Press Release

Pennsylvania Utilities Ready for Winter: PUC Highlights Natural Gas Reliability and Preparedness

Published on 11/18/2025

Filed under: Gas

Energy Association forecasts slightly higher usage and costs; utilities stress safety, system readiness, and priority for residential customers

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released its 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from the Commonwealth’s major natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs), along with a Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP). Together, these reports detail how utilities across the state are preparing to meet consumer energy needs and maintain reliable service throughout the upcoming heating season.

“Every winter tests the strength of our energy systems and our ability to work together to protect consumers,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “These reports reflect careful planning and coordination across Pennsylvania’s utilities, supported by the PUC’s ongoing focus on reliability, affordability, and communication. We appreciate the vigilance of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania and our utilities as we enter the colder months.”

According to the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, total natural gas consumption across all sectors is forecast to increase by approximately 2.5% compared to last winter, with total demand expected to reach 240.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) – up from 234.7 Bcf last season. For residential consumers, home heating costs are expected to be only slightly higher – around 1% above last year – as anticipated colder temperatures are largely offset by lower commodity prices.

These reports complement the PUC’s broader efforts to strengthen energy reliability, promote affordability, and support coordination among utilities, state agencies, and emergency responders — ensuring Pennsylvania’s energy systems remain dependable, resilient, and ready to serve.

Ensuring Reliability and Safety

All NGDCs report that they are well-prepared to meet customer demand this winter, with sufficient supply, planning, and infrastructure in place to maintain service reliability and safety, even during periods of peak cold weather.

Utility highlights include:

• UGI Utilities reported a 25% reduction in Class B (“in-progress”) leaks over the past three years, reflecting continued investment in system safety and integrity.
  
  
• Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania expanded its Emergency Management team with the addition of a meteorologist, improving the utility’s real-time weather and climate analysis capabilities to support operational decisions.
  
  
• PECO Energy and other NGDCs conducted a variety of internal and inter-agency emergency preparedness drills over the summer and fall to strengthen coordination and readiness for extreme weather conditions.

“Reliable natural gas service is vital for families, businesses, and communities across the Commonwealth,” added Chairman DeFrank. “We thank our utilities for their readiness efforts and remind Pennsylvanians that staying safe and warm this winter also means being aware of energy use and seeking help early if they experience payment challenges.”

Protecting Core Customers During Peak Demand

Pennsylvania’s NGDCs emphasize that their highest priority remains service to core residential and critical-care customers. Utilities report that they do not anticipate any supply shortages affecting natural gas-fired electric generators this winter.

The complete 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from each of Pennsylvania’s major natural gas distribution companies are available on the PUC website:

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

These reports, along with additional information about system reliability and consumer energy awareness, are available in the “Reliability” section of the PUC’s website.

Stay Safe, Warm, and Connected

As colder weather arrives, the PUC reminds residents struggling with energy costs to #CallUtilitiesNow — to discuss payment options, apply for customer assistance programs, and explore weatherization or energy-efficiency resources that can help manage winter bills.

More consumer resources are available at PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com, including energy-saving tips and information on shopping for electric and natural gas suppliers.

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 puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, 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
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov