Energy efficiency programs decrease demand for natural gas heat but reduced demand won't reduce fixed infrastructure costs. So, volumetric delivery charges will be spread over fewer therms. The result must be higher gas delivery charges unless utilities reduce new investments.
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Agreed Bob. This is one of our arguments for full electrification. Odds are good that this death spiral will begin within the life of equipment installed today.
Yes. The "death spiral" WILL begin during the 60 to 80 year life of existing assets. Delivery rates will increase as stranded assets accumulate. We must end gas expansion now to protect existing ratepayers and ensure an orderly process of managed decapitalization of gas utilities
