Heating costs predicted to be lower this winter in Northeast
Friday, October 16, 2015
Information released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that natural gas, heating oil and propane prices should be less expensive in the Northeast this winter.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PowerSource reports that there is still a shortage of pipelines to places like New York City and New England, making gas transportation difficult. This has caused spikes in prices on extremely cold days during the past few winters, and it could happen again.
While homeowners may be relieved at the lower heating costs, natural gas drillers in the Marcellus Shale may take a hit due to the ongoing low fuel prices and the supply glut.
Via: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PowerSource > Coming winter should be easier on heating budgets
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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.