Dominion East Ohio Expects Increased Regional Shale Production To Provide Ample Winter Gas Supplies At Moderate Prices

CLEVELAND, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion East Ohio expects increased production from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations in Ohio and nearby states to provide ample supplies of natural gas at moderate prices this winter.

"Once again, customers can set their thermostats with confidence this winter," said Jeff Murphy, General Manager – Commercial Operations.

Murphy noted that natural gas prices for the remainder of the winter heating season could be lower than those of last winter, when repeated Polar Vortex weather events drove Dominion East Ohio's Standard Service Offer (SSO) and Standard Choice Offer (SCO) rates to more than $6 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) in February.

Murphy also said that the arrival of new regional shale natural gas supplies has helped limit market price increases for much of the year, despite increasing national demand. For example, Dominion East Ohio's December 2014 Standard Choice Offer (SCO) rate is $4.712 per thousand cubic feet (mcf). The current rate is just 29.4 cents per mcf higher than the December 2013 SCO/SSO rates of $4.418/mcf.

"Last winter's weather really stretched natural gas supplies and prices on a national level," Murphy said. "Thankfully, the market was up to the task, because of increased gas production and sufficient natural gas storage inventories.  Dominion East Ohio's gas suppliers did a remarkable job in delivering gas to our system, and our system operated reliably throughout the long winter."

Murphy added, "Even though most weather forecasts are not calling for a return to repeated Polar Vortex events this winter, we've taken steps to ensure reliable natural gas deliveries to our 1.2 million customers.  While market conditions are constantly changing, natural gas prices are expected to be moderate once again."

"One of the major drivers of our supply security is increasing natural gas production right here in Ohio," Murphy said.  "Even though demand continues to grow, as more natural gas is used for electric generation and our economy continues to recover, production increases have kept a lid on prices.  If our winter weather returns to more normal temperatures, customers may also see a decrease in their bills because of lower usage as well."

The company strongly urges customers who know they will be unable to maintain regular payments to contact Dominion East Ohio at 1-800-362-7557, to inquire about payment plans and energy assistance programs. The company's call center is open from 7 a. m. to 7 p. m., Mondays through Fridays.

For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

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SOURCE Dominion East Ohio

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