NPU begins upgrade of natural gas infrastructure, funded by $20.9 million in federal grants

In November, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) and private contractor crews began a multi-year, $20.9 million project to replace aging and leak-prone cast iron natural gas mains with more than 9 miles of new, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) gas mains throughout the city.

Congressman Joe Courtney visited NPU’s work on Asylum Street

In 2023, NPU was awarded $10 million from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to begin the work of replacing natural gas mains throughout Norwich; in April of this year, NPU was awarded an additional $10.9 million. The two grants will allow NPU to complete 25 years of capital improvements to replace older gas lines in as few as five years.

“This funding will allow NPU to make transformational investments in our infrastructure making our system safer and our air cleaner at no cost to our natural gas customers,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “This important work will benefit of our community and environment for generations to come, and we’re excited to get started.”

NPU officials provided an overview and status report of the work to Congressman Joe Courtney, who was instrumental in NPU’s efforts to secure the federal funding.

“Over $20 million in federal funding from the infrastructure law is allowing Norwich Public Utilities to make tremendous progress in upgrading the city’s natural gas pipelines – some of which are from the Civil War era. NPU’s work is critical to increasing the safety and reliability of the city’s old pipelines all while creating hundreds of good-paying, local jobs. Kudos to Chris LaRose from NPU for leading this effort,” Courtney said.

“We are already seeing the economic benefit of this investment in the region, with a number of small businesses supporting our efforts, from suppliers of equipment and materials to lunch orders at local restaurants,” said LaRose. The first phase of this work to replace the lines began in late October and will be completed by the end of the year.

The preliminary schedule for replacement work is along Asylum Street, from Grant Court to West Main Street.

In the Spring of 2025, work will move to North Main Street, from Burnham Square to Boswell Avenue, and then from Boswell Avenue along North Main Street to St. Regis Avenue, as well as along 4th Street, from North Main Street to Central Avenue.

This important project includes installing new gas mains and services, followed by road pavement and restoration. NPU is committed to regular updates on the status, progress and schedules for this work through its website, social media channels, and customer newsletters.