Ogdensburg talks natural gas conversion

VERNON — Mayor Steve Ciasullo announced the Elizabethtown Gas public meeting date will be July 13, at 7 p.m. at the Ogdensburg firehouse.
Ciasullo explained, Elizabethtown Gas will offer natural gas to the residents located in the four most densely populated developments.
If a certain percentage of residents signs up, Ciasullo said, Elizabethtown Gas will run the gas pipe into the development. Each resident would then require a private contractor to bring the line to their home, hook up the meter, and complete a conversion, if necessary.
Prior to the public meeting, Elizabethtown Gas will send information and questionnaires, including a website link, to the residents in the developments. At the website, residents may determine the efficiency level — possible savings — of converting to gas based on: number of people, size of home, and gas use for: dryer, stove, and/or heat.
During the public meeting, Elizabethtown Gas representatives and private contractors will review all efficiency numbers and answer basic questions about natural gas.
Ciasullo said the values of homes usually increase 4 percent if converted to natural gas. He added,
“Natural gas is a big opportunity for us,” he said.
About five years ago, Ciasullo said, he thought residents were not informed enough and did not have questions answered, which arose after the sign-up window was closed.
Some residents, Ciasullo added, did not realize they could convert an oil burner or the associated cost. He also said many of the contractors would offer free estimates for the work.
Also, during other meetings, Ciasullo said, they discussed construction, time length, traffic, and road service after the work would be completed.
Councilman Peter Opilla asked if the council will be able to control the questionnaires, because residents did not really know last time what the natural gas offer entailed.
Ciasullo said the council would review the questionnaires before the meeting. He added residents do not need to answer any questions before the meeting, and there should be an opportunity to sign up at the public meeting.
The level of interest among residents, Ciasullo said, will affect the cost, all based on the feet of pipe laid. There are also two purchasing thresholds, which will be explained during the meeting.
Elizabethtown Gas, Ciasullo continued, makes their money on transporting gas, not on the gas. Also, they have received some grants from the government, so they can help towns like Ogdensburg.
Recently, Elizabethtown Gas has provided natural gas to other small towns.
Councilman David Astor said, he would like Department of Public Works Supervisor Chris Ross to meet with Elizabethtown Gas and discuss the depth of the pipe, and what they would pave.
Ciasullo said, he would also talk to the different borough departments regarding blanket permits and traffic control.
Ciasullo concluded, “I think it's a great thing for the town — the person who doesn't want it, doesn't have to have it.”