In 2006, the U.S. consumed nearly 22 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas by the following seven natural gas end users:

Natural gas is primarily methane, which is a major greenhouse gas. Methane is emitted directly to the atmosphere from sources such as leaks in natural gas wells and pipelines and is produced in landfills, sewage treatment facilities and livestock operations. Other major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides are produced when natural gas is burned for heating and electric power production.

EIA provides international natural gas prices for selected countries by sector (electric generation, household, industry).

In 2005, there were 18.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of dry natural gas produced in the U.S. The top producing states are:

Residential consumers in some States have the opportunity to choose their supplier for the natural gas itself. Suppliers are either the local distribution company or approved gas marketers. Regardless of supplier, the local distribution company continues to provide local transportation and distribution services. Learn More: To find out more about States that have "customer choice" programs, see Natural Gas Residential Choice Programs. Yes.

EIA does not collect daily spot price information, but instead relies on a private vendor. EIA publishes daily spot prices for the Henry Hub, Transco Zone 6 NY, Chicago, and an average for selected California locations on a weekly basis and these can be found in the Natural Gas Weekly Update (NGWU). A time series of the daily spot price data for these locations and all others in the Lower 48 States are available from the data vendor, Intelligence Press, Inc.

U.S. residential natural gas prices are projected to average $13.52 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) this winter , 6.3 percent higher than last winter’s price of $12.36 per Mcf.

Numerous underlying factors affect natural gas prices. Depending on the factor-for example, production, imports, demand, oil prices, and natural gas inventories -- each can apply either upward pressure () or downward pressure () or neutral pressure on prices (). Increasing Production - Total domestic production of dry natural gas is projected to increase 1.4 percent in 2007 and is expected to increase an additional 1.3 percent in 2008.

In 2005, nearly 58 percent of all households (residential sector) used natural gas as their primary heating fuel accounting for about 22 percent of total natural gas consumed in the United States.

There are several ways that total underground working gas capacity may be measured. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated in mid 2006 that, after adjustment for operational considerations that hinder the attainment of full storage at all fields simultaneously, a likely practical estimate for maximum industry-wide working gas capacity is roughly 3.6 Tcf. However, based on design capacity estimates, U.S. working gas capacity was 4.01 Tcf as of the end of 2005.

Today there are 38 liquefaction plants and 47 receiving terminals in operation worldwide, including five facilities in the United States. Around the world, natural gas receiving terminals have been in operation for more than thirty years. In fact, Japan, Korea and Taiwan depend almost entirely on liquefied natural gas for their natural gas needs.

ANSWER: Natural gas and propane prices have shot up recently as well. And remember, in most states where oil has a significant market share, oil has been cheaper than gas for nine of the past 10 years.**

Natural gas may be stored in a number of different ways. It is most commonly stored underground under pressure in three types of facilities. The most commonly used in California are depleted reservoirs in oil and/or gas fields because they are more available. Aquifers and salt cavern formations are also used under certain conditions. The characteristics and economics of each type of storage site will dictate its suitability for use.

There are no transportation natural gas pipelines in the City of Bedford. There are numerous lines in Bedford that distribute gas which is suitable for home use.

No. Natural gas is a commodity and its price is determined by the market, based on several factors. When Nicor Gas buys gas on your behalf and delivers it to your home, we charge you exactly what we paid for it-we are not allowed to mark it up, by regulation of the Illinois Commerce Commission. The cost of natural gas makes up about 75-80 percent of your bill. The delivery charge makes up about 10-15 percent, and taxes make up the remaining 5-10 percent.

Answer: Natural gas is a lighter gas than propane. Liquid propane gas contains 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot, while natural gas contains 1000 BTUs per cubic foot. It takes twice as much natural gas to reach the same BTU rate as propane. Natural gas enters your home through a pipeline from a local supplier and propane is stored in a tank.

Non-toxic liquefied natural gas is just another form of the same natural gas that heats our homes, fuels the new generation of cleaner power plants, and fuels our cleanest buses and other vehicles. The only difference is that it has been liquefied – turned from a gaseous state to a liquid state, just as water vapor turns into water – by chilling it, so that it can be safely and efficiently transported across the seas in double-hulled carriers.

Natural and propane gas continue to be the best value for your energy dollar. Compared to electricity, natural or propane gas appliances can cost less than half as much to operate. As a gas customer you'll enjoy savings up to almost 50% on your heating, water heating, clothes drying and cooking costs! More importantly gas is a safe, reliable, and environmentally-friendly energy source. Back to Top