Press Release

PUC Releases Winter Reliability Overview Reports from Natural Gas Distribution Companies

Published on 11/3/2017

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released 2017 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.

“Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of utility systems is a top priority, especially as winter approaches,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown.  “These reports detail the steps being taken by natural gas distribution companies under the PUC’s jurisdiction to prepare for extreme cold and severe winter conditions.”

The winter readiness overviews are posted on the “Reliability” section of the PUC website, and can be viewed using the following links:

Columbia Gas of PA

National Fuel Gas

PECO Energy

Peoples Natural Gas & Peoples Gas

Philadelphia Gas Works

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

Energy Association of PA

In addition to promoting preparedness by utilities, the Commission also encourages consumers to take steps now to ready themselves for colder temperatures and higher energy demands. 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, and use the PUC’s PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com websites as resources to shop for services and learn more about conservation and energy efficiency.

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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Contact:

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