American Petroleum Institute stresses benefits of natural gas infrastructure as colder weather approaches

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently stressed the importance of the natural gas infrastructure in the United States as the country braces for winter temperatures that are projected to be colder than 2015.

“This winter, American consumers are set to face colder temperatures as compared to last year,” API Chief Economist Erica Bowman said. “The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that temperatures in the Northeast, Midwest, and the South are expected to be up to 20 percent lower than last winter. With temperatures set to drop outside, American consumers will continue to rely on natural gas as the most prominent energy source to heat their homes.”

Bowman cited New England’s electricity costs, typically more than 50 percent higher than other areas of the country, as an area that would benefit from increased infrastructure.

“Given that natural gas and electricity are the dominant choices for home heating and that the electricity sector is continuing to use more natural gas as an affordable, reliable and environmentally-friendly fuel choice, natural gas supplies and infrastructure now matter more than ever to consumers,” Bowman said. “In addition to its positive impact in utility prices, new and improved energy infrastructure will help our nation continue leading the world in the production of oil and natural gas and in the reduction of carbon emissions, which are near 20-year lows.”