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Why Natural Gas Makes Economic Sense
All of sudden, everybody seems to love natural gas. At the National Clean Energy Summit in Vegas recently, everybody fell all over themselves praising it - Al Gore, former Democratic Sen. Tim Wirth, former Obama transition team chief John Podesta. T. Boone Pickens and Ted Turner wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal pointing out its advantages as a “bridge fuel” to a lower carbon future.
What gives? Well, in the last 18 months, two things have happened. First, there have been massive natural gas strikes in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The United States is now estimated to have more than 100 years supply at current rates of consumption. (And it may be much more than that.) Second, tapping that gas is now much easier, thanks to a new process known as hydro-fracking, which pumps high pressure water (and other chemicals) into the rock, freeing the gas. It also doesn’t hurt that natural g as is far and away the cleanest burning fossil fuel, more than 50 percent cleaner than coal.
Natural gas has another huge advantage. When you start up a coal fired power plant, it takes a full day to bring it up to temperature (to avoid damaging the boilers), and it has to burn 24 hours a day. A typical coal fired boiler produces anywhere from a few hundred MW to over 1,000 MW.
Natural gas in a combustion gas turbine can produce 100-300 MW, takes up minimal space in comparison, and can be up and running in less than 30 minutes. They are often used for peak load. The heat from the exhaust of multiple units can be used to make steam, and so achieve greater efficiency through co-generation. The advantage of being able to start up your power generators in the morning and turning them off in the evening, burning no fuel for 8-10 hours a day, is enormous.
The Top Ten Reason for the Consumer
1. Convenience
With natural gas, you'll never run out of fuel. Underground pipelines mean there is no disruption of supply due to storms or power outages. Unlike other heat sources that leave ashes and odors, natural gas will never leave a mess. And you'll love the convenience natural gas adds to your home - from instant, cozy heat, to precision cooking, and nice, long showers without running out of hot water.
2. Versatility
Natural gas can do more than heat your home. It can be used for water heating, clothes drying, cooking, and mood-setting fireplaces. It can also be used outdoors for barbecuing, gas lighting, and even to heat your swimming pool or hot tub.
3. Savings
Natural gas can save you money. Visit the appliance section to view cost comparison. Natural Gas is still your best energy buy.
4. Safety
Natural gas is one of the world's safest sources of energy used by over 15 million Canadians to heat their homes and businesses.
5. Consistent, Reliable Supply
Natural gas comes from a pipeline underground. It's always there when you need it and you never have to worry about running out of fuel, or arranging for deliveries. Many natural gas appliances will operate during a power outage so you can still stay warm, have hot water and eat well.
6. Future Possibilities
Once your home is connected to natural gas, it's easy to convert appliances or add additional gas products later on:
outside for your barbecue, pool heater, and gas lights - in the basement for your water heater and clothes dryer - in the kitchen for your range and/or cooktop - in the den and living room for your natural gas fireplace - compressed natural gas are being in many part of the world with new models coming to the United States from Honda and others.
7. Environmental Benefits
By all measures natural gas is the best energy alternative for today
8. Abundant Domestic Production
International supply issues will never stand in the way of heating your home. There is a secure supply of natural gas in Canada.
9. Easier, More Affordable Maintenance
Clean burning natural gas heating equipment means less maintenance and repairs over the years.
10. Increased Resale Value of Your Home
Adding natural gas heating, a fireplace and other appliances to your home, farm or cottage will pay dividends down the road when you decide it's time to move.
What Can You Do To Promote More Domestic Use?
America needs a comprehensive energy policy that includes energy from all sources. However, a pattern seems to be emerging when it comes to developing America’s offshore oil and natural gas resources—delay. Now, more than ever, we cannot afford to delay. Contact your Congressman and urge him or her to consider additional legislation to increase use of natural gas as the best viable energy for America’s future.
We suggest you visit the political action natural gas web site called Energy Tomorrow.
Congress will soon consider massive new taxes and fees – which could easily exceed $400 billion – on America’s oil and natural gas industry, yet this level could produce devastating effects on our economy, all when America can least afford it.
These unprecedented taxes and fees would reduce investment in new energy supplies at a time when nearly two-thirds of Americans support developing our domestic oil and natural gas resources. That would mean less energy, and it would cost thousands of American jobs, actually reduce local, state and federal revenue, and further erode our energy security.
Learn more and tell Congress to oppose these proposals to impose $400 billion in tax hikes on America’s oil and natural gas companies. By using SocialCapital, you can voice your opinions to public officials and members of Congress about key energy issues via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more.
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