It looks like new gas hookups for certain areas of Cape Cod could be on hold until 2019! Apparently a main line in the mid and lower Cape area was recently inspected by National Grid and some of the equipment was found to not meet current standards.
National Grid has stated that the line itself is not a safety concern but that the outdated equipment needs to be replaced. Also as a result they have reduced the pressure in the main line from 20 pounds per square inch to 125 pounds per square inch. Reports by National Grid is that they have 4 inch pipe where they thought they had 6 inch.
Apparently this will not affect the performance of heating systems or other gas powered appliances. The towns affected by this moratorium are Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham and even certain parts of Barnstable. If a request has already been submitted and approved for a gas hook up they will honor those requests. It sounds like many of the town municipalities did not even know this was “coming down the pipe” and only just heard about it.
I find it hard to believe that National Grid will hold up the process until 2019. Gas has been the fuel of choice for conversions and new construction across Cape Cod (if the lines are available). If this is going to significantly affect their balance sheet they will complete the project as soon as they can is my guess.
We will keep you updated as more information is released by NSTAR.
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