State regulators in Rhode Island are mulling the possibility of ending new gas connections on Aquidneck Island, which has faced supply issues.
Residents appear skeptical of a gas ban because of the perceived effects it would have on utility costs, the Rhode Island Current reported. For instance, one person suggested that a moratorium should only apply to hotels and large commercial projects. The state is awaiting public feedback before making a final decision, the paper added. Regulators are also considering a proposal to expand a liquefied gas storage and equipment facility on the island.
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A number of other cities have also recently debated or enacted bans on gas hookups. For instance, San Francisco officials are pushing for a policy update that would phase out gas appliances in more buildings.
Only time will tell what will happen on Aquidneck Island, but Newport residents Connie and Rick Bischoff told the Current, "We simply need this issue to be looked at more carefully." The couple recalled a 2019 emergency outage that left 7,000 people without heat for a frigid week in January.
However, the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board has positioned itself as neutral for the moment.
"The board has not made any decision regarding a moratorium, nor has any party made a specific proposal, but the issue remains ripe for consideration, including weighing the benefits of a moratorium against the impact on residents and businesses who may wish to have the option to seek new gas connections in the future and the economy on the island," it said in a public meeting notice, per the Current.
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