Steeply rising consumer gas bills were the focus of a recent analysis by the Philadelphia Building Decarbonization Coalition, and their report contains some surprises. In Philadelphia and across the state, major gas utilities are inflating our bills to cover accelerated programs of pipe replacement. For PA’s six largest utilities, such investments amounted to $11 billion over 2013-2025. Today about two-thirds of a standard residential gas bill in PA goes for pipe replacement, while gas itself accounts for only one-third. If this trend continues, even families that try to conserve energy will end up paying more.

Utilities can load pipe replacement costs on to ratepayers due to an obscure state law, Act 11, that gives them broad authority to levy surcharges. Restricting this authority should be a key part of making PA energy more affordable. Utilities should also be required to consider alternative energy sources that avoid harmful emissions, including electrification and geothermal networks, before replacing gas pipes. Allowable pipeline investments should focus on safety issues. I have contacted my Representatives in Harrisburg to urge reforms along these lines, and I urge other ratepayers to make their voices heard on this issue.

– Elaine Fultz, Garden Court resident