Today, June 11th, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson announced that approximately 501 homes and businesses in Brockton will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time thanks to the province’s Natural Gas Expansion Program.The announcement, that took place at the Young Farm in Brockton, pointed out that 501 homes and businesses will soon be able to connect to more affordable natural gas line.
Under Phase 2 of the program, Ontario will allocate more than $20 million ($20,300,000) to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system and help make life more affordable in Huron-Bruce. 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 at a cost of $234 million to support approximately 8,750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
“Our government is making good on its promise to deliver affordable energy and expand natural gas pipelines to more and more communities,” Thompson said. “Access to natural gas will help families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across the region.”
Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody recognized the two local MPPs for their assistance with this project. “The Municipality would like to thank Ministers Thompson and (Bill) Walker for their incredible hard work in securing this for Brockton,” he said. “The new connections mean a lot to our agricultural producers and to our hamlets.”
“As part of our government’s plan to make life more affordable, we prioritized broad
distribution across Ontario to help as many homes and businesses keep the cost of energy low, support jobs and attract new investment,” said Bill Walker, Associate Minister ofEnergy. “With Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion program, we’re putting people first and ensuring Ontario remains open for business. This will be a game-changer for these 43 communities.”
It is estimated that the average household could save between $250 to $1,500 per year in energy costs by switching to natural gas from costlier fuel sources while businesses are expected to save up to 30 per cent per year on energy costs.
“EPCOR is looking forward to expanding our natural gas infrastructure and connecting neighbours to an affordable, reliable, convenient and clean source of energy,” said Susannah Robinson, Vice President, Ontario Region, EPCOR. “Under the province’s Phase 2 expansion, more families, farms and businesses throughout rural Ontario will be able to access natural gas while generating economic development in their region.”
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.
