Pennsylvania Utilities Ready for Winter: PUC Highlights Natural Gas Reliability and Preparedness

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released its 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports today from the major natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) of Pennsylvania, as well as a Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP). These reports together give details on how utilities across Pennsylvania are preparing to meet energy needs for consumers and maintain service that is reliable throughout the heating season that is upcoming and according to a release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here is some more information about these reports:

  • According to the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, total natural gas consumption across all sectors is forecast to increase by approximately 2.5% compared to last winter, with total demand expected to reach 240.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) – up from 234.7 Bcf last season. For residential consumers, home heating costs are expected to be only slightly higher – around 1% above last year – as anticipated colder temperatures are largely offset by lower commodity prices.
  • These reports complement the PUC’s broader efforts to strengthen energy reliability, promote affordability, and support coordination among utilities, state agencies, and emergency responders — ensuring Pennsylvania’s energy systems remain dependable, resilient, and ready to serve.

Ensuring Reliability and Safety

All NGDCs report that they are well-prepared to meet customer demand this winter, with sufficient supply, planning, and infrastructure in place to maintain service reliability and safety, even during periods of peak cold weather.

Utility highlights include:

  • UGI Utilities reported a 25% reduction in Class B (“in-progress”) leaks over the past three years, reflecting continued investment in system safety and integrity.
  • Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania expanded its Emergency Management team with the addition of a meteorologist, improving the utility’s real-time weather and climate analysis capabilities to support operational decisions.
  • PECO Energy and other NGDCs conducted a variety of internal and inter-agency emergency preparedness drills over the summer and fall to strengthen coordination and readiness for extreme weather conditions.

Protecting Core Customers During Peak Demand

Pennsylvania’s NGDCs emphasize that their highest priority remains service to core residential and critical-care customers. Utilities report that they do not anticipate any supply shortages affecting natural gas-fired electric generators this winter.

The complete 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from each of Pennsylvania’s major natural gas distribution companies are available on the PUC website:

You can also click on these seven links below to find them:

These reports, along with additional information about system reliability and consumer energy awareness, are available in the “Reliability” section of the PUC’s website.

Stay Safe, Warm, and Connected

As colder weather arrives, the PUC reminds residents struggling with energy costs to #CallUtilitiesNow — to discuss payment options, apply for customer assistance programs, and explore weatherization or energy-efficiency resources that can help manage winter bills.

More consumer resources are available at PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com, including energy-saving tips and information on shopping for electric and natural gas suppliers.