Enbridge outreach draws resident interest; company says gas service could be provided at no line‑extension cost if take‑rates meet threshold

Town staff reported on an open house by Enbridge about bringing natural gas service to Fairfield. Company representatives told the public they could extend distribution service and install a meter to a property at no cost to the household if enough residents sign up to make the project viable.

Officials said the enrollment form is non‑binding: it records interest and counts potential connections to help Enbridge and funders determine whether an extension will proceed. Residents were asked to indicate the number of appliances they would connect; presenters said that, at a minimum, connecting a single appliance would qualify a household for initial service in the program described.

During the discussion, attendees and staff discussed installation details: company representatives said yard runs would be bored under driveways and that existing propane piping inside homes might not be directly reusable unless it is black pipe or copper. The meeting included cost examples reported by residents: one attendee said a 40‑foot run with a meter in Park City cost “$8” (quoted from the meeting transcript); another participant said an average conversion of a propane furnace or orifice change could be about $150, and that water‑heater conversions could be more involved. Council staff repeated that the enrollment form is not a commitment and urged residents to pick up and complete forms at the town office so Enbridge can assess demand.

No formal council action was taken; staff asked residents to complete interest forms so the company and staff can assess feasibility and next steps.