The Ontario government is providing up to $1.8 million to expand natural gas to households and businesses in Saugeen First Nation. Bill Walker, Associate Minister for Energy, announced that construction has started on a new natural gas pipeline that will bring more reliable and affordable energy to the Indigenous community.
The Saugeen First Nation Community Expansion Project is being built by Enbridge and will deliver natural gas to an estimated 65 homes and 24 businesses.
“I am thrilled to see the option of natural gas arrive here in Saugeen First Nation. Natural gas provides a cleaner and more affordable fuel source for heating water and homes for our community members,” said Chief Lester Anoquot, Saugeen First Nation.
Switching to natural gas could save households in Saugeen First Nation $800 to $2,500 per year in energy costs and small and large businesses could save up to 30 per cent per year.
“The further expansion of natural gas in our region – now onto the Saugeen First Nation – is welcome news and will help more residents have access to an energy source that is affordable and reliable” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron—Bruce.
The Saugeen First Nation Community Expansion Project, which is being built by Enbridge, will receive up to $1.8 million in eligible funding through the first phase of the Natural Gas Expansion Program.
The first phase of the Natural Gas Expansion Program projects is expected to connect over 9,000 customers in 16 communities to natural gas.
The government is moving ahead with Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program, which will allocate up to $130 million to support new natural gas expansion projects over a three-year period from 2021 to 2023.
