Many Americans winding down from a holiday week of family, food and travel are being blasted with the first winter weather of the season. Weather can be unpredictable and that’s why we need a reliable and steady energy source to count on when cold temperatures and icy conditions kick in.

This is the time of year when affordable, reliable and clean American natural gas isn’t just a matter of convenience, but a necessary and even life-saving resource.

• Households that use natural gas for heating, cooking and other appliances save an average $1,132 per year compared to homes using electricity for such appliances.
• Only 1 in 650 customers are expected to experience a natural gas outage in any given year. Electric distribution systems have an average of one outage per year per customer.
• A March 2019 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research concluded that low prices due to America’s abundant supply of natural gas averted 11,000 winter deaths per year in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s winter fuels outlook, mild winter weather should mean that home-heating costs remain stable and on par last year’s. But, if the winter is colder than expected or has any other surprises, or other issues place demands on energy supplies, those prices could easily spike.

That’s why TEA is promoting it’s “Build, baby, Build” agenda. Building more natural gas-fired power plants will ensure that our supply of affordable, reliable, clean natural gas remains consistent so that prices can stay stable. And, building out pipelines and transmission lines will ensure that natural gas-powered energy gets to the communities and families that need it most so they can stay healthy, safe and warm when winter weather hits.

For more information about how natural gas provides the reliability and affordability to power America through the winter, check out TEA’s Energy Security ARC.