Letter to the editor: More energy production = more consumer savings

Natural gas development has yielded significant benefits for Western Pennsylvanians in terms of jobs, economic activity and cleaner air. Add consumers benefits to that list, with the Trib reporting that up to a 65% decline in purchased gas prices will be reflected in residential heating bills this winter (“Southwestern Pa. enjoying low natural gas prices after large drop from last year,” Dec. 5, TribLive).

Statewide average natural gas wholesale costs for utilities are down significantly since the dawn of the shale revolution, generating impressive average annual savings up to $2,200 per household. Not only is this good news for customers who use natural gas for heat and hot water, but it’s also a testament to the importance of supporting a thriving local natural gas sector to continue to deliver for residents.

Technological advancements pioneered by the Pennsylvania natural gas industry unlocked an abundance of resources in the region and quickly made Pennsylvania the country’s second largest gas producer. Increased availability of this energy source facilitated the buildout of clean natural gas-fueled power plants, slashing wholesale electricity costs while providing grid reliability and reducing emissions in the sector by more than 40% since 2005.

These strong indicators underscore the critical role of Pennsylvania natural gas in achieving consumer, environmental and economic gains in the commonwealth. Prioritizing the continued development and use of natural gas — debatably our most strategic energy asset — should be a goal for all if we want to see headlines like this in the future.

David Callahan

Robinson