Winter is officially here with parts of the Northeast seeing temperatures drop to single digits. While many of us simply turn up the thermostat to combat the cold, few know the difficult and delicate task of maintaining a reliable electric grid and natural gas distribution system during winter’s frostiest days. The frigid weather is a reminder that without Pennsylvania’s abundant and reliable natural gas, millions of Pennsylvanians would be at risk of freezing in the dark.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently released its 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Report confirming the Commonwealth’s energy systems are ready for the months ahead – thanks in large part to natural gas.

As the dominant fuel for heating and electricity generation in Pennsylvania, clean-burning American natural gas ensures reliability during peak winter demand.

Natural Gas Delivers

“Reliable natural gas service is vital for families, businesses, and communities across the Commonwealth,” PUC chairman Steve DeFrank said. The PUC notes that:

  • Total natural gas use will increase by 2.5% compared to last winter
  • Total demand is expected to reach 240.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf), up 2.5% from last season

Strong Production Keeps Energy Affordable

Pennsylvania is the second largest natural gas producer in the country, and sits in the Appalachian Basin – America’s top shale gas producing region – which continues to deliver consumer benefits:

  • Natural gas production increased by 5.1% and new wells increased by 84.1% this year
  • Natural gas has kept wholesale electricity rates stable over the past decade
  • Pennsylvania’s natural gas abundance saved consumers nearly $10 billion in 2024

Although many factors impact consumer energy costs, natural gas consistently remains the most affordable and reliable heating option for most homes.

Built for Reliability

The natural gas industry continues to invest year-round to ensure facilities are ready for severe winter weather. The MSC’s Winterization Recommended Practices helps guide operators through the toughest conditions.

Key winterization measures include:

  • Training workers for extreme cold and providing proper protective clothing
  • Routine maintenance and inspections to prevent freezing or mechanical issues at upstream and midstream facilities
  • Using backup power systems and weather-proofing critical equipment
  • Keeping walkways and work areas clear of ice and snow to prevent slips and hazards
  • Maintaining clear communication plans to coordinate operations

These preparations ensure natural gas moves safely to consumers even during severe winter temperatures and storms.

Natural Gas in Action

Nearly two years ago, Winter Storm Elliott proved why natural gas is essential for reliability. Despite historic demand and PJM’s underestimated forecasts, Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas resources ensured no consumers went without power:

  • Natural gas fueled more electricity than any other source during the storm
  • Nearly 57% of households rely on natural gas and propane and these 7.3 million residents experienced no outages
  • Pennsylvania exported electricity to neighboring markets facing shortages
  • Over 5,000 MW were delivered to the Tennessee Valley Authority alone

Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas, strong and growing infrastructure, and commitment to safety gives consumers confidence heading into winter. Lessons from Winter Storm Elliott underscore the importance of expanding development and modernizing infrastructure to further strengthen reliability as well as affordability.

According to the American Gas Association, one new natural gas consumer is added every minute. And there’s a reason why consumers are making this important choice. Natural gas is essential to keep our homes warm, our businesses operating, and our communities safe when it matters most.