A deadline imposed by Vermont Gas Systems Inc. could potentially threaten the future of the company's 41-mile natural gas pipeline.
The deadline is part of the company's memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Service.
The Rutland Herald reports Vermont Gas' agreement with the department limits the cost of the Addison County Natural Gas Pipeline to ratepayers at $134 million. The overall cost is about $154 million.
Officials say the Public Service Board granted the company a certificate of public good in 2014, when the project cost $86 million.
If the board doesn't decide by Jan. 8 whether the certificate will stand, the MOU and the ratepayer cost cap would be void, leaving taxpayers to potentially foot the entire bill.
The first hearing is scheduled for Dec. 1.
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