Natural Gas Takes the Lead in Energy Mix
In New England, there is a quiet energy revolution underway, and natural gas is at its center. While our region has historically relied on coal and oil, a significant shift has occurred in recent years. Natural gas has provided much-needed energy security to densely populated New England. By providing a reliable and cleaner energy option to power our homes, businesses, and industries, it has emerged as a leader in the energy sector.
A New Era of Energy
Today, natural gas forms the backbone of New England’s Energy mix. According to the New England Power Grid Regional Profile, natural gas accounted for nearly half (49%) of the 2023 energy resources, a substantial increase from 15% in 2000. This surge in natural gas usage has been driven by several factors, including a large supply, relatively low emissions, and flexibility in meeting fluctuating energy demands. The other energy resources making up New England’s Power Grid include nuclear power, which makes up 20% of New England’s energy mix, followed by renewables (10%), hydropower (8%), coal (.2%), and oil (.3%). There has been a shift in the last two decades with New England now increasingly relying on Natural gas to fuel its energy rather than less clean-burning options.
A Cooler, Cleaner Future
One of the most significant benefits of transitioning to natural gas is its positive impact on environmental sustainability. By switching from coal to oil, New England has made strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since the industry has shifted away from coal and oil, CO2 emissions have decreased from 54.957 million metric tons in 2004 to 30.335 million metric tons in 2022, according to the 2022 New England Power Grid Regional Profile. A single metric ton is equivalent to refueling a large car 46 times. Considering this, the difference in C02 emissions from 2004 to 2022 would be the same as refueling 600,000,000 fewer cars. This decrease in CO2 emissions reflects a shift in the energy sector towards using more environmentally conscious resources. In the last twenty years, the switch from oil and coal to natural gas has proved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Natural Gas’s Role in Heat Waves
New England’s climate can be unpredictable, with heat waves becoming increasingly common. During heat waves, the demand for energy jumps as air conditioning systems struggle to keep homes and businesses cool. Natural gas-fired power plants are equipped to meet demand surges by providing reliable power generation through generators.
When heat waves strike, research shows that New England turns to natural gas first to run their generators. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, New England possesses more natural gas-fired generation capacity than petroleum or coal-fired capacity. When a heatwave strikes New England, natural gas-fired generators keep New Englanders cool and protected from the heat. Natural gas ensures that New England can maintain a steady supply of electricity, even during the hottest summer months.
As New England’s energy landscape continues to evolve, natural gas plays an important role in driving a cleaner, more sustainable future. As one of the Northeast’s premier suppliers of natural gas, and related energy products, Sprague focuses on providing flexible, reliable energy solutions that match your energy needs. Whether you own a restaurant or an apartment complex, we work to meet your energy needs and ensure you get the most cost-effective and efficient natural gas options.
To discover how Sprague’s natural gas solutions can help you navigate the complexities of today’s energy market, visit our Natural Gas page. There, you’ll learn more about our pricing plans, customized energy solutions, and how we’re working to power New England’s sustainable energy future.
