National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (“National Fuel”) today announced it has completed the acquisition of the natural gas distribution assets of North East Heat & Light Co. (NEHL), a locally owned utility serving customers in North East, Erie County.
The transaction was approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on April 16, and National Fuel has officially assumed responsibility for the operation and maintenance of NEHL’s natural gas distribution system.
“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to safely and reliably serving communities across northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Michael Colpoys, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. “We are pleased to welcome NEHL customers to National Fuel and to build on the long history of service in the North East community.”
NEHL owner and operator Sam Miller, who built and operated the system for decades, completed the sale as part of a planned retirement.
NEHL customers will transition automatically to National Fuel with no interruption to natural gas service. With the transition, customers will move to National Fuel’s gas supply cost rate, which reflects the direct cost of natural gas passed through with no profit to the utility. National Fuel’s larger scale and purchasing power have historically resulted in lower average supply costs.
Customers with questions about their service or account may contact National Fuel and speak with a local customer service representative at 1-800-365-3234.
Smell gas? Leave fast!
As always, if you smell gas, leave fast! If a rotten-egg natural gas odor is present, leave the premises immediately and call National Fuel’s emergency line, 1-800-444-3130, from a different location. If you smell gas outdoors, leave the area immediately, call National Fuel’s emergency number and provide the address nearest to the site of the odor. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.nationalfuel.com/utility/gas-safety/.