Why a McDonald, PA Homeowner Added Natural Gas Service to Their All-Electric House
Steel City Natural Gas · Washington County, PA
When a Pittsburgh area family bought their all-electric ranch in McDonald, PA, the electric bill seemed manageable. Four years later, it wasn't. After watching their winter Duquesne Light bills climb past $600, they called Steel City Natural Gas to run a new gas service to the house — the first step toward replacing electric heat, water heating, and an electric range with natural gas.
The Numbers Behind the Switch
Pittsburgh-area electric rates have climbed faster than the national average, while regional natural gas prices stayed flat thanks to nearby Marcellus Shale production.
The Economics of Switching
On an energy-equivalent basis, natural gas in Western Pennsylvania currently runs roughly 3 to 4 times cheaper than electric resistance heat. The U.S. Department of Energy's 2024 analysis put natural gas at about 3.5x more affordable than electricity nationwide — and the Pittsburgh gap is wider.
For a 1,800 sq ft home, projected annual savings:
Heating: ~$1,400/year saved replacing electric baseboard with a high-efficiency gas furnace
Water heating: ~$350/year saved with a gas tankless or tank unit
Cooking & dryer: ~$120/year, plus better appliance performance
With EIA forecasts pointing to continued electric increases driven by data center demand and grid upgrades — and natural gas projected to remain stable — payback on conversion equipment typically lands inside 5–7 years.
SCNG Handles Getting Gas to Your House
Adding a brand-new gas service to a previously all-electric home isn't a DIY job. Steel City Natural Gas is a certified contractor for both Peoples Natural Gas and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, which means SCNG can trench the service line from the main, set the meter, and pressure-test the system to utility specs across greater Pittsburgh — including McDonald, Cecil, Canonsburg, Bridgeville, and surrounding communities.
Whether you're tired of electric heat, planning a kitchen renovation, or just want options before next winter's rates hit, SCNG can build the service that makes it possible.
Ready to add gas service? Call Steel City Natural Gas for a free site evaluation. Peoples Gas and Columbia Gas certified.
