In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to appreciate all that Pennsylvania natural gas brings to the table. From providing affordable and reliable energy to people across the globe, to being the driving force behind Pennsylvania’s economic prosperity, natural gas is an invaluable tool we should all be thankful for.
Economic Engine
Natural gas powers Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of workers and injecting billions in annual economic activity. According to the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s economic impact report, the sector supports 123,000 jobs with family-sustaining wages in Pennsylvania, paying an average of $97,000 annually. That’s 113% higher than the average median wage in the state, and part of the overall $12 billion contributed in labor income.
These jobs and the investment that supports them directly underpin the health of Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2022, the industry generated more than $41 billion in economic activity, increasing Pennsylvania’s GDP by $25 billion.
Read more: NEW REPORT: Natural Gas Powers Pennsylvania’s Economy
Affordable
Natural gas is the most economical way for Americans to heat and power homes, with the Department of Energy estimating natural gas is 3.3x more affordable than electricity and other energy sources. Households using natural gas saved an average of $1,068 annually compared to those relying on electricity Household heating costs for those who use natural gas costs this winter are expected to drop 21% compared to last year.
Driving the affordability of natural gas are the technological advancements the industry is adopting to produce and transport natural gas more efficiently and sustainably, reducing costs and enhancing supply simultaneously. This, coupled with our abundance of fuel in the region, generates significant savings for the American consumer.
Read more: Winter is Coming – Natural Gas Keeps Pennsylvanians Warm
Reliable
Nations around the globe are preparing for winter. American natural gas supplies will provide reliable energy, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
In Pennsylvania, the Public Utility Commission’s Annual Winter Reliability assessment confirms utilities are “well prepared” to meet power demands this winter season. As former PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said at an MSC luncheon, “natural gas must remain in the process in terms of ensuring reliability for the electric grid.”
Pennsylvania’s status as the second largest natural gas producer in the country, contributes to our ranking as a top electricity exporter, meaning more Americans are benefitting from the affordable, reliable and clean energy provided by local natural gas. Serving as the power grid’s backbone, natural gas is able to deliver for consumers in times of peak demand – and when it matters most.
Read more: Natural Gas Critical to Grid Security
Sustainable
Natural gas continues to be the most sustainable, secure and affordable fuel source, helping attain local and global economic and environmental goals. Further, Pennsylvania’s natural gas is largely considered the world’s most sustainable, making it the top choice of global leaders in meeting energy demand.
Read more: SHALE INSIGHT 2023: Natural Gas Solution for Strong Sustainable Future
Built for the Future
Remaining the most versatile fuel source, natural gas has positioned our nation for a future of continued prosperity and global energy leadership. Consider, Pennsylvania was the only state in the country to receive funding for two hydrogen hub projects, which will bring about thousands of jobs, investment and local revenue that would not be possible without our state’s access to natural gas.
On its own, natural gas is a critical tool to decarbonize key economic sectors – especially those from hard-to-abate industries – because it serves a dual purpose as a low-carbon feedstock and fuel source. In the agricultural sector, natural gas is utilized in crop cultivation, livestock farming and food production. More, royalty payments to Pennsylvania landowners (many of which are farmers) reached $6 billion in 2022 alone, helping to modernize local farming operations.
From a global perspective, U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports are leading the charge in reducing global emissions. These exports provide alternative, cleaner fuel sources to allies aiming to decrease their reliance on foreign sources of gas that are not subject to same strict regulations as American operators.
Read more: Natural Gas: Fueling Growth in American Agriculture and PA Scores Big in Hydrogen Hub Competition
