Benefits of Natural Gas 101

As the cooler weather approaches, and winter preparation begins, many of us will start to consider our plan to balance energy efficiency and decreasing our energy spend, with how to keep the environment in mind while we crank up the thermostat.  One plausible part of the solution could be natural gas.

What IS Natural Gas?

• What Actually Is Natural Gas?
  • Natural gas is made up mainly of methane, small amounts of hydrocarbon gas liquids, and non-hydrocarbon gases
  • It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, thus Mercaptan, a chemical which smells like rotten eggs, is mixed with it to give a distinct unpleasant odor and serve as a safety feature to detect leaks
  • Natural gas can be used for heating and for fueling some alternative fuel vehicles
  • Natural gas supplies nearly 1/3 of the United States’ primary energy and is the primary heating fuel for approximately half of households in the US

How Do We Get Natural Gas?

• Where does it come from?
  • Natural gas is the result of millions of years of pressure and heat on the decayed remains of plants and animals buried under sand, silt, and rock
  • It is found buried in cracks and spaces between layers of overlying rock, shale, sandstone, and other sedentary rock
  • The United States is one of the largest producers of natural gas, and almost all of what is consumed in the United States is produced there
  • The majority of natural gas is delivered in its gaseous state via pipeline, however, it can be liquified by cooling it to -260^o Fahrenheit, making it 600 times smaller than its gaseous state, and able to transport where pipelines cannot go

What Are The Benefits Of Using Natural Gas?

• Impact on the Environment
  • Natural gas can be derived from renewable resources
  • Use of it promotes the reduction of smog, acid rain, and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Homes which use natural gas can cut carbon emissions in half because of the efficiency of the appliances and delivery of natural gas to them
• Residential Use
  • Natural gas is used to heat homes, water, and dryers
  • It is an efficient way to cook

Who Supplies My Natural Gas?
Depending on where you live, your natural gas is supplied by a utility.  In many states, such as Ohio, you have the freedom to shop around for a supplier, like AEP Energy, who can give you the most competitive price.  The utility will still provide the same natural gas, read your meter, and maintain your lines.  You are simply able to select from a variety of price plans which offer secure fixed rates.

Check out our website to find a price plan that’s right for you!  Enroll with AEP Energy and start earning Reward Dollars to redeem in our online Reward Store where you can shop for a host of energy efficient products.

Sources:
https://www.aga.org/natural-gas/clean-energy/
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=natural_gas_home
https://www.energy.gov/natural-gas

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