American Gas - April 2011 - (Page 21)

the NeW realities From Wellhead to Customer From supply to end use, one of the few constants in the natural gas industry is change. In the following three stories, American Gas examines the current and future outlook for supply, infrastructure and end use. One theme repeats: The industry is experiencing fundamental shifts in numerous areas. In our first story, “Then There Was Abundance,” starting on p. 22, our experts look at how natural gas supply has taken a 180-degree turn in recent years, moving from a paradigm in which supply struggled to keep pace with demand, resulting in wide price swings, to today’s estimates that the United States has at least 100 years of natural gas supply at current production levels. Dramatic changes in domestic natural gas resources (including shale gas), reserves and production, pipeline imports from Canada and liquefied natural gas—as well as other gas sources—are making all the difference. In “Through the Pipeline,” starting on p. 26, four utilities share their processes and perspectives on repairing and replacing distribution and transmission pipelines, and AGA provides resources to enhance companies’ safety culture. Finally, “Priority Pathways for Growth” (see p. 32) tackles a new reality in end use. While the number of consumers using natural gas has increased by 70 percent since 1970, overall consumption of America’s fuel has not changed during the past 40-plus years thanks to conservation efforts and energy-efficiency enhancements, as well as new codes and standards for buildings and appliances. How can utilities grow market share in such an environment? The AGA Growth Task Force tackles this question and suggests five key areas ripe for development. oF the Natural Gas iNdustry AmericAn GAs april 2011 21

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - April 2011

American Gas - April 2011
Contents
President’s Message Safety Is Job One
In the Know Gas Quality: When Science and Policy Intersect
In the News
Safety First Partnering for Progress
The New Realities of the Natural Gas Industry: From Wellhead to Customer
Part I: Then There Was Abundance
Part II: through the Pipeline
Part III: Priority Pathways for Growth
Going for the Green
Places to Be
Noteworthies
Advertisers’ Index
Jobline
Marketplace
Facts on Gas

American Gas - April 2011