Thousands of NEHL Customers to Gain Access to PA Gas Choice

Former North East Heat & Light (NEHL) customers will soon gain access to PA natural gas choice once National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation completes its acquisition of their former utility company. Once billing accounts and meters are transitioned smoothly to National Fuel, the utility will roll out retail choice options for approximately 2,900 Erie County customers over time. This can provide residential and small business customers with the opportunity to secure lower rates and more ideal plan terms.

Pennsylvania Expands Natural Gas Choice Access

The National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation completed its acquisition of the natural gas distribution assets of North East Heat & Light Co. (NEHL) on April 16, 2026. NEHL was historically too small to offer Pennsylvania’s energy choice program to its approximately 2,900 residential and small commercial customers. National Fuel plans to roll out retail choice natural gas options over time, allowing customers to shop around for competitive natural gas suppliers. This may take some time because the initial phase of NEHL transitioning to National Fuel is focused entirely on migrating customer accounts, billing systems, and meters over to the new standard.  

What Was Approved?

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the acquisition of NEHL by National Fuel. This came to be because NEHL owner and operator, Sam Miller, who built and operated the system for decades, decided to sell it as part of his retirement. This transaction gave the responsibility of the NEHL’s natural gas distribution system to National Fuel to absorb it and make it part of its assets.

Who Will Be Impacted?

Former NEHL customers, consisting of approximately 2,900 homeowners and businesses in Erie County, will be impacted significantly by this change. With the transition, these customers will automatically be moved to National Fuel’s gas supply default rate, which reflects the direct cost of the natural gas passed through with no profit to the utility. National Fuel operates on a larger scale than NEHL, so historically they have been able to offer lower average supply costs, which can benefit Erie County customers. Natural gas in PA is deregulated. Once retail gas choice reaches National Fuel's new customers, they can shop suppliers for lower rates, ideal plan types, and personalized terms.  

What Is Natural Gas Choice in Pennsylvania?

Since 1999, natural gas companies in PA have been able to compete over who gets to supply residents and businesses with natural gas. PA’s Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act allows residents to choose their own supplier instead of relying solely on their utility and its default rate. Customers opt to shop around because supplier gas plans tend to be more affordable and more customizable than the utility default rate.  

How Natural Gas Choice Works

Although Erie County customers will gain access to choosing their own gas supplier, their new utility, National Fuel, remains involved by delivering energy through its pipelines. The supplier will provide the service, rates, and plans, while National Fuel physically delivers the natural gas to homes and businesses.  

What This Means for Newly Eligible Customers

Erie County customers who are gaining access to natural gas choice will get to compare different natural gas suppliers that operate within Pennsylvania. This can lead to potential savings and opportunities for personalized plans and contract terms. New customers can shop around the different pricing structures, contract lengths, and unique plan terms based on their specific wants and needs. With many different PA energy suppliers and plans to choose from, shopping around can get overwhelming. By using Price to Compare’s supplier comparison tool and expert support, Erie County customers can easily explore their options and lock in long-term savings.  

What Customers Should Know Before Comparing Gas Plans

Customers should review the following factors before switching to a retail gas supplier:

Energy Rate Type

It’s important to decipher whether your new rate will be fixed, variable, or dependent on another factor. Different plan types offer different opportunities to save and different levels of risk.

Contract Term Length

Different contract lengths are available from most suppliers, so customers can choose whether they want a short-term contract with flexibility or a stable long-term contract.  

Early Termination Fees

Most PA suppliers include early cancellation fees within their energy contracts, so it’s important to keep that in mind when switching suppliers before your contract expiration date.  

Supplier Quality

Checking supplier ratings and reviews from past customers can help ensure you sign a contract with a reputable and reliable supplier.  

How to Compare Pennsylvania Natural Gas Suppliers

Pennsylvania residents and businesses can use the state’s energy choice website, PA Gas Switch, to look through providers. However, if you’re looking for more guidance and comparison tools, you can partner with an energy broker like Price to Compare. Our free-to-use online energy comparisons, paired with our expert support, helps match you with the best and most competitive natural gas suppliers in your area.  

What Is Next for Erie County Energy Customers?

Former NEHL customers are being integrated into National Fuel’s operations and billing systems. The utility’s plan is to slowly make natural gas choice available to Erie County customers. Once meters and processes are changed, customers will gain access to natural gas deregulation. Small businesses and residents will be able to shop for better energy prices.  

Is There a Timeline?

National Fuel currently has no timeline released regarding when Erie County customers will gain access to natural gas choice. Despite this, former NEHL customers should keep an eye on the mail, because National Fuel will notify them once they are eligible to shop with retail energy suppliers.  

Frequently Asked Questions About PA Natural Gas Deregulation

1. How many natural gas suppliers are available in Pennsylvania?

It’s hard to find the exact number of natural gas suppliers in the entire state of Pennsylvania, but with Price to Compare, you can find the suppliers that are available in your specific zip code.  

2. Is there a fee to switch natural gas suppliers?

When you shop for natural gas providers with Price to Compare, there’s no fees for switching. However, if you’re already in an energy contract, make sure to review your current plan for early termination fees before switching to a new provider.

3. Does choosing a supplier affect natural gas reliability?

No. Regardless of who supplies your energy, your local utility company still owns the pipelines and is responsible for delivery, maintenance, and emergency response. Switching suppliers only changes who you buy your gas from, not how reliably it reaches your home.

4. What if I do not choose a supplier in Pennsylvania?

If you don’t shop around for a supplier, your account will remain on your utility company’s default plan. This standard rate tends to be more expensive than a retail supplier’s rate, so we recommend doing your research before making a choice.  

5. Will I still contact my utility during a PA gas emergency?

Yes. Your utility company is responsible for responding to gas emergencies because it still owns the pipelines that deliver gas to your home or business.  

6. Can small businesses participate in natural gas choice?

Yes. Pennsylvania’s deregulated energy market allows businesses of all sizes to shop around for competitive energy plans. Connect with our business energy advisors to start exploring your options.