability to meet demand, countered Marylee Hanley, Spectra Energy’s director of stakeholder outreach.

Another critic of fossil fuels, the Conservation Law Foundation, has concerns about the Invenergy project. Without having detailed plans of the power plant, CLF Senior Attorney Jerry Elmer contends that carbon dioxide emissions from a gas-fired plant like the one proposed may make greenhouse gas emissions rise higher than they are now.

Invenergy counters that the project will result in a net reduction of regional emissions, and that its project will answer the demand for more affordable power.

Opposition to the LNG project cites dangers in the process of liquefying the gas and emitting methane.

But David Graves, a spokesman for National Grid, said the planned closed system is designed to recover all emissions.

Many business groups, including the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, agree with Gold that a more accessible regional natural gas supply is a key to economic growth.

“Without [natural gas] expansion,” said John C. Simmons, a Rhode Island Business Coalition spokesman and executive director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, “there’ll be a chilling effect that will limit our growth, especially in manufacturing.” •

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