URGENT MESSAGE FOR EASTGATE NEIGHBORHOOD
AN UPDATE ON THE CITY GAS EXTENSION SURVEY
The Eastgate Neighborhood Association has been working on getting natural gas lines in our community for a year and half. I would like to update you on the progress. The survey is to determine the economic feasibility of a natural gas main extension project. The survey process is to weigh potential revenue against the construction cost in order to recover the City’s investment within seven years. Eastgate needs fifty-seven more "yes to gas" Extension Surveys returned, indicating "water heater and furnace" conversions for the extension to be feasible. In other words, affirmative responses to questions #5 and #6 on the questionnaire are critical before the extension will be approved. If you have not been contacted to complete this form, please complete the form on ENA’s web-site at www.freenet.tlh.fl.net/~eastgate/.
There are many reasons for you as a homeowner to be interested in this gas extension project: 1) gas homes appraise higher than electric homes because gas is the preferred utility; 2) though gas prices have risen, it is still 39% cheaper than propane or electricity; 3) the City’s 5% Residential Energy Efficiency Loan and $450 Natural Gas Water Heater Grant can help in the conversion cost and replacement of your appliances; 4) gas heat is warmer heat, 125 degrees coming from the vent vs. only 90 degrees from a heat pump, and 78 degrees when in the defrost stage; 5) gas furnaces last longer, about 30 years or more vs. the life expectancy of a heat pump which is only 10 to 13 years; 6) gas water heaters recover 1 ˝ times faster, you will never run out of hot water; and 7) you can still cook and have hot water during electric power outages.
Should this main extension be approved, the gas mains will be bored underground and the gas main installation will have minimal impact along the road right-of-way. The Natural Gas Extension Survey Form states that you would consider connecting to the City’s natural gas system when an appliance needs to be replaced in your home. Although this is not a contractual commitment, the accuracy of your answers will hopefully insure a win-win situation for both the City and our neighborhood. Please take the time to complete this Natural Gas Extension Survey Form and fax to Wanda Eberhart at 850/488-4445 as soon as possible.