News
Natural gas infrastructure a priority for Ontarians

May 21, 2013 – A recent survey conducted by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has found that Ontario farmers who don’t have access to natural gas on the farm want the infrastructure in place to make it happen.
"The appeal of natural gas for use in Ontario homes extends to Ontario farm businesses," the OFA said in a press release.

"Over the last five years, the price for natural gas has dropped dramatically. Natural gas is nearly half the cost of electricity, and nearly one-third the cost of propane. While almost all Ontario cities have natural gas connections to homes and businesses, fewer than 20 per cent of Ontario farms have access to natural gas."

The OFA conducted an online natural gas survey in March 2013. More than 400 surveys were completed, and among the findings, OFA researchers also uncovered a subsection of farm businesses that have a gas line on their road but no connection to the farm. These farmers cite significant up-front costs associated with paying to install the services as a major barrier to accessing the natural gas. For farms with lengthy laneways, connecting to existing gas lines can cost up to $20,000 or more, according to the OFA.
A summary of results of the survey can be found here.

May 21, 2013  By Top Crop Manager