In a development which will help residents gain more access to natural gas, a pipeline expansion in New York City is being planned by the country's giant energy companies. Not only will the expansion boost supply, but also help cut down the pollution that result from the use of other heating sources like fuel oil.

On Monday, Spectra Energy Corp. said that an expansion of the Texas Eastern Transmission and Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline will end up delivering up-to 800 million cubic feet of natural gas every single day. Mostly, the gas will go to Consolidated Edison Inc., which is currently responsible for serving nearly 1 Million natural gas customers across the New York metropolitan area.

The additional natural gas needed will be coming in from the Marcellus shale, a huge formation of energy rich resources that runs through various American states including New York.

Although, as confirmed by the provider of the natural gas Chesapeake Energy Corp., New Yorkers will receive the primary benefits of the expansion, people living in New Jersey will also see an increase in their natural gas supplies.

"The relative proximity of abundant Marcellus natural gas reserves to New York City will provide the public, utilities and businesses with a clean-burning alternative to existing dirtier fuel sources", Chesapeake CEO Aubrey K. McClendon said.

The project is expected to reach a closure by the end of 2013's fourth quarter.