New York, NY – Larry Borgard says natural gas utilities are a sound return on investment. Borgard, chairman of the American Gas Association (AGA) and president and chief operating officer, Utilities, of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. today met with the New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSSA) to outline the role of America’s natural gas utilities in creating our clean energy future.
“The recent low prices for natural gas that we have seen are good news for our customers, residential, as well as in commercial and industrial markets,” Borgard said. “Natural gas is an abundant, domestic and clean energy source. Our industry creates millions of jobs. There are exciting opportunities to expand the applications of natural gas, including greater direct use in homes and businesses, as well as in the transportation sector with natural gas vehicles. Natural gas is the future of the energy industry, and by extension our economic future.”
During this continued period of stagnant economic growth, shareholders of natural gas utilities have seen consistent and strong dividends. Most natural gas utilities have paid dividends continuously for more than 50 years. Over the past year, the AGA Index (an index consisting of member companies of the American Gas Association) performed strongly in comparison with the Dow Jones Utility Index.
“The United States is the largest producer of natural gas in the world, and gas is the primary source of heat, hot water and cooking in homes and businesses throughout our nation. America’s natural gas utilities are working hard to ensure that our shareholders, customers, regulators and elected officials are confident in our ability to safely deliver our product at stable and affordable prices,” Borgard said.
Larry Borgard has spent 26 years in the energy industry. He began his career at Wisconsin Public Service in 1984 as an Associate Engineer. Mr. Borgard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.