Nassau changes gas providers, saves $7.5M

Nassau County’s decision to change natural gas providers last year will save taxpayers $7.5 million, according to County Executive Edward Mangano.

In August 2010, Nassau ended a long-standing service agreement with National Grid to provide county sewage treatment facilities and the water treatment plants with natural gas service, switching to Hess Corp., an energy service company based in Woodbridge, N.J.

The county will achieve the savings from September 2010 through August 2012.

“My administration is constantly seeking new ways to save tax dollars and this agreement does just that,” Mangano said in a statement. “Nassau County has saved $7.5 million due to this agreement. By taking advantage of the competitive market, this November the County will be paying the lowest cost for natural gas in over a decade.”

Mangano spokeswoman Katie Grilli-Robles said the county ended its contract with National Grid, the only service provider it has ever had, “in an effort to save taxpayer dollars.”