Albany, NY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a request by New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) to expand natural gas service to the Town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County, and directed NYSEG to commence construction of gas service in 2014, with an expected completion date of 2017. With the Commission’s decision, the utility will now be able to supply natural gas to residents and businesses who have long sought it.

“The Commission continues to encourage the expansion of natural gas service to customers who are seeking a lower-cost, cleaner-burning alternative to other heating fuel sources, such as oil or propane,” said Chair Audrey Zibelman. “In developing the economic feasibility model for the expansion, our goal is to provide as many customers as possible the opportunity to obtain service while minimizing costs to make the expansion economically feasible for each new customer. With this decision, consumers in Plattsburgh who switch to natural gas can lower their fuel costs as well as their carbon emissions.”

On November 2, 2012, NYSEG filed for an amendment of its certificate of public convenience and necessity in its gas franchise, granted by the Town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County, to provide natural gas service throughout the town. Based upon customer surveys, NYSEG, Commission staff and town officials collaborated on identifying what areas of the town could reasonably be part of a construction footprint to take place over the next four years.

With the modified build-out plan adopted by the Commission, the average residential heating customer will save approximately $2,000 a year in fuel costs if they convert from oil or propane to natural gas. The Commission also required NYSEG to provide customers detailed information about when and where construction will occur to further assist customers in deciding whether to invest in the conversion costs of switching to natural gas. 

The Commission’s decision in this case, when issued, may be obtained on the Commission’s website by searching Case Number 12-G-0499. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1?800?342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.