First Selectman warns utility capacity is complicating local building projects

First Selectman Fred Camillo told the Board of Selectmen on July 9 that several utilities are reporting capacity limits that are complicating new construction and renovations across Connecticut, including in Greenwich.

“There’s a capacity issue all over the state of Connecticut,” Camillo said, calling out Connecticut Natural Gas, Eversource and Aquarion by name and noting cases where homeowners expanding square footage have exceeded BTU limits. He asked department heads and building applicants to check utility capacity before filing applications so developers and residents do not discover problems after significant expense.

Camillo said town staff will require builders to demonstrate available utility capacity at the time of permit submission and that he is reaching out to utility companies to coordinate responses. “We’re gonna get on top of it,” he said, and encouraged affected residents to meet with their builders and town staff to explore case-by-case options.

The selectmen did not vote on a formal policy at the meeting. Camillo described the step as an operational change and outreach effort to utilities — not a new local law — and said the town’s next step is staff-level coordination with utilities and the building department to tighten permit checklists.

The board heard the update during general remarks and did not take a separate binding action. Camillo said he will release more information publicly as the town’s engagement with utilities progresses.