Nat Gas Now: Warming Up to Natural Gas
- Nat Gas Now: Warming Up to Natural Gas
- Monday, Jan 24
It's been a very cold winter for some, but thanks to abundant supplies of natural gas, it's now easier and more affordable than ever to heat homes across America.
Historically, when temperatures have dropped, natural gas prices have tended to rise. But now, vast domestic supplies of natural gas have moderated that trend.
Experts now say we have more natural gas in North America than Saudi Arabia has oil. In fact, in its "Annual Energy Outlook 2011 ," the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecast that we have twice the amount of recoverable natural gas than last year - translating into enough natural gas to power our nation for generations.
Cambridge Energy Research Associates reports that shale gas only accounted for 1 percent of the U.S. natural gas supply in 2000, but today it makes up 20 percent of that supply. CERA estimates that by 2035, that number could be as much as 50 percent.
This abundance means lower natural gas prices and long-term stability in the marketplace . It also means jobs here at home. The natural gas community directly employs some 600,000 Americans and supports many more U.S. jobs indirectly as well.
Does your community get its energy from natural gas? You can call your local utility to find out. Here's to hoping that abundant, affordable, American natural gas is heating your home and keeping you warm this winter!
