Families and businesses in Addison County now have another choice when it comes to how they heat their homes – Vermont Gas announced that it has completed its 41-mile Addison Natural Gas Project (ANGP) and is now serving customers in Middlebury.

Service to other Addison towns will begin throughout the year as more distribution lines to homes and businesses are complete.

“This is great news for the thousands of families and businesses who have waited patiently for the choice and opportunity of affordable natural gas service. We are so pleased to offer service to our new customers,” said Don Rendall, President and CEO of Vermont Gas. “This has been an incredibly challenging project. We are very thankful to the communities and landowners who have supported us along the way and look forward to helping even more Vermonters save money and reduce their energy needs through our nationally recognized efficiency programs.”

“We couldn’t be happier to see the Addison Natural Gas Project complete. The savings we will experience will be significant and we are excited to pass them along to all of the farmers that own our business,” said Doug DiMento, Agri-Mark Director of Communications. “In addition to saving money, Vermont Gas’ team of energy experts has also helped us make real strides in reducing our energy costs and our carbon footprint providing even greater savings to our farmer owners.”

Last year, the Vermont Gas Energy Efficiency team worked together with Agri-Mark to identify ways to use natural gas more efficiently. This included repair and replacement of steam traps, which can leak otherwise usable steam. With these efficiency upgrades, the Co-op will save over 14,000 mcf per year – that’s enough energy to heat over 140 homes – and at the same time save over $100,000 per year.

“These innovations and savings not only benefit our business but also livelihood of our family farms in Addison County and throughout New England and New York,” DiMento said.

ANGP will bring a valuable energy choice to over 4,000 households, businesses, and institutions such as schools and hospitals in Middlebury, Bristol, Vergennes, New Haven, and other Addison County communities.

“As we look to the future, our central focus will continue to be our customers, the communities we serve and our state’s economy. They are all stronger with a cleaner and more affordable energy choice,” said Rendall.

Vermont Gas recently completed its final segment in Hinesburg and service began to the first customers in Middlebury earlier today. Teams are out in new communities talking with homeowners and businesses about converting to natural gas. The process is easy and affordable.

Vermont Gas experts will guide new customers every step of the way and provide access to the company’s energy efficiency program that offer incentives and rebates on equipment and upgrades to help reduce energy needs and lower energy costs.

“I expressed interest in signing up for natural gas service when we first found out about the Addison Natural Gas Project,” said Ron Adams, of Middlebury. “Now that it has finally become a reality, we are excited to start saving money on our heating bills this winter and into the future.”