The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved two applications that will supply natural gas to previously unserved portions of Susquehanna and Wayne counties.

“I believe we have a duty to bring the economic opportunity this resource represents to each and every Pennsylvanian who wants afford themselves of this benefit,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer in a statement. ‘Approval of these expansions today represents another positive step in that direction.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the application by Leatherstocking Gas Co. to provide natural gas service to customers in Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, including the Elk Lake School District.

Leatherstocking currently has a PUC license to provide service to 13 other municipalities in Susquehanna County. According to the application, the approval will bring natural gas service to an area that would otherwise be without service.

In separate action, the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the application by UGI Penn Natural Gas to provide natural gas service to the State Correctional Institution at Waymart, Canaan Township, Wayne County.

UGI PNG currently provides service to more than 164,000 customers in 13 counties in eastern and central Pennsylvania. According to the application, the approval will increase the likelihood that natural gas service will become more broadly available in Canaan Township.

NewsClip: Natural Gas Heating Service To Begin In Dimock

5/26/2014