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Natural Gas Industry Subject Of House Consumer Affairs Committee Meeting

The House Consumer Affairs Committee this week held an information meeting on the natural gas industry, hearing testimony from each part of the industry from natural gas distribution to Marcellus Shale drilling companies.
           Teresa Ringenbach, Midwest for Direct Energy and the Retail Energy Supply Association, provided an overview of competitive natural gas suppliers.
            Terrance Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Energy Association of PA, explained the natural gas distribution companies and their part in getting natural gas to customers.
            Peter Trufahnestock, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Consultant for Philadelphia Gas Works, said PGW is no longer on the brink of disaster and attributed this progress to continuing efficiency improvements, improved collections and good relations with their union.
            Barbara Sexton, Chesapeake Energy Corporation and David Callahan, Marcellus Shale Coalition, presented their comments jointly on behalf of the Coalition.  They provided an in-depth review of the drilling process and the future prospects of the Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania.
            Rolf Hanson, Associated Petroleum Industries of PA, provided a detailed review of the standards development process used to regulate all portions of the industry.
            William Lucas, Equitable Gas Company, discussed the benefits of increasing the number of natural gas vehicles in the state and the progress Equitable is making in converting vehicles in Western Pennsylvania.
            Matthew Sommer, Vice President of Natural Gas and Electricity for Shipley Energy, talked about the need to expand competition in the state saying these efforts have saved their customers in excess of $1 million.  In spite of this success, Sommer, said only 7.6 percent of residential customers are currently being served by alternative supplier.
            In addition to these presenters, Louis D'Amico, PA Independent Oil and Gas Association, provided written comments to the Committee. 
            Rep. Bob Godshall (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep. Joseph Preston (D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair.


3/14/2011

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