ECHO Action EditorJan 27, 20163 minKinder Morgan’s Northeast Energy Direct pipeline’s $5.2 billion construction cost should be funded bKinder Morgan’s Northeast Energy Direct pipeline’s $5.2 billion construction cost should be funded by private investors, not the public. Two years ago, the Governors of the six New England states called on the operators of the New England regional power grid to impose a new tariff on electricity generators and transmission companies which would be passed along to consumers on their electric bills to pay for natural gas pipeline construction. In deciding to guarantee funding,