Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

In the near future, I plan to re-introduce the Pennsylvania Natural Gas Expansion and Development Initiative, which will facilitate the expansion, distribution and use of low-cost, energy efficient, Pennsylvania-produced natural gas. Being able to fully utilize this commodity will reduce costs and be environmentally beneficial across the Commonwealth.

We have an abundant natural resource beneath us, which can be used to help consumers lower their energy heating costs. There is also widespread interest in seeing locally produced natural gas used locally to benefit every Pennsylvanian.

The legislation, Senate Bill 214 of last session, will:
 
 

• Encourage the use of natural gas to assure that natural gas energy is accessible to Pennsylvanians;

 
 

• Require each natural gas distribution utility to submit a distribution system extension and expansion plan to the PUC for review to ensure each utility is continuing to expand access throughout Pennsylvania.

 
 

• Require the Public Utility Commission to develop rules to produce an orderly system for reviewing current levels of natural gas service and to allow for the orderly expansion of natural gas service to areas not currently served;

 
 

• Requires the natural gas distribution utilities to provide residential, commercial and industrial customers with a reasonable period of time, which shall not be less than 10 years, for the customer to reimburse the utility for the customer contribution and commission-authorized costs.

 
 

• Requires the natural gas distribution utility to provide a bona fide request program in areas where it does not provide service and to provide for the priority of projects where there is a large aggregation of residential, commercial or industrial entities.

Thank you for you consideration.