Maine Natural Gas (MNG), a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, has signed a contract with three Maine companies to start the immediate construction of the 12 in. (30.5 cm) steel pipeline backbone of its natural gas distribution system in Augusta. The project will be led by Enterprise Trenchless Technologies (ETTI) of Lisbon Falls, joined by Cianbro of Pittsfield and Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham.

"This is the next major milestone for Maine Natural Gas as it continues on the path of bringing affordable warmth to Augusta and throughout the Kennebec Valley," said Bob Kump, CEO of Iberdrola USA. "It’s another example of Iberdrola’s ongoing commitment to invest in critical infrastructure and technology to better serve all customers in the region."

During the last five years, Iberdrola USA and Iberdrola have invested more than $2 billion on electric and natural gas infrastructure and technology in its operating company territories. In Maine alone, Iberdrola has invested more than $1 billion and created more than three thousand jobs on major projects such as the recently completed Advanced Meter Initiative (AMI) and the ongoing Maine Power Reliability Program (MPRP).

The 10.5 mi. (16.9 km) natural gas backbone pipeline, which will serve residential, commercial and institutional customers in the Augusta area, will tap the Maritimes and Northeast transmission pipeline in Windsor, travel west along Route 17, cross the Kennebec River, and then on to the new MaineGeneral hospital. Maine Natural Gas signed a ten-year contract in the fall of 2012 to deliver natural gas to the new medical facility by Nov. 1, 2013, and has been laying pipe in the area continuously since then.

"ETTI led the recent Maine Natural Gas expansions in Freeport and Bath and we’re proud once again to join them in expanding access to affordable natural gas to the people of Maine and boosting the Maine economy," said Scott W. Kelly, president of Enterprise Trenchless Technologies Inc. "The expansion work we’ve been doing with Maine Natural Gas has created 30 local permanent jobs and this particular pipeline project will add 115 Maine jobs during the 2013 construction season."

Maine Natural gas currently has the lowest PUC-approved delivery rates in central Maine and continues to sign contracts with businesses, institutions and residents in the Augusta area for natural gas delivery beginning in late 2013.

"Maine Natural Gas is a solid Maine company, and Cianbro is thrilled to be working once again with them and their parent Iberdrola, to help deliver clean, affordable natural gas to more Mainers; this time the people of Augusta and the Kennebec valley," said Peter Vigue, CEO of Cianbro. "Iberdrola is one of the leading energy services companies in the world — a company of great integrity and financial wherewithal, known for its environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives across the globe."

For more information, call 877/867-1642 or visit www.mainenaturalgas.com.

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