API: Natural gas is critical to a reliable and resilient grid
WASHINGTON, August 24, 2017 – API highlighted the reliability and resilience of natural gas for power generation as the Department of Energy released its staff report on electricity markets and reliability.
“API welcomes the opportunity to review this report from the Department of Energy that focuses on promoting reliability and resiliency in the electric system,” said API Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Marty Durbin. “Clean and abundant natural gas, which today produces more electricity in the United States than any other fuel, is a reliable and resilient energy resource that generates the power needed by millions of homes and businesses across the country. In fact, increased-use of this affordable resource gives our electric system the flexibility needed to meet constantly, and often rapidly, changing electricity demands.
“Technological innovation and market forces, without government mandates and subsidies, have allowed natural gas to bring great benefits to consumers – saving households an estimated $1,337 in energy costs in 2015. And the increased use of natural gas for power generation has been a primary driver in reducing carbon emissions in the power sector to near 30-year lows. As we review this report, we look forward to being part of the important conversation that the Department of Energy started today.”
Total use of natural gas for power generation has experienced a 40 percent increase between 2010 and 2016. Today, natural gas generates 33.8 percent of our nation’s electricity versus 24 percent in 2010.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.
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