This October, UGI Energy Services is pleased to mark Energy Awareness Month. This annual observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the critical role that energy plays in our daily lives and a strong American economy.
Given our decades of experience in the natural gas sector, from owning natural gas storage and delivery assets to investing in innovative renewable natural gas (RNG) projects, below we share a few insights highlighting the importance of natural gas in America’s balanced energy portfolio.
Powerful Natural Gas
Natural gas is an indispensable part of our energy landscape, powering approximately one-fifth of the world's energy needs and a quarter of all the energy in the United States. From heating homes and offices to fueling industrial processes and generating electricity, natural gas applications are widespread and integral to our everyday lives.
And the demand for natural gas remains strong. Every minute in the U.S., a new residential customer signs up for natural gas service, and approximately 80 businesses begin new natural gas service every day.
At UGI Energy Services, we're proud to supply and market natural gas (alongside liquid fuels, and electricity, and renewable energy options) to 42,000 customer locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US.
Our extensive experience in the industry, dating back to 1882 through our parent company UGI Corporation, allows us to provide reliable and efficient natural gas services to meet the energy needs of a wide range of customers.
Clean Natural Gas
One of the most significant advantages of natural gas is its role in reducing power sector emissions. As a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, natural gas has been a primary driver in lowering U.S. emissions and enabling greater integration of renewables into the power grid. When replacing coal-fired power plants, natural gas generation can reduce emissions by more than 50% per unit of electricity.
The environmental benefits of natural gas extend beyond just emissions reduction. Its low levels of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulates make it an excellent choice for improving air quality.
Safe and Reliable Delivery
The safety record of natural gas pipelines is a testament to the industry's commitment to responsible operations. At UGI Energy Services, we prioritize safety across all we do, from project construction to ongoing operations of our facilities.
Our extensive infrastructure ensures a stable and reliable supply of natural gas to the communities we serve. This reliability is crucial for maintaining a steady energy supply, especially during peak demand periods.
Renewable Natural Gas
As we look to the future, renewable natural gas (RNG) is playing an increasingly important role in our energy mix. RNG, primarily comprised of biomethane, has a chemical composition nearly identical to traditional natural gas, making it an excellent low-carbon alternative.
RNG is delivered through existing natural gas infrastructure, requiring no new pipeline technology or retrofitting. This makes RNG a cost-effective and readily implementable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
At UGI Energy Services, we're excited about the potential of RNG and are actively investing in new RNG projects.
Natural Gas: Supporting Renewable Energy Growth
An often-overlooked benefit of natural gas is its vital role in supporting the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The intermittent nature of these renewables requires a reliable backup source, and natural gas-fired power plants are ideally suited for this role.
Natural gas plants can ramp up quickly when needed, providing the necessary flexibility to balance the grid when solar and wind generation fluctuates. This complementary relationship between natural gas and renewables is crucial for achieving our nation's climate goals while ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
The Journey Ahead
As we mark Energy Awareness Month, we at UGI Energy Services are proud of the role we play in providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers. We remain committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions, whether through traditional natural gas, renewable natural gas, or supporting the growth of other renewable energy sources.
Please join the UGI team in recognizing the importance of energy in our lives and the ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable energy future. Together, we can build a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape for generations to come.
Explore more by visiting:
UGI Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas
EIA’s Natural Gas Annual (September 2024)
EPA’s U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990–2022 (April 2024)
International Energy Association: Global Gas Security Review 2024
