Ontario Connects Families in Sandford to Affordable Home Heating

SANDFORD — Today, Pickering-Uxbridge MPP, Peter Bethlenfalvy, was joined by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification to announce the completion of the Sandford Natural Gas Expansion Project which is allowing homes, businesses and farms connect to the natural gas grid for the first time.

"The new natural gas pipeline, right here in Sandford, is a vital infrastructure project that will enhance energy security and support economic growth across the region,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By ensuring reliable access to cleaner energy, it paves the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for local businesses, residents, and farmers."

Under Phase 2 of the Ontario government’s Natural Gas Expansion Program the Sandford Project, delivered by Enbridge Gas, received up to $4.4 million in funding advance this work which is connecting more than 180 homes and businesses in addition to the local community centre.

“Two-thirds of Ontarians rely on natural gas to get by during the harshest of winters,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Our government is proud to be expanding access to this reliable and affordable heating source – including for families, businesses and farms here in Sandford.”

Households in Sandford could save up to 50 per cent in energy costs a year as they switch from costlier fuel sources, while businesses can save up to 30 per cent.

"Enbridge Gas is thrilled to announce the completion of the Sandford community expansion project, bringing cost-effective and resilient natural gas to more than 180 homes and businesses in the area,” said Brian Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enbridge Gas Ontario Inc. “For more than 175 years, we’ve been committed to providing Ontarians with the energy they need and want; the Sandford project reflects our dedication to serving the community, providing customers with choice, and powering Ontario’s economy and growth.”

The completion of the Sandford Natural Gas Expansion Project is just one way the government is meeting the province’s growing demand for affordable energy. Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power outlines the challenges facing the province as demand for electricity continues to rapidly grow, as well as the government’s all-of-the-above approach to meet this demand, including:

• Energy Planning – Developing the province’s first integrated energy plan, including all energy resources, including electricity, natural gas, and other fuels to ensure the province’s energy needs are met in a coordinated and long-term manner.
• Nuclear Energy – Advancing clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power on the province’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years, four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting OPG’s plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
• New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creation, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
• Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs through a $10.9 billion, 12-year investment in energy efficiency programs that are helping families and businesses reduce electricity usage and save money on energy bills.
• Additional Competitive Procurements – Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province’s history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30 per cent discount.

QUICK FACTS:

• Phase 1 and 2 of Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program has allocated more than $281 million to expand gas access to families and businesses in 59 communities across the province.
• Two Phase 2 expansion projects will directly benefit Indigenous communities, specifically the Red Rock First Nation and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation.
• Since its launch in 2019, Phase 1 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program has supported projects that are forecast to connect over 9,000 customers, in 16 communities, to natural gas.
• Phase 1 and 2 projects are funded through a $1-per-month charge to existing natural gas customers.

QUOTES

“The completion of the Enbridge Natural Gas expansion project to Sandford marks a significant milestone for our community and rural Ontario. This project ensures that our homes, farms, and businesses have access to reliable and affordable energy, which is critical for the growth and sustainability of our agricultural sector and rural economy. I would like to sincerely thank our MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, Todd Smith for his leadership as the previous Minister of Energy, Stephen Lecce as the current Minister of Energy, the Government of Ontario, and the dedicated team at Enbridge for making this vision a reality.

Ensuring that every home, farm, and government building has access to multiple energy sources is essential for building resilience, especially in emergency management scenarios. Rural Ontario plays a vital role in the province’s success, and projects like this demonstrate how collaborative efforts can strengthen our communities and pave the way for a more sustainable and secure future for all Ontarians.”

            -Dave Barton, Mayor, Township of Uxbridge

“Affordable and accessible energy that includes a mix of alternative and conventional energy sources is a long-term priority for Ontario farmers and we welcome ongoing expansion of the province’s natural gas infrastructure, like the project being announced today. The agri-food sector is a key pillar of the Ontario economy, and these kinds of investments are critical to supporting sustainable growth in agriculture, rural Ontario and the entire province.”

-Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Expanding natural gas infrastructure is vital to supporting the growth of modern, efficient, and affordable homes. By enhancing access to this reliable energy source, we can empower home builders to meet rising demand while ensuring homeowners benefit from cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.”

                              - Stacey Hawkins, Executive Officer, Durham Region Home Builders Association