Opinion Editorial: Connecticut Cannot Afford to Delay the Southeast Resiliency Project

As President of the Eastern Chamber of Commerce, I have the privilege—and the responsibility—of advocating for the people and businesses that power Eastern Connecticut’s economy. In our region, in addition to many small businesses, there are major economic, educational and national security interests, including General Dynamics Electric Boat, Pfizer, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mohegan Sun, the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, the Coast Guard Academy and Connecticut College, all of which are dependent on reliable energy to survive and thrive.

This winter has made one thing unmistakably clear: our region’s energy security can no longer be taken for granted.

January 2026 delivered the coldest sustained temperatures Connecticut has seen in over a decade. Average temperatures ran 10.5 percent colder than recent winters, with multiple days plunging into single digits and wind chills well below zero. During the coldest stretch, natural gas demand surged to levels typically seen only during extreme weather events. Heating needs spiked, and New England’s electric grid—heavily dependent on natural gas for power generation—was pushed to its limits.

The natural gas system upon which so many depend did not fail. But we would be making a grave mistake to assume that past performance guarantees future security.

A System Long in Need of Reinforcement

For decades, this region has relied on a single natural gas pipeline to serve homes, businesses, and critical institutions. That lack of redundancy has always carried risk: a single point of failure could disrupt heat, power generation, and industrial operations across southeastern Connecticut.

Recognizing this vulnerability, Eversource received approval several years ago to modernize its infrastructure, upgrading the system and increasing transmission capability from one supply source to three. Over the past five years, the company has completed over 31 miles of the 34.5-mile upgrade (over 90%) known as the Southeast Resiliency Project.

The final three miles include a small section (less than a mile in length) within Hurd State Park that requires a modification to an easement previously granted to the Connecticut Light and Power Co., to allow gas pipeline to be installed within the easement.

Unfortunately, the easement process has been stalled by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP has broken precedent and decided to require a review under with the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) for this modification.

While protecting our environment and our parks is critical, there are other permitting processes and government oversight that will accomplish this without the significant delay caused by CEPA review. This decision, within the discretion of DEEP and not required, will dangerously delay the full redundancy the project was designed to provide, even as extreme weather and rising demand underscore how urgently it is needed.

Redundancy Is Not a Luxury—It Is a Necessity

On the coldest days of the year, when demand peaks and system pressure tightens, Connecticut relies on a resilient natural gas network capable of moving energy where it is needed most. That requires redundancy—the ability for gas to flow in multiple directions if pressure drops or if a single segment of the system is compromised.

Completing the Southeast Resiliency Project will finally deliver that redundancy to the businesses and residents in the region.

A Call for Swift, Responsible Action

I urge DEEP to prioritize the completion of this project and recognize its essential role in safeguarding the well-being of Southeastern Connecticut. The remaining work in Hurd State Park should be approached with thoughtful environmental consideration—but also with the urgency that energy security demands.

The record-cold winter of 2026 was a warning. We cannot wait for a crisis to expose the vulnerabilities we already know exist. The Southeast Resiliency Project is not simply an infrastructure upgrade; it is a commitment to the people, businesses, and national assets that depend on reliable energy every single day.

Connecticut’s future strength depends on the decisions we make now. Let’s finish the job.