SPRINGFIELD – As Eversource prepares their proposed Western Massachusetts Natural Gas Reliability Project, which would add an additional point of delivery system in Longmeadow, the company continues to review crucial opinions from legislators and the general public.

One legislator who has raised his perspective on the project is Springfield City Councilor At-Large and Chairman of the Committee on Sustainability and Environment Jesse Lederman. The councilor issued a press release on Nov. 15 calling for an independent cost/benefit analysis from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to coordinate on the Eversource project. Along with his request, Lederman also stressed to the DPU that the project’s expenses don’t increase from its current approximated cost of over $40 million.

In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Lederman discussed his concerns about the project. The councilor cited the country’s continued movement from gas to renewable energy options as potential a factor against the project. “As you see, for individuals who are in a position to move off natural gas, it will be in people’s best interest to transition to renewable energy,” said Lederman.

The councilor also questioned the necessity of the project, speculating that the additional point of delivery system could potentially not have a major benefit for residents. “If we know that the benefit is not really there, then I think you’re going to have a strong case for the DPU to push back on this proposal,” said Lederman.

Lederman said the cost/benefit analysis is a continuation of his efforts to analyze public utilities groups throughout the city. “My goal has always been to hold public utilities accountable to the people in Springfield,” said Lederman.

In response to the cost/benefit analysis, Eversource Media Relations Manager William Hinkle spoke to Reminder Publishing about the extensive review the project will undergo from the Energy Facilities Sitting Board (EFSB) when the final plans are submitted for the end of the year. “The EFSB exists as an independent body to evaluate critical energy and facilities projects,” said Hinkle. Along with submitting to the EFSB, the project will also have to undergo several other state and local government reviews, according to Hinkle.

Hinkle also discussed the public review process the project has undergone before finalizing their plans for the EFSB. Eversource hosted two open house events on Nov. 9 and 10 to gather feedback from residents about the project. The open houses allowed interested citizens to hear a presentation about the project and also submit questions about its impacts.

“With any of our projects, close communication and feedback from our local communities, our customers and other stakeholders is a critical component of that work. We’ve appreciated the opportunity at the early stages of this process to engage with our customers in the Greater Springfield area,” said Hinkle, who also cited meetings with the Longmeadow Select Board and Springfield City Council Sustainability and Environment Subcommittee as a part of their outreach.

Going forward, Hinkle said Eversource will wait up to two years for the EFSB process to be completed. “The most ambitious process following that timeline would have construction begin by 2024,” said Hinkle.