Skip to Main Content

SURE Project

Completed November 2024

System Upgrade for Reliable Energy. In 2011, Unitil embarked on one of its largest and most aggressive capital improvement projects: the replacement and upgrading of over 100 miles of natural gas pipeline through Portland and Westbrook, Maine.

close up of new gas pipe
Image
Stat Grid Items
126
miles of pipe
10K
customers
100%
complete
Image
city of Portland Maine logo
 

Switching to sustainable energy sources, including natural gas, will put money back in the pockets of Portland’s residents and businesses and help the community reduce its carbon footprint.

Ian Houseal
Sustainability Coordinator, Portland, Maine

Main project details

As the demand for natural gas in Maine grows, Unitil works to meet that demand through innovation. This project modernized the gas system Unitil inherited from Northern Utilities while continuing to provide the best service to customers possible.

By replacing older cast iron pipes with state-of-the-art plastics, the natural gas system is now able to reliably operate at a higher pressure, allowing Unitil to expand its service throughout coastal Maine. At the same time, this initiative allows Unitil to make this system safer by replacing aging pipes and installing automatic shut-offs to 10,000 of our customers in the greater Portland area, keeping them safe in the event of a widespread gas outage.

Unitil gas crew working on SURE Project in Portland, Maine

Switch to Gas

Efficient, year-round comfort

You have enough to juggle without spending time thinking about your energy. Natural gas is convenient, reliable and low-maintenance. See if it’s right for your home or business.

older couple enjoys coffee at home