Member System Profiles: Chambersburg, PA

The state of Pennsylvania has two municipal gas systems, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), one of the largest in the country and Borough of Chambersburg, a town of nearly 18,000 people with a long history in the gas industry.

In 1836, the Chambersburg gas works was built as a private manufactured gas plant using coal for street lighting. Even back then, the Borough was the main customer. Eight years later, Chambersburg earned the unfortunate distinction of being the only town in the north destroyed by Confederate troops during the Civil War. The entire town was burned to the ground by Southern troops in 1864. However, the gas plant survived. Thankfully, the town rebuilt and years later the Borough of Chambersburg continues to proudly serve its residents.

John Leary, Gas Superintendent for the Borough of Chambersburg, effectively serves his customers using nine full-time gas employees, as well as another seven that work at the emergency dispatch and Borough warehouse that serves the whole town. Having different utilities there allows them to share in cost, because the gas operation has to pay for only 1/3 of emergency dispatch vs. 100% for a gas-only utility. This sharing of costs is one of the reasons their customers pay the lowest gas prices in Pennsylvania!

When asked about the Borough of Chambersburg’s relationship with APGA, Leary chuckles that “Chambersburg joined APGA long before I came on as Superintendent a bit over five years ago.” He calls APGA the premier organization representing munis, and that APGA shares priority with his operation in pushing for safe, affordable gas for muni gas systems.

There are many legislative and regulatory issues that APGA is involved in. Leary states “APGA gives us a voice and representation in the regulatory and legislative area, and connects us with the highest levels at FERC and Congress.” Chambersburg is also on the Regulatory subcommittee of APGA, which gives them a direct hand in national issues they wouldn’t have otherwise.

On the operational side, APGA has been a great help to the Borough of Chambersburg by providing assistance that only a large utility could afford on their own. It is just more affordable due to the pooling of resources and according to Mr. Leary “APGA dues are the best money we spend. Really!”

Originally in October 17, 2005 Public Gas News