The Public Utility Commission this week held its annual Winter Reliability Assessment meeting and heard indications that natural gas prices were nearly 25 percent lower this year than last.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Duke Energy Gas Transmission, the Independent Oil & Gas Association of Pennsylvania and the Department of Public Welfare advised the PUC that they are prepared to serve utility customers and assist them for the upcoming winter.

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

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania said the state's natural gas distribution companies are seeing natural gas prices that are nearly 25 percent lower than last year. The NGDCs are working to identify supply resources necessary to preserve service reliability at anticipated levels of demand.

Columbia Gas reported that Columbia will have sufficient supplies to meet demand this winter and is seeing prices lower than last year's prices and similar so far to prices in the 2004-05 winter heating season.

Duke Energy Gas Transmission, an interstate pipeline, informed the PUC that its storage inventories are above average this year and that will ensure reliable service for Pennsylvania customers.

The Independent Oil & Gas Association of Pennsylvania said there will be adequate levels of supply this year, because of record drilling levels over the past two years and the significant efforts of two Western Pennsylvania utilities to increase local gas production.

According to AmeriGas, the U.S. overall inventory of winter propane supply is at the second highest level since 1993. Pennsylvania’s propane inventories are at seasonal levels.

The Department of Public Welfare presented the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program program’s plans for assisting Pennsylvania consumers this winter. The opening day for consumers to apply for LIHEAP grants was on November 6, and the program will close on March 22, 2007.

For tips on saving energy this winter, visit the “Prepare Now for Winter Gas Prices” webpage.

11/10/2006