Unitil, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, will soon begin its seventh year of its ongoing 14–year initiative to modernize the Portland area’s gas infrastructure. The System Upgrade for Reliable Energy (SURE) will ensure a more reliable system to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Maine.
The initial work for 2017 is scheduled to begin next week on Stevens Avenue between Crosby Street and Pleasant Avenue. Early summer construction will begin in the areas of Ocean Avenue between George Street and Codman Street. By season’s end, more than three miles of gas main will be replaced of upgraded as part of the project. Additionally, a temporary regulator station on Irving Street at Ocean Ave will be permanently retired and removed.
When completed, the entirety of northeast Portland will have been upgraded, marking a major milestone as the project reaches its halfway point on the calendar.
We’re halfway through our gas system modernization and are making excellent progress due to the support and understanding of affected residents. We’re continually focusing on upgrading the infrastructure in an efficient and safe manner with as minimal impact to customers as possible."
Unitil Media Relations Manager, Alec O’Meara
Unitil’s SURE project is coordinated in collaboration with City and MaineDOT capital projects with an effort toward minimizing traffic disruptions. New England Utility Constructors (NEUCO) is the contractor for the SURE Project.
Unitil completed SURE project construction and excavation work in the Portland area on schedule in 2016, with more than five miles of the gas main being replacing or updated.
Due to the construction work in Portland, Unitil will be able to offer natural gas service to new customers who live near the existing pipeline. Residents and businesses in the neighborhood who are interested in switching to natural gas should call Unitil today at 888-486-4845, or go online to http://unitil.com/switch.
For the latest information about the SURE project and construction schedules, please visit www.ngupgrade.com or call Unitil’s toll-free hotline 1-866-821-4386.
