Dependable, Affordable, Ecological – Understanding the Advantages of Natural Gas
Choosing the right energy source can make all the difference. Natural gas presents a wide scope of benefits, ranging from increased usability to cost savings, lower environmental impact, and more.
Energy You Can Count On
Unlike other energy sources that can go down during a storm or other outdoor conditions, natural gas is delivered through an underground pipeline. With distribution networks that are unaffected by inclement weather, natural gas is a more reliable option for both commercial and residential customers.
Dependability is a huge advantage over other energy sources as cooking, heating and hot water are all vital services needed during times of crisis or harsh winter conditions.
Natural Gas is Affordable
Natural gas offers the benefit of money savings on several fronts. As a deregulated utility, the free market provides consumers with more choice and more control over the price they pay for gas. Competition drives the cost down, making natural gas considerably cheaper than electricity, coal, or oil when used for heating, hot water, or cooking.
Further economic gains are achieved due to the added efficiency of natural gas appliances. By using less fuel and paying less for it, natural gas customers can multiply their savings.
Kind to the Environment
Natural gas is the greenest of all fossil fuels. It burns cleaner, produces little to no sulfur, and generates a third less carbon dioxide compared to coal and approximately 50% less than oil.
The growing trend of renewable natural gas (RNG) capture makes natural gas even more environmentally friendly. Purifying RNG and injecting the fuel into the natural gas pipeline lessens the release of methane at farms, biomass facilities, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants while reducing the need for extracting conventional natural gas from the Earth.
Made in America
Reducing US dependency on foreign oil starts with switching to domestic fuel sources. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, nearly all natural gas consumed today is produced domestically. Imports have almost reached zero, and in 2020, dry natural gas production exceeded consumption by approximately 10%.
Add to the mix the rise of RNG and natural gas offers the potential to significantly reduce the import of all fossil fuels from overseas.
In addition, moving towards domestic fuel production can have a substantial impact on job creation. According to the Florida Natural Gas Association, just a 1% increase in natural gas production creates 35,000 new jobs.
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