Residents have more natural gas questions

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Fire House was packed on April 10 with residents previously interested in natural gas and new residents inquiring about the possibility.
Elizabethtown Gas Director of Sales Gary Marmo said, the survey results are very close to the 60 to 65 percent response needed to install natural gas piping.
Marmo said the survey results for Maryann Estates were: 57, needing 60; Presidents: 47, needing 110; Beardslee Hill: 33, needing 46; and Fox Hill South: 36, needing 50. He added with the turnout at the meeting, they should get the necessary numbers signing up that night and converting to natural gas within one year of Elizabethtown Gas putting in the service.
It would probably be a summer project, Marmo continued, if someone signed up that night, and natural gas would be available for heat and appliances this winter.
Marmo reviewed converting to natural gas, costs to convert the inside of the home, the positive impact on home sales, and next steps.
Elizabethtown Gas, Marmo explained, installs the street main, supplies the gas from the street to the house, and puts a meter in the house. The owner, Marmo continued, is responsible for converting the inside of the home to natural gas. He showed a two- inch plastic main, typically placed in the street, along with a half inch gas service pipe, depending on the type of gas load necessary.
Marmo called the meter a MSD - Money Saving Device, adding, they are guaranteed to save up to 70 percent on heating and other hot water costs.
Elizabethtown Gas, Marmo reviewed, does not make money on the gas price, but on the transportation of the gas – per tariff and N.J. Administrative Code. He added, there would be no charge for putting the gas mains in and bringing natural gas to the homes, as long as the people at the meeting signed up and converted their home within a year to natural gas.
Fras-Air Service Experts General Manager Dave Schneider answered resident questions, along with other vendors at the meeting, about how much it costs to convert from oil to natural gas, the necessary gas piping, permits, pressure testing, and inspections.
He explained, the new technology is in the natural gas efficiency, financing is available, people would ultimately make money monthly by converting to natural gas, along with rebates through the gas company and state.
An oil boiler, Schneider explained, could be converted to natural gas, but one would be better off using high efficiency gas options.
Marmo said they were looking for people to convert their heat and hot water.
Program Manager of Energy Efficiency Susan Buck reviewed Elizabethtown Gas and state energy efficiency programs, rebates, free energy assessments, and weatherizing after a home owner has received a meter and account number.
Marmo also said, they surveyed the whole town and had a list of other potential customers. After starting in the four developments, he continued, they will look at areas of interest to see if natural gas can be extended with no charge.
Someone asked if there would be an increase in taxes by converting to natural gas.
Mayor Rachel Slater said, “It does not touch the taxes.”
In response to another question, Marmo answered, if someone does not convert inside their home, Elizabethtown Gas has the right to ask for the gas main cost, per contract.
Sparta Weichert Realtor Debra McGrath told the crowd natural gas gives potential buyers the ability to pay a little more for a house, by saving on natural gas instead of oil or propane.