Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC) recently approved PECO’s plan to expand natural gas service to meet growing customer demand.
“We continue to find new and innovative ways to provide safe and reliable energy solutions to our customers. Expanding natural gas service is part of those efforts,” said Craig Adams, PECO president and CEO. “With natural gas prices at their lowest point in years, this plan will help to meet the increased demand for natural gas service and provide cost-effective ways for more customers to take advantage of the many benefits of natural gas.”
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The plan, which was filed in November 2014, includes a change in how the customer credit is determined to reduce the upfront cost of establishing natural gas service for customers. Customers will now receive a larger credit based on their natural gas usage. This expanded credit became available to customers beginning October 5.
A pilot program to reduce the cost of extending natural gas mains to neighborhoods where natural gas is not currently available will begin in early 2016. Customers can learn more about the program here.
In recent times customers have saved money due to lower natural gas prices. Today, average customers are paying about 50 percent less for natural gas than they did in 2008, according to a PECO release. Lower natural gas prices also have reduced the cost of electric generation – saving residential PECO natural gas and electric customers about $1,000 a year.
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“Today’s action is another in a series of positive steps designed to afford Pennsylvania citizens every reasonable opportunity to avail themselves of the numerous benefits of natural gas,” said Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner Pamela Witmer in October when the plan was approved. “I reiterate my enthusiastic support for these proposals, and I continue to challenge other natural gas distribution companies to consider ways in which they can bring this homegrown fuel source to more Pennsylvania consumers.”
