VILLAS — South Jersey Gas is moving forward with plans to install a gas main in Bayshore Road to provide natural gas service to residents here.
South Jersey Gas Sales Manager Todd Gordon updated Lower Township Council Monday, March 2. He said information was sent to all potential customers both residential and business in Villas and along the route of construction from just west of the county airport, up Breakwater to Fishing Creek Road and north on Bayshore Road.
Gordon said South Jersey Gas was in the process of obtaining permits and hoped to begin construction this month. He said initial marketing efforts were very successful with “450 opportunities,” folks that have shown interest.
South Jersey Gas will hold an information session March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Township Hall. Gordon said there may be state and federal programs available for residents to help offset costs of conversions to high efficiency gas appliances.
Where branches from the gas main on Bayshore Road are installed will depend on where the most potential customers are located, he said. Gordon said the utility uses a ratio of revenue versus cost.
There is no connection fee for gas service, he said.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Lare asked how long Bayshore road would be torn up during gas main installation. Gordon said the street would be restored in sections as work progressed over several months.
He said lateral pipes would be installed as the gas main is installed in the street. Lare expressed concern of Bayshore Road being torn up during the summer tourist season.
At any given time, several blocks would be impacted by construction, said Gordon. He said the project would be lengthy, more than six months.
Gordon said South Jersey Gas would meet with the Township Engineer to make sure the project complied with all regulations for construction and restoration.