Last week, NGA President and CEO Jose Costa testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, offering a firsthand account of how the natural gas industry performed during Winter Storm Fern and the prolonged cold that followed.

We are grateful to Chairman Brett Guthrie, Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta, and the members of the Committee for the opportunity to share the industry’s perspective on ensuring reliable energy during extreme winter conditions.

You can also read Jose’s full written testimony here: Written Testimony

Meeting the Moment in the Northeast

In his testimony, Jose emphasized that the Northeast successfully weathered both the immediate impacts of Winter Storm Fern and the extended period of extreme cold that followed. This outcome was made possible by the dedication and coordination of the men and women across the region’s natural gas industry.

From system operators to field crews, the industry worked around the clock to ensure homes and businesses remained safe and warm during life-threatening conditions.

A System at Its Limits

At the same time, the storm underscored a critical reality: the region’s natural gas system was operating at or near maximum capacity.

The sustained cold and high demand highlighted the growing need for additional access to natural gas supply—particularly through expanded pipeline infrastructure connecting to the Marcellus Shale. Without increased capacity, the region faces ongoing constraints that impact cost and challenge reliability during extreme weather events.

The Importance of Dispatchable Power

Jose also stressed the essential role of reliable, dispatchable power generation in maintaining grid stability during periods of peak demand.

As intermittent resources continue to grow, ensuring adequate dispatchable generation—supported by dependable fuel sources like natural gas—will be key to maintaining a resilient and balanced energy system.

Looking Ahead

Winter Storm Fern serves as both a success story and a warning. The natural gas industry delivered when it mattered most, but the conditions also revealed structural constraints that must be addressed.

Continued investment in infrastructure, expanded access to domestic energy resources, and a commitment to reliability will be essential to ensuring the Northeast is prepared for the next extreme weather event.

Jose Before NARUC

Jose was also invited to appear before NARUC's Gas Committee, where he discussed the role the Northeast gas industry played in weathering Winter Storm Fern. Thank you to Gas Committee Chair and Pennsylvania PUC Chair DeFrank for the opportunity to share our perspective and the importance of gas infrastructure with NARUC.