Public Service Electric & Gas has asked New Jersey regulators for permission to add 14 pipelines to its grid system as a safeguard against possible problems with interstate shipments of natural gas.

摘要

PSE&G said the plan is part of its pending $2.5 billion Energy Strong II program.Of that figure about $863 million would be for the new gas pipelines. The state's Division of Rate Counsel is arguing that the project should be rejected, saying it will have a major impact on utility rates if the plan is approved as proposed. Rate Counsel Director Stefanie Brand said, “We just don’t think we need to do this. The contingency that they are trying to protect against has never happened. It just doesn’t feel like a wise investment for the state or ratepayer.’’