Enbridge seeks permission to extend gas service to South Rim; commissioners press on costs, affordability and contaminated soils

Enbridge Gas Utah presented plans to extend natural gas service to the unincorporated South Rim area near Stockton in Tooele County during a Utah Public Service Commission technical conference. The company identified about 356 potential customers and proposed building roughly 16,510 feet of 6‑inch high‑pressure main, about 68,975 feet of intermediate‑high‑pressure pipe (various sizes), approximately 50,700 feet of service lines and a new regulator station.

The project matter drew detailed questions from commissioners and Division staff about customer affordability, program spending caps, environmental constraints and construction costs. Melinda Cramuel, the PSCs facilitator for the conference, opened the session and led introductions.

Why it matters: Enbridge said the average company cost per potential customer in this project footprint is roughly $67,000, far above the companys cited rural average of about $5,800 per customer. Commissioners pressed the company on how household conversion costs, low‑income assistance and rebate eligibility could affect uptake and whether uncertain survey response rates justify the project at this time.

Enbridge described its outreach and customer interest steps, including a June 10 open house at the Stockton fire station, door hangers and a project webpage. The company reported survey results on its slides: 135 respondents indicated…