Rhode Island Energy Board to hold public hearings on proposed natural gas moratorium for Aquidneck Island

The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board will conduct two public hearings later this month to gather community input on a potential moratorium that could restrict new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island.

The hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport, and 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Portsmouth Middle School Little Theatre Auditorium, 125 Jepson Lane, Portsmouth.

The proposed moratorium stems from ongoing discussions about Rhode Island Energy’s liquefied natural gas vaporization facility at 135 Old Mill Lane in Portsmouth, which received its operating license on Aug. 22, 2024. The facility, known as Portsmouth Gate Station, serves as a backup system during peak demand periods.

According to official notices from the Energy Facility Siting Board, the moratorium question arose during hearings related to the LNG facility’s licensing process. The board is now considering whether restricting new gas connections could reduce capacity risks and potentially eliminate the need for the controversial vaporization facility.

“The premise was that a combination of energy efficiency measures and a moratorium might be a means of reducing the risk of gas outages and eventually lead to the elimination of the need for the LNG vaporization facility on Old Mill Lane,” the board stated in its public notice.

The board emphasized that no decisions have been made regarding the moratorium, and the issue “remains ripe for consideration.” Officials said they are particularly interested in hearing from Aquidneck Island residents and businesses who would be directly affected by any restrictions on future natural gas connections.

Both hearing locations are accessible to people with disabilities. Those requiring interpreter services must contact coordinator Kristen Masse at 401-780-2108 or Kristen.L.Masse@puc.ri.gov at least 72 hours before the hearing.

Documents related to the proceedings are available online at https://ripuc.ri.gov/Docket-SB-2021-04 and for public review at the Public Utilities Commission office at 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick.

The Town of Middletown encouraged residents to attend the hearings, stating, “Make sure to have your say and that your input is heard.”