Press Release

PUC Releases Winter Reliability Overview Reports from Natural Gas Distribution Companies

Published on 11/22/2016

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released 2016 Winter Reliability Overview reports from the state’s major natural gas distribution companies along with a related Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania.

The reports provide insights regarding preparations for conditions that may affect service reliability, supply and prices for the winter months, including topics such as system readiness; employee safety/readiness; communications outreach; gas supply and planning; and natural gas demand for electric generators.

“With winter fast approaching, at the top of our state’s preparedness list is ensuring the reliability and safety of our utilities’ distribution systems,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown.  “These reports enable the public to see the steps taken, and the level of preparedness achieved, by their utilities in maintaining safe and reliable service to homes and business across our Commonwealth in the event of extreme cold and severe winter weather conditions.”

The winter readiness overviews can be found on the PUC’s website at the following links: 

Columbia Gas of PA

National Fuel Gas

PECO Energy

Peoples Natural Gas & Peoples TWP

Philadelphia Gas Works

UGI Utilities/UGI Penn Natural Gas/UGI Central Penn Gas

Energy Association of PA

Consumers also are reminded to prepare now for higher bills associated with winter heating.  The PUC’s Prepare Now campaign educates consumers about the availability of low-income programs; increases consumer awareness of ways to reduce winter heating costs; and educates consumers on energy conservation.  It also encourages consumers to check electric and natural gas bills and supplier contracts, while informing consumers about PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com as resources to shop for services.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov