Government Gives Nod to Gas Distribution Franchises

Natural gas will be heating homes and powering appliances within the next year in some Nova Scotia communities.

The government of Nova Scotia has officially approved the Nova Scotia Utility Board's decision to award a gas distribution franchise to Heritage Gas and a conditional franchise to Strait Area Gas.

"This brings us one step closer to making natural gas a reality in this province," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Energy. "This is good news for Nova Scotians and gives us a good foundation on which to build and expand our access to natural gas."

Heritage Gas received approval for the franchise areas of Halifax Regional Municipality, Colchester, Cumberland and Pictou counties as well as the Municipality District of East Hants and the Goldboro area. Strait Area Gas has been awarded a conditional franchise for Inverness, Antigonish and Richmond counties along with Guysborough County with the exception of Goldboro.