Utility Capacity Informational Meeting, September 1, 2026

The Greenwich Community Television hosted an informational meeting on September 1, 2026, focusing on utility capacity issues affecting the town, particularly natural gas and water services. Representatives from Eversource, Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), and Aquarion Water Company discussed current system constraints, infrastructure challenges, and ongoing capital improvement plans. The gas utilities explained that while supply from transmission pipelines is sufficient, local distribution systems face capacity constraints due to aging and undersized infrastructure, necessitating upgrades that require capital investment and regulatory approval through rate cases. Aquarion detailed its water system capacity, recent infrastructure investments, and the transition to a public water authority with a new representative policy board to oversee budgets and policies. The meeting emphasized the importance of developers and homeowners consulting utilities early in the permitting process to assess capacity and potential upgrade costs. Questions addressed the impact of state mandates for increased housing density, the financial responsibility for system upgrades, and the need for better communication with contractors and the public about capacity limitations and alternative energy options. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were announced, but the discussion highlighted planned capital projects and the regulatory framework for funding them through rate cases.