About Natural Gas

Natural Gas: Fueling America's Future

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An Essential Part of America's Energy Mix

• Natural gas supplies nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of all of the energy used in the United States.  In 2004, the U.S. consumed 22.4 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas.
• Due to its efficiency, cleanliness and reliability, natural gas is growing increasingly popular.  Consumption of natural gas will increase 20 percent by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
• Most of the growth in natural gas demand comes from electricity generators, who have turned to natural gas because it is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel and highly efficient.

Nationwide Delivery System

• Natural gas is delivered to customers through a safe, sound, 2.2-million mile underground pipeline system that includes:
  • 1.9 million miles of local utility distribution pipes (1.1 million miles of utility mains, plus 800,000 miles of utility service lines); and
  • 300,000 miles of transmission lines.

Where Does Natural Gas Come From?

• Most (84 percent) of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced in the U.S.  Canada provides much of the rest (13 percent), with 3 percent imported as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• Production from the lower-48 states will remain the largest component of U.S. natural gas supply, but producers will be challenged to keep production between 18 and 19 quadrillion Btus per year.
• Canadian exports are expected to fall from 3.3 quads annually to 2.3 quads by 2020.
• In Alaska, huge quantities of natural gas found in the North Slope region are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the state’s total natural gas resources, but these supplies will remain stranded there until an Alaskan natural gas pipeline is built.
• Imports of LNG will continue to rise – growing from 3 percent of U.S. natural gas supply in 2003 to 22 percent in 2020.best energy value.

Natural gas is the cleanest and most efficient fossil fuel.

• 99 percent of the natural gas we use in the United States comes from North America, and supplies are abundant.
• The 2 million-mile underground natural gas delivery system has an outstanding safety record.
• Regardless of the weather, you can depend on your natural gas utility to bring you America's best energy value.
• 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.

Natural gas utilities are important to the nation and its economy.

• Find out about natural gas in all 50 states.
• Natural gas utilities operate and maintain more than 1.2 million miles of safe, efficient underground pipes -- an energy delivery system that is the envy of the world.

Your natural gas utility is your neighbor and your trusted energy partner.

• Gas utilities serve more than 63 million residential customers and more than 5 million commercial enterprises.
• Your local gas utility has an investment in and a commitment to your community. Many gas utilities have been serving their customers for well over 80 years.
• Natural gas utilities are innovative and reliable, providing customers with a variety of services, products and -- most important -- America's best energy value.