Energy Office Statement on Natural Gas Service Agreement with Sappi Paper
AUGUSTA – The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) announced support today for a project that will bring natural gas service to the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, providing significantly lower energy prices and allowing the mill to become more competitive.
“I commend Sappi Fine Paper North America for taking this significant initiative to make the Somerset Mill more competitive by lowering its energy costs and, more importantly, for investing as much as $30 million of its capital into Maine’s economy,” said Energy Office Director Patrick Woodcock. “We must continue progress in making Maine’s manufacturing sector competitive, and lower energy costs to help the bottom-line for all of Maine’s employers.”
In addition, Woodcock praised Sappi for its commitment to sustainability by investing in clean, economical natural gas for the mill. “Improving our business climate and lowering pollution are not mutually exclusive goals,” said Woodcock. “Using natural gas help will not only help to ensure the profitability of the mill and create jobs, but it will also be a much better option for the environment.”
Sappi Fine Paper North Americaundefinedone of Maine’s largest employersundefinedhas reached an agreement in principle with Summit Natural Gas of Maine to benefit from Summit’s proposed $350 million pipeline project. The pipeline will extend from Richmond through the Kennebec Valley to Skowhegan, which will provide the mill with access to efficient natural gas.