Enbridge Launches Open Season for New England Gas Expansion

Enbridge launched an open season for its proposed Project Beacon expansion, aimed at increasing natural gas capacity and improving energy reliability across New England.

(Reuters/P&GJ) — Enbridge has launched an open season for its proposed Project Beacon expansion, a plan to increase natural gas capacity on its Algonquin Gas Transmission system serving New England.

The company said the project would upgrade existing infrastructure along current pipeline corridors to help address high regional energy costs and reliability concerns, particularly during peak winter and summer demand periods.

Enbridge said Project Beacon could add about 300 million cubic feet per day of natural gas capacity, depending on customer commitments secured during the open season process, which runs through July 1. If approved, the expansion could enter service by 2030.

According to the company, the project is designed to minimize construction impacts by utilizing existing rights-of-way while increasing energy access across the Northeast. Enbridge also said the expansion could help reduce reliance on higher-emitting fuels such as oil for power generation during peak demand events.

The proposed expansion is separate from Enbridge’s previously announced Algonquin Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement project, a 75-million cubic feet per day upgrade expected to enter service in 2028.

Environmental groups quickly criticized the proposal. Sierra Club Connecticut argued the expansion could increase long-term energy costs and raise environmental concerns tied to additional gas infrastructure.

Sena Wazer of Sierra Club Connecticut said the organization believes the project would deepen the region’s reliance on natural gas instead of renewable energy sources. The group also pointed to previous air permit violations tied to an Enbridge-owned compressor station in Connecticut.

Enbridge has said Project Beacon could generate up to $2 billion in annual savings depending on participation levels and future market demand.