Natural Gas: For a Sustainable Massachusetts
Natural gas has been an energy, economic, and environmental success story for Massachusetts.
As our state turns its focus to bring on more renewable resources such as wind and solar, we need natural gas more than ever. While nuclear and coal plants are shutting down, natural gas provides a steady stream of reliable electricity that serves as a backstop to renewables and keeps the lights on. Natural gas keeps our economy humming and our homes warm in winter.
To learn more scroll down. You can also download and read the full report about why natural gas is good for Massachusetts.
Massachusetts families count on natural gas
52%
of residences heat with natural gas
10s of 1000s
more use gas for basic life necessities
Massachusetts businesses count on natural gas
156,000
businesses in MA use natural gas
38%
of the natural gas consumed in MA is used by commercial and industrial customers
Massachusetts’ economy counts on the natural gas industry
4,000+
gas utility employees in MA
Thousands more
provide goods and services to the industry
Millions of dollars
are contributed to charities by the industry
Millions of dollars
are contributed to charities by the industry
Massachusetts’ environment relies on the natural gas industry
21%
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions since 1990
67%
Reduction in gas system methane emissions between 1990 and 2017
1%
The amount that natural gas systems contribute to the state’s total GHG emissions
Massachusetts utility energy efficiency programs lead the nation
Massachusetts Ranked #1
Massachusetts retained the top spot for nine years in a row (!) in the annual State Energy Efficiency scorecard rankings by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)- a tremendous achievement – and one that involves both the electric and natural gas sectors.
Since 2013
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Massachusetts’ natural gas utilities are committed to safety
2,900 miles replaced
of bare steel and cast iron mains, since year 2000; the miles of plastic pipe have doubled at the same time!
Gas leaks repaired
Industry supported legislation to classify and repair leaks
Gas utilities are
Partnering
with municipal and advocacy groups on gas leak repair and safety
Natural gas will continue to play a critical role in the generation of electricity and fueling our state’s economy for decades to come
34%
Increase in generation of electricity by natural gas from 2000 to 2018.
At the same time, air emissions in region are down – thanks in large part to natural gas power plants.
SO2, down 98%
NOx, down 74%
CO2, down 34%
(Source: ISO-NE, 12-18, based on 2001-17 data)
U.S. EIA: “In 2018 Massachusetts generated 67% of its electricity from natural gas.” In EIA chart above, natural gas is shown in the light brown color.
Chart source: U.S. EIA, Aug. 2019
Natural gas provides important system balancing in regional power generation, as other resources retire and new renewables increase their share.
Solar and Wind
Natural gas enables a greater role for renewables, and provides system reliability as other units retire
Natural Gas
remains a leading fuel of choice for generation facilities
(over 1,200 megawatts of new natural gas generating capacity was
added in 2018 / 2019 in Massachusetts)
The Bottom Line? Gas is Good for Massachusetts.
Natural gas is an energy, economic, and environmental success story for Massachusetts. Natural gas provides the backbone we need to support renewable electricity generation.
Natural gas is essential to keeping the lights on, the economy growing, and our homes warm in the winter.
This is a project of the Northeast Gas Association and the Massachusetts natural gas utilities. For more information please contact:
Northeast Gas Association
75 Second Avenue, Suite 510
Needham Heights, MA 02494-2859
Phone 781.455.6800
@ Copyright 2019 Northeast Gas Association