Press Release

PUC OKs Company to Provide Natural Gas Utility Service to Customers in Northern Susquehanna County

Published on 9/27/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an application by Leatherstocking Gas Co. (Leatherstocking) to provide natural gas utility service to customers in northern Susquehanna County.

“I believe that Leatherstocking is the first new local distribution gas company to begin providing service in Pennsylvania in decades,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson in a statement. “Residents in Susquehanna County will be able to save thousands of dollars a year by switching from high-cost heating sources such as fuel oil and propane to lower-cost natural gas.  Further, the areas receiving this service will also have a new economic development tool to keep current, and attract new, businesses.”

In a statement, Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner took this opportunity to “notify Leatherstocking, and remind our existing small gas companies, of the Commission’s Small Gas Task Force. The Task Force utilizes representatives from across the Commission to assist our small gas utilities to navigate the Commission’s myriad compliance and reporting requirements.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the company’s application, which said its primary purpose is to construct, build, own and operate natural gas distribution and transportation facilities and to provide distribution and transportation services to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

According to the application, Leatherstocking proposes to build out its Pennsylvania facilities over a five-year period, completing efforts in 2017.  The company plans to obtain local or Marcellus Shale gas supply.

The company is permitted to provide service in Bridgewater, Forest Lake, Great Bend, Harmony, New Milford, and Oakland townships and in Great Bend, Hallstead, Lanesboro, Montrose, New Milford, Oakland and Susquehanna boroughs.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

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Docket No. A-2011-2275595

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov