Pennsylvania natural gas consumers scored big in savings last year to the tune of $1.8 billion compared to 2022, with those relying on gas for home essentials like heating, cooking and electricity realizing hundreds of millions of dollars in reduced costs.
Inflationary pains remain one of the most pressing issues impacting the average American, but in Pennsylvania – where more than half of all households rely on natural gas for home heating – residential natural gas consumers saved upwards of $665 million due to the drop in natural gas prices between 2022-2023, an analysis of state Public Utility Commission (PUC) data from the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) shows.
“Thanks to the abundance and affordability of natural gas, the average annual savings to consumers in Pennsylvania is between $1100 and $2200 in energy costs…This is a consumer benefit realized by all Pennsylvanians but is most beneficial to lower income individuals and families,” MSC President Dave Callahan testified before the PA House Republican Policy Committee last year.
These consumer-focused findings come at the heels of a recent health savings analysis showing improved air quality from the use of natural gas in the power generation sector delivered between $450 billion to $1.04 trillion in public health benefits to Pennsylvania residents.
Pennsylvania is also one of very few states with a robust competitive energy marketplace, where customers have the ability to compare prices and terms to identify the right energy suppliers to meet their unique needs.
As inflation causes significant budgetary challenges for households across the country, Pennsylvania is helping provide a key advantage in the form of low-cost natural gas.
Unfortunately, not all Americans are reaping the same fiscal benefits of energy choice. From state capitals and city halls all the way to Congress and the White House, some policymakers (ignoring the preferences of their own constituencies) are actively seeking to restrict if not eliminate the use of natural gas in households and businesses.
Preserving energy choice is paramount to maintaining affordable and reliable energy access. The U.S. Department of Energy states electricity and other residential fuels are ~3.4 times more expensive than natural gas, reinforcing the argument that energy choice and diversity of resources is the best option for consumers.
“Natural gas has been one of the primary drivers for achieving environmental progress, and any ban on this foundation fuel will saddle consumers with significant costs for little environmental gain,” American Gas Association President & CEO Karen Harbert said. “The natural gas industry has led the way in reducing our nation’s emissions, and we will continue to innovate and advance technologies to help ensure Americans have access to the efficient and reliable energy they need and expect.”
“Our domestic natural gas resources are providing significant benefits for Pennsylvanians,” said David Callahan. “Whether it is enhancing energy reliability, improving air quality, strengthening our national security or helping Pennsylvania families balance their checkbooks, the benefits of responsible shale gas development could not be clearer.”
