In extreme winter temperatures, it is common for gas suppliers to implement gas rationing to meet consumer demand. This process is known as an “interruptible” and is necessary for the utility companies to meet the surge in demand. The following is an excerpt from OpisNet.com:
“Three major New York City utilities have notified customers, including industrial and residential buildings, of a gas rationing over the next several days due to a drop in temperature.
On Friday, Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R), Con Edison and National Grid have informed all interruptible load customers to switch away from natural gas to alternatives, including heating oil, in response to an expected peak gas demand for heating.
National Grid will begin its gas rationing later on Friday, and Con Edison and O&R will commence on Monday.
So far this winter, gas rationing has become a common occurrence especially when temperature falls. The consistent gas rationing reflects the growing demand for natural gas, partly due to the ongoing gas conversion from heating oil.
However, the demand is overwhelming supply during the peak demand periods, leading to several utilities and pipeline companies to build new gas pipelines in the Northeast.”
Fortunately, households and businesses that having heating oil as a fuel source are not affected by these interruptibles. Residential households in the Lehigh Valley have not been affected yet this winter. However, if these extreme winter temperatures continue, we may see some isolated instances of interruptibles. Click here, to find a local fuel oil delivery company in your area.