American Gas - December 2013/January 2014 - (Page 18)

gas market. Then the PUC's Office of Competitive Markets Oversight will review the responses and make recommendations on ways to increase competition in 2014. The commission opened a similar investigation in 2004. It concluded the following year that "effective competition" did not exist in the retail natural gas supply market statewide. The state has since eased financial security requirements for competitive suppliers. It has also made it easier for consumers to compare prices among suppliers. The number of licensed alternative suppliers has increased to about 135 today from 82 in 2005, and the participation rate has increased by nearly 6 percentage points from 7 percent in 2005. In 2008-the last year for which the Energy Information Agency issued statistics-the national average participation rate in residential natural gas choice programs was 14.7 percent. In New York State, which also has statewide natural gas competition, the participation rate was 16 percent. But Witmer said the PUC expected that more robust competition would have emerged in Pennsylvania by now, and its members want to make sure all Pennsylvanians are getting the full benefit of the state's abundant natural gas resources. "We're sitting on the world's largest shale play right now," said Witmer. "I think it's incumbent upon all regulators and policymakers to look for opportunities for all customers-whether residential or commercial-to maximize access to this cleaner, more affordable fuel." - Jennifer Pilla Taylor new jersey Listening to Sandy South Jersey Gas proposes investment to protect lines along barrier islands foLSom, nj -South Jersey Gas has pro- posed a $280 million plan to make its distribution lines along the southern New Jersey barrier islands more resistant to storm damage. Introduced less a year after Superstorm Sandy decimated New Jersey Natural Gas' barrier island system to the north, the seven-year plan calls for upgrading 179 miles of low-pressure lines stretching from Atlantic City to Cape May. The distribution system, much of which was built in the early 20th century, is too susceptible to water intrusion, Paul Zuccarino, the utility's ADD EnErgy to your ADvErtiSing American Gas is the one way you can be sure to reach the industry's leaders, decision makers, and purchase influencers. Tap into extraordinary opportunities-today! Call Don Serfass 800-394-5157 ext. 30 or email dserfass@mcneill-group.com 18 AmericAn GAs december 2013/january 2014 http://www.energyworldnet.com http://www.energyworldnet.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - December 2013/January 2014

Contents

American Gas - December 2013/January 2014