Press Release

Pennsylvania Utilities Prepare for Winter: PUC Highlights Natural Gas Reliability and Planning

Published on 12/6/2024

Filed under: Gas

Residential Heating Costs Expected to Stay Relatively Stable as Utilities Emphasize Reliability and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has released its 2024 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from Pennsylvania’s major natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs), along with a Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP). These reports provide key insights into the utilities’ readiness to meet the energy needs of residential and business customers during the upcoming heating season.

According to EAP, total natural gas consumption across all sectors is forecast to decrease by 1.8% compared to last winter, with demand expected to fall to 234.7 billion cubic feet (Bcf), as compared to the 238.9 Bcf forecast for the prior heating season. For residential consumers, the energy association projects that home heating costs will be slightly higher—approximately 1% more than last winter.

Key Highlights for 2024

• Enhanced System Readiness: All NGDCs reported sufficient supplies and detailed plans to ensure reliable service throughout the winter. UGI Utilities noted a 25% reduction in Class B leaks—classified as "in-progress" leaks—over the past three years, underscoring ongoing infrastructure improvements.
  
  
• Emergency Preparedness Drills: NGDCs highlighted a variety of internal readiness exercises conducted ahead of the winter heating season. PECO emphasized its summer emergency preparedness drills designed to ensure smooth operations during potential extreme weather events.
  
  
• Demand for Natural Gas Electric Generators: NGDCs affirmed their ability to meet the needs of natural gas-fired electric generators this winter, assuming there are no significant disruptions to the interstate natural gas supply. NGDCs emphasized having communication and coordination plans in place for any affected customers in such scenarios.
  
  

Continued Reliability and Consumer Focus

The Winter Reliability Overview Reports detail preparations taken by Pennsylvania’s natural gas utilities – addressing key factors that may influence service reliability, supply, and prices, including system maintenance, employee training, communication outreach, gas supply planning, and anticipated demand for natural gas.

The complete Winter Reliability Overview Reports for 2024 for each natural gas utility are available using the following links:

• Columbia Gas of PA
• National Fuel Gas
• PECO Energy
• Peoples Natural Gas & Peoples Gas
• Philadelphia Gas Works
• UGI Utilities – Gas Division
• Energy Association of PA

Those reports and other related information are also posted on the “Reliability” section of the PUC website.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

# # #

Contact:

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