WASHINGTON — Americans continue to save money and improve their environmental footprint by using natural gas, according to the 2015 American Gas Association (AGA) Playbook. The updated guide for natural gas information shows natural gas customers saved an average of $693 per year from 2012-2013 while reducing their carbon dioxide emissions by half a million metric tons. In addition, emissions from distribution pipelines dropped an additional 6 percent in 2014 as utilities continued to upgrade and modernize infrastructure to enhance safety.

“The discussion about our nation’s energy future must be fact-based, and the 2015 AGA Playbook shows our nation’s abundance of natural gas continues to deliver environmental and energy-efficiency solutions while providing reliable, affordable energy,” said Dave McCurdy, CEO and president, AGA. “With more than a century of expertise, natural gas utilities are a trusted resource for customers, policymakers, regulators, and the media, as we all seek meaningful energy solutions.”

The AGA Playbook is designed to define natural gas and inform how local natural gas utilities are delivering the energy to help achieve the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security goals. The 2015 edition contains the latest facts and data surrounding natural gas and its role in American life, including information about pipeline safety, natural gas supply and usage, responsible resource development, economic benefits, key facts regarding emissions, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and more.

Current national trends highlighted in the updated Playbook show that natural gas customers are saving more money, more energy, and emitting less carbon than ever before. Average yearly savings for households using natural gas appliances increased $40 between 2012-2013. In 2013, households using natural gas appliances saved an average of $693 per year compared to households using other energy choices. Utilities helped customers save 136 trillion Btu of energy and offset 7.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2012, an increase of 11 trillion and 0.6 million over 2011, respectively.

The 2015 AGA Playbook also details the record performance of natural gas utilities during the winter of 2013-2014 and includes information on the latest natural gas utility initiatives to enhance safety, cyber, and physical security and further reduce emissions, including the AGA Peer Review Program, the Downstream Natural Gas Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and Voluntary Emissions Reductions Guidelines.

Publication date: 3/2/2015 

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