Developer tables key Connecticut pipeline project

Citing difficulties in lining up support across state lines, the developer of the Access Northeast pipeline is tabling the project indefinitely, putting a major crimp in Connecticut’s goal of expanding access to natural gas emanating from the Marcellus Shale region.

Houston-based Enbridge notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Thursday of its decision, with the company developing Access Northeast through subsidiary Algonquin Gas Transmission in partnership with Eversource Energy and National Grid.

In a letter to FERC, an Algonquin Gas Tranmission manager stated “the region currently lacks the consistent energy policy across all affected states” and that the company made “diligent efforts” to fit the project into each state’s environmental policies.

“At this time, Algonquin has determined that it is appropriate to withdraw from the FERC ... review process until the gaps in energy policy in the New England (states) are resolved,” wrote Algonquin Gas Transmission manager Leanne Sidorkewicz in the letter to FERC. “Algonquin will continue working with state and federal agencies, as well as other stakeholders ... Once such alignment is achieved, Algonquin will proceed with plans to bring the Access Northeast Project to New England.”

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