Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Christopher Hailstone, a seasoned expert in energy management and renewable energy, with a deep focus on electricity delivery and grid reliability. As our go-to utilities specialist, Christopher brings a wealth of knowledge about the complexities of natural gas infrastructure and energy policy. In this interview, we dive into the latest developments surrounding the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, National Grid’s role in New York’s energy landscape, and the broader challenges of balancing reliability, environmental concerns, and political dynamics in the energy sector.
Can you walk us through what the New York Public Service Commission is asking National Grid to do regarding the NESE pipeline?
Certainly. The NYPSC is pushing National Grid to come up with detailed plans on how they’ll manage natural gas supplies depending on whether the NESE pipeline moves forward or not. If the pipeline gets built, they want a clear picture of how National Grid will integrate this new supply source into their operations. If it doesn’t happen, the focus shifts to addressing reliability risks—basically, how they’ll ensure there’s enough gas to meet demand without this additional capacity. It’s all about forward-thinking and contingency planning to keep the system stable.
How significant is National Grid’s presence in New York’s natural gas network?
National Grid is a major player in New York. Their three utilities—Brooklyn Union Gas, KeySpan Gas East, and Niagara Mohawk Power—serve around 2.5 million gas customers. That makes them the largest natural gas delivery system in the state. Their footprint is massive, and any decisions or challenges they face ripple out to a huge portion of New York’s population, which is why their planning and reliability strategies are under such scrutiny.
What’s the history behind the NESE pipeline project, and why has it been so controversial?
The NESE pipeline, proposed by Williams Cos’ Transco unit, is designed to boost gas supplies from Pennsylvania into New Jersey and New York. The first attempt to build it was scrapped in 2024, largely because of strong pushback from environmental regulators in both states. They had concerns about ecological impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. Earlier this year, though, the project resurfaced with renewed interest and some political backing, which has shifted the conversation. It’s a classic case of energy needs clashing with environmental priorities, and that tension keeps it in the spotlight.
How does the NESE pipeline tie into broader political or energy deals in the region?
There’s a fascinating web of connections here. NESE, along with another proposed project called the Constitution Pipeline, has been linked to a larger agreement involving the Trump administration and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Part of this deal included lifting a federal stop-work order on the Empire Wind offshore wind project. While Hochul hasn’t explicitly endorsed these gas pipelines, she’s signaled that New York will collaborate on projects that align with state legal standards. It’s a delicate balancing act—supporting renewable energy while navigating the realities of gas infrastructure needs.
What are some of the major concerns about natural gas reliability in New York if projects like NESE don’t come to fruition?
Reliability is a big worry for the NYPSC, especially if NESE doesn’t get built. Without additional pipeline capacity, there’s a risk of supply shortages during peak demand periods, like harsh winters. New York’s gas demand is high, and existing infrastructure is often stretched thin. National Grid would need to optimize their current sources—potentially leaning more on local storage, alternative suppliers, or demand-side management strategies like energy efficiency programs—to avoid disruptions. It’s a complex puzzle, and reliability is the piece everyone’s focused on.
What kinds of hurdles do projects like NESE typically face when seeking approval?
These projects often run into a wall of opposition, especially from environmental regulators and advocacy groups. For NESE, the initial rejection in 2024 came down to concerns over water quality, habitat disruption, and carbon emissions—issues that regulators in New York and New Jersey took very seriously. Even with renewed interest, those concerns haven’t disappeared. The challenge is proving that the project can meet strict environmental standards while still addressing energy needs. It’s an uphill battle, and public opinion often plays a big role too.
How do you think this situation with NESE and National Grid might impact energy customers in New York?
For customers, this could go a few ways. If NESE gets built, it might help stabilize gas supply and potentially keep costs from spiking during high-demand periods. But if it doesn’t happen, and reliability becomes an issue, customers could face higher bills due to supply constraints or emergency measures. There’s also the broader impact of policy decisions—balancing gas infrastructure with the push for renewables could shape what energy mix customers rely on in the future. It’s not just about today’s bill; it’s about long-term access and affordability.
What’s your forecast for the future of natural gas infrastructure projects like NESE in New York, given the current landscape?
I think we’re at a crossroads. On one hand, the need for reliable energy supply isn’t going away, especially in a state like New York with intense demand. Projects like NESE could play a critical role in bridging that gap. On the other hand, the environmental and regulatory hurdles are only getting tougher as the state pushes toward cleaner energy goals. My forecast is that we’ll see more hybrid solutions—projects that pair gas infrastructure with renewable initiatives to satisfy both reliability and sustainability demands. But it’s going to require a lot of collaboration between policymakers, utilities, and communities to get there.
