Press Release

PUC Introduces PAGasSwitch, Natural Gas Shopping Tool for PA Consumers

Published on 1/28/2013

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – As part of recent upgrades to its website, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) created PAGasSwitch, a natural gas shopping tool for Pennsylvania consumers.  PAGasSwitch is located on the PUC’s website, www.puc.pa.gov and will make it easier for Pennsylvania consumers to shop for a competitive natural gas supplier (NGS).

“When logging onto PAGasSwitch, you can see a list of the alternative suppliers to your natural gas distribution company, your traditional natural gas supplier and what prices they’re offering, in addition to the terms and conditions they’re setting as a part of their services,” said PUC Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner in a video news release. “It is a very user-friendly website and provides valuable information, so if you’re a natural gas user, I strongly encourage you to use it.”

PAGasSwitch enhances the information that is available to natural gas consumers by allowing consumers to compare the prices of their natural gas distribution company (NGDC) to the prices of NGSs that offer competitive gas supply in their service territory.  On PAGasSwitch, both NGSs and NGDCs have the ability to enter and edit their pricing information that will be displayed on the website. 

With PAGasSwitch, the PUC is working to make sure consumers have the tools at their fingertips to make an informed decision. The power is in the hand of consumers to shop for an NGS.  Just click and enter your zip code. Review the prices, products, terms and incentives from suppliers making offers in your area.  The power to switch natural gas suppliers gives you greater control over your natural gas bill.  PAGasSwitch is the source for answers on shopping.  The webpage also features fact sheets and a glossary of terms to guide consumers as they shop.

On June 22, 1999, the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act was signed into law. Now, all Pennsylvanians, even residential and small commercial customers, can choose who supplies their natural gas. Your choice can be based on price, services and incentives. Competitive offers from natural gas suppliers do not exist in all areas of Pennsylvania. In the past, you could not choose your NGS.  Your gas was supplied and delivered by the local natural gas distribution company (NGDC) serving your area. Now, you may have a choice. But regardless of whether or not you choose a new supplier, your local NGDC will continue to deliver the gas to your house, make repairs to its delivery system and respond to emergencies.

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 and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

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Contact:

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