Natural gas is one of the most reliable and environmentally friendly fuels, but did you know that there are many other ways this resource is utilized? Natural gas touches every part of our daily lives — it has many residential and commercial uses, but is also used as an ingredient and plays a key part in many of our day-to-day activities.

Natural Gas is Used in Homes

Nearly three-quarters of Ohio households and more than 72 million Americans use natural gas for heating and hot water. It's also used for drying clothes, pools, fireplaces, outdoor lighting, and cooking. Those who use a natural gas range spend half as much on cooking costs as those who use electric ranges. Natural gas appliances only continue to become more efficient and responsive than their electric counterparts.

Natural Gas is Used to Generate Electricity

Over 35 percent of generated electricity in 2018 came from natural gas, making it the largest producer of electricity out of all resources in the United States. The energy in natural gas is used to generate heat, which boils water — the resulting steam propels turbines that spin generator coils to produce electricity for homes and businesses. The most common uses of natural gas electricity for both households and businesses are lighting and temperature control.

Natural Gas is Used for Manufacturing and Industrial Processes

Natural gas is used as both a raw material and a source of heat in many manufacturing processes, accounting for thirty-four percent of total U.S. natural gas consumption from the industrial sector. Pharmaceuticals, plastics, antifreeze, fabrics, and fertilizers are just some of the products that use natural gas as an ingredient. It is also used as a heat source to make cement, bricks, paper, steel, glass, and food products. Over 99% of the natural gas used in the United States is produced domestically, making it responsible for creating over 3 million jobs.

Natural Gas is Used as a Vehicle Fuel

There are currently over 160,000 natural gas vehicles in the U.S. Many leading car manufacturers produce at least one natural gas model, and most standard vehicles can even be retrofitted to include a natural gas option. These vehicles are either dedicated to running on natural gas or bi-fuel, meaning they can run on natural gas, gasoline, or diesel. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is used for most daily driving, while liquid natural gas (LNG) is preferred for vehicles that travel long distances. Natural gas vehicles emit 10% less greenhouse gas and average a much cheaper cost per gallon than standard gasoline.

Apart from being highly versatile, natural gas is clean, cost-efficient, and currently provides energy in some form for over 3.3 million Ohio residents and 6,500 businesses. Let us handle your home or small business energy needs — call 800-296-2203 to learn more or enroll online today.