Pennsylvania Natural Gas Companies

Who are the natural gas providers in Pennsylvania?

Fortunately, Pennsylvania is a deregulated energy state that has an ample amount of natural gas providers for its residents to choose from. However, it's important to note the difference between a natural gas provider and a public utility company. A public utility company is responsible for delivering natural gas into your home, whereas a natural gas provider is a company that sells you the energy. In a "right to choose" state like Pennsylvania (a deregulated market), you have the choice of which company provides the natural gas for your home. With this capability, you can compare rates, company reputations and contract options to make the most educated decision for selecting your new natural gas provider.

To learn a bit more about natural gas and what it's used for, click here.

Can I choose my natural gas provider in Pennsylvania?

Again, Pennsylvania is classified as a deregulated energy market state. A state that contains a deregulated market allows for private companies to compete by buying and selling wholesale electricity and for those same companies to invest in power plants and transmission lines. This competition enables consumers within that market to choose their energy supplier based on rates, quality of services, and contract terms and conditions¹.

How much does natural gas cost in Pennsylvania on average?

A common unit of measurement to help compare natural gas prices across states and against the previous year's expenses is the thousand cubic feet of natural gas. Natural gas is used in homes across the state of Pennsylvania for heating and cooling water for showers, laundry and more².

When we want to find out what the average natural gas price is in the state of Pennsylvania, we can look at the unit price per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas. We can also compare the residential, industrial and commercial prices and notice any increases or decreases in the unit price over several years.

Let us take a look at the data³:

Residential price per 1,000 cubic feet:

• 2020: $11.48
• 2019: $11.70
• 2018: $11.25
• 2017: $11.40
• 2016: $10.18
• 2015: $11.04

Commercial price per 1,000 cubic feet:

• 2020: $9.10
• 2019: $9.49
• 2018: $9.37
• 2017: $9.16
• 2016: $8.15
• 2015: $9.32

Industrial price per 1,000 cubic feet:

• 2020: $7.98
• 2019: $8.52
• 2018: $8.69
• 2017: $8.38
• 2016: $7.40
• 2015: $8.59

Looking at these figures, you can see that the average resident in the state of Pennsylvania paid around $11.48 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas to heat their homes, take warm showers and enjoy the many benefits of having natural gas in the home.

Who provides natural gas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

There are three main natural gas utilities in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Columbia Gas, Dominion People's Gas and Equitable Gas. Depending on where you are located in the city, you may or may not have an option of which of these companies are responsible for delivering the gas to your home or place of business⁴.

How much does natural gas cost in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

By looking at current data, it's undeniable that natural gas prices have increased dramatically when compared to previous years. Pittsburgh residents often pay higher natural gas prices than residents in other parts of the state, but the trend can also be seen in national average prices.

For example, the average price of natural gas per 1,000 cubic feet in July of 2021 for residential use in Pittsburgh was around $20.32. Compare that to the average residential price per 1,000 cubic feet for the state of Pennsylvania, which was around $11.48, and you can see a dramatic difference. Even considering that within the state average are localities that pay a much lower natural gas price than residents in Pittsburgh, there is still a difference of over 55% between 2020 and 2021 when comparing the two averages⁵.

How much is the average gas bill for Pennsylvania residents?

As of January 2021, the average gas bill for Pennsylvania residents was around $100.97. By looking at the gas bills of other states from the same period, you can get an idea that Pennsylvania may fall pretty close to the natural average when it comes to natural gas prices.

For example, residents in Georgia may pay somewhere closer to $141.19, where residents in Idaho may pay closer to $52.89. South Carolina residents may pay around $150.03, where residents in Washington pay closer to $76.55. Pennsylvania residents seem to have gas bills that fall between all of these states, averaging $100.97.

Is natural gas more expensive in Pennsylvania?

Natural gas in the state of Pennsylvania is only slightly more expensive than the national average. In July of 2021, the average residential natural gas price was $20.32 per 1,000 cubic feet. So far, in 2021, there has been a dramatic increase in natural gas prices nationwide. The state of Pennsylvania has more than doubled its natural gas prices between January and July of 2021. Although the figures can be alarming, the price increases are on pace with the natural average, and natural gas prices have been around the $20 per 1,000 cubic feet mark in 2020, 2019, 2014, and many other times in recent history.

By looking at the national average gas price for the same month of July 2021, we can see that residents in Pennsylvania are paying around 1.9% more than the national average of $19.94. Although Pennsylvania residents pay higher natural gas prices than the average U.S. citizen, the price difference is minimal.

Are natural gas prices increasing in Pennsylvania?

Natural gas prices are increasing nationwide, and Pennsylvania is not immune to these price increases. From January of 2021 to July in the same year, Pennsylvania has seen the price of natural gas increase by nearly 52%. By looking at the average cost of natural gas per 1,000 cubic feet in the state of Pennsylvania, we can see this increase.

Natural gas prices per 1,000 cubic feet in Pennsylvania⁶:

• January: $9.83
• February: $9.89
• March: $10.79
• April: $11.83
• May: $13.21
• June: $17.57
• July: $20.32

Pennsylvania is not alone in seeing these kinds of dramatic changes in the price of natural gas. The same trend can be documented within the national average.

How do I choose a natural gas provider in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, most residents have the power to choose their natural gas provider. Before choosing a natural gas provider, you should determine your average natrual gas usage and needs. There are a few websites that allow you to shop and compare providers and learn what your options are.

Because many of us still rely on natural gas to heat our homes and cook our food, how can we keep doing so without harming the planet? Enter our solution: Inspire's Clean Natural Gas plan, a promising way to offset the carbon emissions associated with your everyday home heating and cooking needs.Inspire's Clean Natural Gas plan offers peace of mind with a predictable price. Plus, there are no sign-up or cancellation fees and no installations or service interruptions when choosing Inspire as your natural gas supplier. We'll generate a customized price for your natural gas supply based on factors, including your home's energy consumption patterns.

Once you're a member, you'll rest easy knowing that carbon emissions from your home's natural gas consumption are being neutralized, and you're doing something positive for the planet.

When you switch to Inspire's Clean Natural Gas plan, your gas will continue to be delivered to you by your local utility company. Inspire will replace your current natural gas supplier, and once you start service, you will see “Inspire” listed as your natural gas supplier on your utility bill. We will begin to purchase offsets on your behalf to neutralize the carbon emissions associated with your home's natural gas consumption.

Currently, we offer our Clean Natural Gas plan for eligible residential and small business customers in Ohio, with more locations, like Pennsylvania, coming soon.

In the meantime, if you're looking for renewable energy options for your home's electricity supply needs, we also offer access to clean, renewable energy for one flat monthly price. Start now – the earth will thank you.

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1. energywatch-inc.com/regulated-vs-deregulated-electricity-markets↩
2. meenan.com/resource-center/propane-and-natural-gas-compared-m↩
3. eia.gov/dnav/ng/NG_PRI_SUM_DCU_SPA_A.htm↩
4. wpxi.com/weather/storm-center/pittsburgh-area-utility-companies/201399383↩
5. naturalgaslocal.com/states/pennsylvania/pittsburgh↩
6. eia.gov/dnav/ng/hist/n3010pa3m.htm↩