Hermiston exploring city-owned natural gas

HERMISTON -- The city of Hermiston has voted to start a city-owned natural gas utility to run a line for industrial development south of the fast-growing city.

Officials said the action Monday by the city council is a first step and could easily be reversed. It authorizes staffers to retain experts for a feasibility study.

East Oregonian reported that the city was startled to learn this spring from the regional utility company, Cascade Natural Gas, that a pipeline for the expanded DuPont Pioneer seed plant would cost $2.3 million, about five times the estimate two years ago.

A city utility adviser said an independent study supports the estimate. But the adviser said it might be worthwhile for the city to look into owning the line and reaping any profits.

This story was originally published August 26, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Hermiston exploring city-owned natural gas ."