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Natural gas is an economical, safe, colorless and odorless gas. For easy detection, we add a harmless chemical to give gas a distinctive odor. Natural gas is today's environmental energy choice. Increased use of natural gas can help address several environmental concerns simultaneously, including smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions.
Click here to go to the Live Green, Think Blue website to calculate your carbon footprint and CO2 emissions from your home. Complete the survey and receive a desk clock. Demand Natural gas supplies nearly one-fourth (22 percent) of all energy used in the U.S. In 2006, the U.S. consumed 20 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas. Natural gas' efficiency, cleanliness and reliability make it increasingly popular. Consumption of natural gas will increase 11 percent by 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Consumption Click here for consumption statistics Electric Power Generation --- More than half of the electricity generated in the U.S. is made from coal. Natural gas currently generates approximately 31 percent of total U.S. electricity. Natural gas is the dominant fuel of choice for new electric power generation plants because it is efficient and cleaner-burning. Also, So using natural gas to replace electricity in heating systems and appliances reduces our carbon footprint and is better for the environment. Efficiency Natural gas is efficient -- about 90 percent of the gas produced is delivered to the customer as usable energy. In contrast, only about 27 percent of the energy converted to electricity reaches the customer. On average, electricity costs four times more to use in your home than natural gas. Delivery Natural gas is delivered to customers through a safe, sound 2.3-million-mile underground pipeline system. This includes 1,900,000 miles of local utility distribution pipes and 300,000 miles of transmission lines. Natural gas was formed long before the dinosaurs existed. Plants and animals in prehistoric lakes and seas died, sank to the bottom and were covered by sand and mud. Their weight and the earth's heat changed them into natural gas. We now find natural gas deposits deep below the earth's surface. Deep wells are drilled to bring natural gas to the surface. Natural gas travels through underground pipes to homes and businesses for heating, cooling, cooking and drying clothes. It is used to manufacture products like CDs and baseball bats. It also is used to power automobiles, trucks, vans and buses. Supply Natural gas is a domestic energy source. In 2006, nearly all of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. (81 percent) was produced in the U.S. Most of the rest (16 percent) came from Canada with 3 percent imported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). U.S. natural gas resources are estimated to be 1,525 Tcf -- enough to last more than 80 years at current production rates. |
Frequently asked questions about gas service and repair |
