Press Release

PUC Approves Steam Heat Expansion Project in Pittsburgh

Published on 12/22/2016

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an application by NRG Energy Center Pittsburgh LLC (NRGP) to expand its service territory for steam, hot water and chilled water service into portions of Pittsburgh’s Uptown Corridor.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience for the expanded service territory, necessary in order for NRGP to provide heating and cooling services to UPMC Mercy, the main hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

According to the application submitted by NRGP, the Uptown Corridor plant will initially provide service to UPMC but will have sufficient capacity to provide service to some of UPMC’s existing neighbors and future tenants on a 28 acre site that the Pittsburgh Penguins are developing nearby. According to the company, the expansion project will increase energy and water efficiency for both existing and new buildings and provide stronger platforms for incorporating combined heat and power and renewable energy sources.

NRGP currently provides steam, hot water and chilled water service to customers in Pittsburgh’s 21st and 22nd wards, including approximately 35 different buildings covering 6.3 million square feet of space.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.: A-2016-2570927

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov