Natural gas fuels the independent spirit of New Hampshire. As an affordable, reliable energy source for heating and cooking that is depended upon by over 120,000 customers, natural gas works for the Granite State.
Natural gas contributed over $1 billion to the state economy in 2015, an investment that is helping to spur interest in expanding distribution infrastructure in New Hampshire – an enterprise that would help add to the already 10,000-plus jobs created by the industry in-state. From an economic boom to cleaner energy for a healthier environment, natural gas will benefit generations of New Hampshirites to come.
Natural gas powers New Hampshire forward.
New Hampshire’s transportation and residential sectors each consume nearly one-third of the energy used in the state, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. More than three-fifths of the natural gas consumed in New Hampshire is used to generate electricity, and 69 percent of residential demand is used for space heating.
As the affordability and reliability of natural gas becomes better understood, residents and businesses are switching to natural gas, helping families stay warm in winter and industries as diverse as paper, plastic and rubber manufacturers improve efficiency and profitability.
Natural gas serves New Hampshire communities.
Over 10,000 jobs support the natural gas industry within New Hampshire, and these jobs serve over 121,000 customers. In one year, these hardworking New Hampshirites earn nearly $1 billion in direct and induced labor income, helping to add over $1.3 billion in value to the state economy annually.
From industrial construction to machinery repair and maintenance, to natural gas distribution, the contribution of natural gas to the New Hampshire economy is undeniable, and the possibilities for growth are unbounded.
Natural gas helps protect New Hampshire’s environment.
Natural gas can dramatically reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. For example, when used to generate electricity, natural gas produces half the CO2 emissions of coal. As the use of natural gas by electricity-generating plants has increased, power sector CO2 emission levels are at their lowest levels in nearly 30 years.
In fact, natural gas can have such a profound impact on emissions that the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that switching to natural gas accounted for almost two-thirds of the CO2 emission reductions from 2006 to 2014. And the environmental benefits associated with natural gas go well beyond CO2 reductions. Greater use of natural gas in power generation will also reduce NOx, SO2, PM, acid gasses, Hg and non-Hg heavy metal emissions. From the rugged beauty of White Mountain National Forest to the mystical wonder of Lost River Gorge, New Hampshire deserves a clean, healthy environment for its future generations.