MPP Bethlenfalvy and Minister Smith Announce Natural Gas Expansion in Sandford
Province makes life more affordable for families, businesses and farmers.
(Sandford) —Today, Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge joined Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, to announce that approximately 140 homes and businesses in Sandford will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time thanks to the province’s Natural Gas Expansion Program.
Under Phase 2 of the program, Ontario will allocate $4,392,566 to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system and help make life more affordable in Pickering-Uxbridge.
“Our government is making good on its promise to deliver affordable energy and expand natural gas pipelines to more communities,” said MPP Bethlenfalvy. “Access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Pickering-Uxbridge.”
The Ontario government is expanding access to natural gas across the province to help keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers. Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support approximately 8750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
“As part of our government’s plan to make life more affordable, we are lowering energy costs for homes, businesses and farms across rural, remote and underserved communities,” said Minister Smith. “With Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion program, we’re putting people first, bringing prosperity to their communities, and ensuring Ontario remains open for business.”
The average household could save between $250 to $1,500 per year in energy costs by switching to natural gas from costlier fuel sources. Businesses are expected to save up to 30 per cent per year on energy costs.
“We have been advocating for natural gas expansion into our hamlets for many years and this is definitely exciting news for our rural residents around Sandford,” said Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton. “This project will provide more choices for residents and it has potential to significantly decrease the cost for 140 Uxbridge families and businesses to heat their homes and power their farms and workplaces. Thanks to Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy for advocating for our rural residents on this project.”
“We’re thrilled that through Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, Enbridge Gas will bring much needed and wanted natural gas in the most affordable way to more communities across Ontario, including this one,” said Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President & President, Gas Distribution & Storage, Enbridge Inc. “Natural gas is the most economic way to heat buildings and water, and we are excited to work with local officials and the community to move this project forward, so residents can benefit from the cost savings, and local businesses can be more competitive.”
Construction for projects under Phase 2 will begin as soon as this year, with all 28 expansion projects expected to be underway by the end of 2025.
QUICK FACTS
- Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support 28 new natural gas expansion projects from 2021 to 2026.
- Since its launch in 2019, Phase 1 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program has supported projects that are forecasted to connect over 9,000 customers, in 16 communities, to natural gas.
- Phase 1 and 2 projects are funded through a $1-per-month charge to existing natural gas customers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Backgrounder
Natural Gas Expansion Support Program
MEDIA CONTACT:
Safa Khan
Safa.Khan@pc.ola.org
905-509-0336