By John Rodeberg, SEH
The City of Brownton originally proposed to establish a municipal natural gas utility and construct a natural gas system in 2002 when the Hutchinson Utilities Commission (HUC) constructed a trunk transmission line from Trimont to Hutchinson, which passed about 5 miles west of the community.
The city already ran a successful municipal electric utility, and a previous study noted the feasibility of establishing the municipal natural gas utility in the City of Brownton. However, the effort was concluded in 2004 when the vote to proceed with development of the municipal gas system and related funding were not approved at the required election.
Although the establishment of the utility was determined to be beneficial to the community, many in the community were concerned about the total cost of the project and the volatility of natural gas prices. Despite the frustrations of city elected officials and staff, they remained determined to reconsider establishing a municipal natural gas utility in the future.
The project was again considered in 2012 after construction of a natural gas transmission line from the Hutchinson Utility pipeline near Stewart to the new United Farmer’s Cooperative (UFC) grain facility constructed on the edge of the city in the northwest corner of TH 15 and the TC&W railroad.
Based on the potential significant reduction in the capital construction costs combined with the stability of natural gas prices, it was determined by the City Council that further review was needed. The city discussed opportunities and alternatives with both UFC and the HUC.
After reviewing alternatives and options, the city chose to consider again pursuing the establishment of a municipal gas utility, based partially on the strong recommendation from HUC.
The city engaged SEH to review the alternatives and options, and confirm whether or not the establishment of a municipal natural gas utility should again be pursued. SEH partnered with USDI and Dave Berg Consulting to complete the review and pre-design of the system.
Based on this review, it was recommended that the City of Brownton pursue establishment of a natural gas utility based on the following reasons:
A plan was developed that included an extensive public education campaign to make sure that the public had clear and detailed information about the benefits of having a Municipal Natural Gas System. Several flyers were developed and distributed, as well as several well-advertised public meetings that outlined in detail the expected cost savings, and safety and operational benefits, of a natural gas system. (See video below.)
Understanding that many city residents were concerned about the up-front costs of conversion, they also brought in The Center for Energy and the Environment of Minneapolis as a resource for private property owners to obtain loans and grants related to energy savings. The programs they operate covered energy savings related to efficient lighting systems, energy efficient appliances, window replacement, added insulation, and other items.
Meetings were also held with local HVAC contractors to make sure that they knew the details of the proposed system so they could provide a consistent picture to the public of how the conversion process would work, and also knew of the time schedule so that they could coordinate their conversion work and reduce their cost by being more efficient.
Results and successes:
The city and SEH utilized a close partnership of a very diverse group of professionals to create a team that was greater than its individual parts. Thanks go out to HUC, the Center for Energy and the Environment, UFC, Dave Berg Consulting, USDI, and Michels Pipeline for their involvement and support.
For more information about this project, please contact John Rodeberg, PE, SEH, at jrodeberg
March 25, 2024
March 25, 2024
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