Posted: | June 19, 2014 12:24 PM |
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From: | Representative Warren Kampf |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Natural Gas Line Extension Legislation |
I have heard from many constituents who do not have natural gas service to their homes even though the service is available in nearby neighborhoods. The availability of low cost natural gas supply has increased the demand for gas distribution line extensions among residential consumers. In an effort to address this issue, I will be introducing legislation to amend Title 66 (Public Utilities) to require natural gas utilities to file a plan with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) proposing a pilot or permanent program to economically extend natural gas distribution service to unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth. The plan filed by each natural gas distribution company must contain a program to enhance the affordability of natural gas line extensions to consumers, including on-bill financing options (financing period of five years). Additionally, each plan must contain a cost-benefit test to determine if customer contributions are required, the methodology used to calculate required customer contributions and a process for prioritizing gas line extension projects. My legislation seeks to make natural gas line extension projects more affordable to consumers; but also recognizes that these projects will require substantial investment by natural gas utilities and that other ratepayers should not bear the cost of the extensions.. I ask you to join me in sponsoring this common sense legislation that will have a positive impact to Citizens across the entire Commonwealth. |
Introduced as HB2393