PORTSMOUTH — Two nights ahead of a public hearing on a possible moratorium on new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island, the Town Council weighed in on the matter but took no formal action.

While the previous council had approved a resolution calling for a moratorium on new gas hookups, this panel may take a different stance judging by Monday’s discussion. 

The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB) will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Portsmouth Middle School Little Theatre Auditorium to gather public input on the idea of a moratorium on new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island.

The question emerged during hearings last year on Rhode Island Energy’s license to operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporization facility on Old Mill Lane, which was approved in August 2024. Some argued that pairing energy efficiency measures with a moratorium on new connections could reduce the risk of gas shortages and eventually eliminate the need for the LNG facility.

The EFSB has not made any decision and no formal moratorium proposal is on the table, but members said the issue remains open for consideration. Officials are weighing whether the potential benefits of limiting new gas hookups outweigh the impacts on residents, businesses, and the island’s economy.

While all are welcome to comment, the board is particularly interested in hearing from Aquidneck Island residents and business owners who would be directly affected. 

The R.I. Public Utilities Commission will be seeking input from town officials at a later date, according to Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Jr. “There’s no vote (by the council) being asked for,” he said.

Council President Keith Hamilton said he's against any moratorium on new gas hookups.

“On top of the list would be getting rid of the peak-shaving facility on Old Mill Lane,” Hamilton said. “To enable that, we would have to have a secondary (gas) pipeline onto this island, creating a loop so the system doesn’t starve from one side.

"That would also entail not having a moratorium because (that) would kind of hamstrings our residents in the fact that if somebody wants to get off of oil they can go to gas which is cleaner. And, as of right now, electricity rates in Rhode Island are too expensive and (this would help) our citizens who are struggling at this time.”

Council member David Reise agreed that an additional pipeline was the best long-term fix. 

“What they’ve got now is just a bandaid,” he said. “You’re not going to stop the growth of gas. If you want to open up a pizza shop or something, you can’t do it with a heat pump.”

Hamilton quipped in reply: “Unless you’ve got a good coal-fired oven — like Pepe’s. It’s the best pizza.”

The gas moratorium will be discussed in more depth at the Sept. 8 meeting, and the council is likely to take a vote on Sept. 22, Hamilton said.