Ohio’s natural gas production helps to lower some residents’ heating costs
Sunday, January 3, 2016
So far, this winter has been mild compared to the subzero temperatures and precipitation northeast Ohio has experienced in previous winters.
According to Akron Beacon Journal, Dominion East Ohio expects natural gas prices to be lower for consumers this winter due to increased drilling in the Utica and Marcellus shales. The company’s current Standard Choice Offer (SCO) rate — which is for certain eligible residents — is $2.226 per thousand cubic foot. Last year, the price was $4.712 per thousand cubic foot.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says that 95 percent of homes in Ohio can be heated from the state’s natural gas production.
Via: Akron Beacon Journal > Utica shale, mild winter weather helping Dominion East Ohio customers
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.