Natural Gas Solutions

Natural gas is changing America’s energy landscape, powering the modern economy and  driving environmental progress. The abundant, low-cost fuel is altering our energy equation, especially as utilities make the switch from coal-to-natural gas in electricity generation. Natural gas delivers heat and power to our homes and businesses, serves as the building blocks for our manufactured goods, reinforces our national security, and supports next-generation technologies in transportation, healthcare and communication.

Utilities, manufacturers, marine shipping operators and millions of home- and small business-owners rely on natural gas for the energy they need, at the prices they can afford.

Natural gas is an attractive fuel because it is clean burning and efficient, and ample supplies of natural gas are available from domestic resources. Recently, natural gas production in the U.S. has increased substantially due to technological advancements in natural gas extraction methods.

This increased production has displaced traditional supply sources and resulted in reduced prices for natural gas consumers. The prospect of ample natural gas supplies, continued low prices, and the favorable environmental and economic position of natural gas-fired electric generation plants are leading to expectations of growing U.S. demand for natural gas, especially in the electric and industrial sectors, and potentially for export as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Here's why the benefits of natural gas matter:

Natural Gas is Cleaner

Natural gas produces one-half the carbon emissions compared to coal when used to generate electricity, and, since 2005, the share of natural gas in power generation has increased dramatically. That’s the leading reason why levels of carbon dioxide are at their lowest in nearly 25 years. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that almost two-thirds of the carbon dioxide emission reductions between 2006-2014 were the result of fuel switching to natural gas.

Natural Gas is Reliable

U.S. households and businesses depend upon energy available at the flip of a switch. To make that possible, the power grid’s electricity supply must be balanced with consumer demand, and the system must be flexible enough to adapt to fluctuating needs. Natural gas can reliably and efficiently meet the dual challenge of dispatching power at an affordable rate and providing the fast-ramping electricity needed to keep the lights – especially when demand is high and when intermittent resources, like wind and solar, are unavailable.

Natural Gas is Affordable

By 2040, consumers across the country could save an estimated  $100 billion, or $655 per household, from the increased use of natural gas throughout our economy – from manufacturing to generating affordable electricity.

Read the articles online at http://www.naturalgassolution.org.

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Understanding Natural Gas Markets primer - high res