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AGA Playbook

Natural Gas is
Reliable

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

Reliable SectionFull Playbook

Supporting Energy Resilience

Natural gas and our infrastructure must be considered when designing future energy systems and building pathways to a low-carbon future.

More households are reliant on gas-powered electricity to meet their energy needs during peak demand periods and high-impact events, placing an added burden on the nation's natural gas pipeline network. Regulators must create a framework for natural gas utilities to make resiliency investments and upgrades.

"As we build towards our goal of a low-carbon future, we cannot lose sight of our goal to provide energy to all Americans 24/7/365.

This study provides excellent guidance on how to get us there, including recommendations for regulations at the federal level and supportive policies in the state and local arenas."
Karen Harbert
President and CEO, AGA

A new American Gas Foundation report examines regulatory changes that will support investments and infrastructure improvements necessary to support broader energy system resilience.

See the Study

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

Tested

During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 U.S. natural gas consumption set a two-day record from February 14 through 15.

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

Only 1 in 112 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.

Unplanned Outages

Unplanned outages affect about 1 in 800 natural gas customers per year.

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
AGA Director, Energy Analysis

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

Direct use of natural gas

Converting to Electricity

AffordableSafe
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The American Gas Association represents more than 200 local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of clean natural gas to more than 74 million customers throughout the nation.

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