In 2011 Unitil embarked on one of the largest, most aggressive capital improvement projects in Company history: the replacement and/or upgrading of over 100 miles of natural gas pipeline throughout Portland and Westbrook, Maine. The pipeline replacement project will modernize the gas system Unitil inherited from Northern Utilities and allow the system to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Maine.

The project includes 68.5 miles of cast iron and/or steel pipe replacement and 36 miles of pressure upgrades for existing low-pressure plastic pipe. By replacing older cast iron pipes with state-of-the-art plastics, the system will be able to operate at a higher pressure reliably, assuring Unitil will be able to grow its business throughout coastal Maine. As an added benefit, the replacement project gives Unitil the opportunity to make its system safer and to replace aging pipes before they become a concern. We will also use the opportunity to install additional automated shut-offs to 10,000 of our customers in the greater Portland area in order to help keep homeowners safe in the event of a widespread gas outage.

		Project Map / List of Streets
		The SURE Project is upgrading more than 100 miles of pipe throughout Portland and Westbrook. View a PDF map of our proposed construction and a list of affected streets. View now

		Project Updates & Traffic Advisories
		Find out about current and upcoming project updates as well as traffic advisories when available.  View now

		Making the Switch
		Once Unitil’s upgrades are complete in your area, we may not be able to access these gas mains to install new services for many years. Don’t miss your chance to switch to natural gas! Learn More

		Frequently Asked Questions
		Have a question about the SURE Project? We've compiled a list of common questions to help. Learn More

New England Utility Constructors (NEUCO), and Patriot Mechanical are the primary contractors for this project. NEUCO's local field supervisors and work crews operate out of the company facility on Pleasant Hill Rd in Scarborough, and perform exterior gas pipe replacement work in the street and from street to building. Patriot Mechanical is located out of Gorham, ME and performs all necessary indoor gas pre-piping work.

NEUCO and Patriot Mechanical, like Unitil, are committed to minimizing the disruptions to local businesses, homeowners, and the general public as we excavate and install new gas lines. We will work as quickly as possible - but always with safety as our first priority - to complete each section of work and restore roadways, sidewalks and lawns.

Because of the size and nature of the project, our work will cause some disruption, which we will try to keep to a minimum. By keeping you current about ongoing excavation, we hope to limit any inconvenience.