BRUNSWICK — Maine’s Bureau of General Services recently selected Maine Natural Gas (MNG) to deliver natural gas via pipeline to 19 of its 25 facilities in the Augusta area for the next 10 years. These facilities will consume more than 87 percent of the gas load used by the state in Augusta.

“We are pleased the state selected Maine Natural Gas to deliver energy to their facilities in Augusta for the next 10 years,” said Bob Kump, CEO of Iberdrola USA, parent company of Maine Natural Gas. “It’s a strong validation of our business model and our commitment to safely deliver affordable natural gas to the residents, businesses and institutions of Augusta and across Maine.”

Although the award decision is subject to the final approval of the State Procurement Review Committee, Maine Natural Gas expects to begin contract discussions with the BGS immediately since the state plans to begin receiving natural gas at some Augusta facilities by Nov. 1.

Maine Natural Gas has completed 99 percent of its 21.4-mile Augusta “backbone” pipeline and expects to energize that line and be ready to start natural gas delivery to its first Augusta customers by the end of this month.

Not counting the state facilities, MNG has signed up more than 215 Augusta area customers, including the new MaineGeneral Medical Center and the University of Maine at Augusta — who will start receiving the benefits of natural gas before the end of this year.

The Maine Natural Gas pipeline construction project in Augusta has created jobs for approximately 225 workers from 15 Maine companies, and will save Augusta customers millions of dollars in heating costs over its lifetime. Maine Natural Gas continues to sign up customers in the Augusta area.