Reliable | AGA Playbook 2024

Natural Gas is
Reliable

A resilient energy system is essential to the operation of nearly every critical function and sector of the U.S. economy.

See the facts

The natural gas system's physical characteristics provide stability to the energy system.

Pipeline infrastructure is underground, looped and shielded from many major disruptive events

Much of the gas delivery system runs on its own supply

The ability to store gas further strengthens the self-reliant attributes of the gas system

During Winter Storm Heather in January 2024, U.S. natural gas consumption set a two-day record from January 14 through 15.

On the coldest day of the year, the natural gas system delivers 3X more energy than the electric system delivers on the hottest day of the year.

When They Need it Most

Delivery of natural gas continued to provide safe and reliable service to customers with few interruptions.

Energy You Can Depend On

Only 1 in 650 customers are expected to experience a planned or unplanned natural gas outage in any given year.

Electric distribution systems have an average of one outage per year per customer.

Industry Coming Together

Third-party excavation damage caused the unplanned outage of 37,000 customers of Avista Utilities in eastern Washington. Through the support of the AGA Mutual Assistance Program, all customers had their gas service restored within one week.

A Reliable Investment

“We think most utilities deserve premium valuations compared with historical averages, given their better growth prospects, improving rate regulation and less volatile earnings.”

Morningstar, 7/6/2023

A report by the American Gas Association and the Canadian Gas Association shows that the value of natural gas distribution companies to investors is based on the consistency of their return on investment (ROI) and return on equity (ROE).

See the Study

“Investors receive stability and consistency in their portfolios from natural gas utilities. Investment in natural gas utilities allows investors to earn a dependable return while managing the risk level of their portfolios.”

Juan Alvarado
Managing Director, Energy Analysis, AGA

The natural gas delivery system is 0% efficient from production to customer.

Direct use of natural gas

Converting to Electricity

Affordable Safe