Brandon Twp.- Fourteen is the magic number.
Consumers Energy had attained 207 applications as of May 23 from township residents who would like to be connected to natural gas service. The utility’s goal is to have 221 sign-ups in order to proceed with phase 1 of a natural gas main extension project. A deadline for reaching that number passed on May 18, but with less than 15 sign-ups needed, the deadline has now been extended to June 5.
‘We are hoping it won’t take that long (to reach the goal of 221), judging by the way things are coming together the last few days,? said Consumers Energy Spokesperson Debra Dodd on Monday. ‘We’re hoping to report we’ve made the goal before then. We’re very happy with the response we’ve gotten the last few days and our employees are getting very positive comments.?
Consumers Energy announced in February a proposal to install gas mains in unserviced areas of the township in three phases. Overall, the project would offer service to 2,000 occupied structures.
Letters were sent to 442 households that were eligible to be included in the first phase of the project, inviting residents to the initial meeting.
Consumers will provide financing to residents at a rate of 8.06 percent over a 10-year period (for the gas main contribution, not to exceed $4,076.14 per resident); and Consumers will provide 333 feet of service footage at no charge with additional service footage being charged at a rate of $8.84 per foot.
For more information, call the Consumers Energy support center at 888-427-6246.