Buffer

The continued growth in onshore natural gas production will act as a buffer against any significant price run-ups during the Gulf of Mexico hurricane season, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook for September.

Arizona regulators made it clear last week that they expect the new renewable energy standard and accompanying rules they enacted to be a buffer against overreliance on natural gas-fired electricity in their state. Through stepped-up distributed generation and other means, a majority of the five members on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) see their state being inundated with rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses.

Arizona regulators made it clear Tuesday that they expect the new renewable energy standard and accompanying rules they enacted to be a buffer against overreliance on natural gas-fired electricity in their state. Through stepped-up distributed generation and other means, a majority of the five members on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) see their state being inundated with rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses.

As part of a series of expanded programs by utilities in the state to help buffer customers from this winter’s expected high natural gas bills, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Wednesday announced it has doubled the funds available for its low-income assistance program, REACH (Relief for Assistance through Community Help), to $3 million through launching a pledge drive among its customers and employees. As a result maximum aid to qualifying low-income customers will be increased to $300/household, compared to its previous $200 limit.