The Public Utility Commission held its annual Winter Reliability Assessment Meeting Thursday where presenters reported that natural gas companies across Pennsylvania are prepared for this winter. 

"This is a great opportunity to assess the utility capacities and supply as we head into a winter season for consumers, and making sure there is adequate supply and distribution into the system," said Vice Chairman John F. Coleman, Jr. in a video news release.

The presenters discussed the various conditions that may affect supply, price and service reliability of natural gas this winter.

Terrance J. Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, said that their members are members are well prepared to accommodate the conditions forecasted in their winter season planning design.

Ronald Bradley, vice president – gas for PECO Energy Co., discussed information on the company’s winter preparations, as well as its natural gas supply.

Robert Krieger, vice president of operations for UGI Utilities Inc., noted that safety and reliability are core values at UGI, and that their system design is safe and prepared to meet customers’ needs, particularly in the winter months.

Spectra Energy Transmission LLC’s Robert G. Riga added that integrity and other maintenance projects are being completed and that his company is prepared to meet the demands of the season.

Joseph L. Hartz, vice president of supply and operations for UGI Energy Services Inc., said propane stocks for the central Atlantic and U.S. in general are in good shape to meet potential supply disruptions or demand increases this winter.

In his presentation, Bruce Ruhlin, managing director of gas control for NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage, noted that Marcellus Shale growth gives customers more supply options.

Presentations can be viewed by selecting the links below:

-- PECO Energy - Gas

-- UGI Energy Services Inc.

-- Energy Association of Pennsylvania

-- Spectra Energy

-- UGI Utilities Inc.

-- NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage

11/12/2012