U.S. residential natural gas prices are projected to average $13.83 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) this year, 6.4 percent higher than last year’s price of $13.00 per Mcf.

Learn More: Review projected residential natural gas prices in EIA's Short Term Energy Outlook.

In 2006, the average annual price of natural gas used for electric power generation was $7.11 per Mcf (thousand cubic feet).

Learn More: Annual natural gas prices

EIA provides international natural gas prices for selected countries by sector (electric generation, household, industry).

Last reviewed: April 17, 2008

In 2005, nearly 52 percent of all households (residential sector) used natural gas as their primary heating fuel, accounting for about 22 percent of total natural gas consumed in the United States.

Learn More: Type of Heating in Occupied Housing Units, Selected Year, 1950-2005 - Annual Energy Review and Annual natural gas consumption by end use 

1. Texas … 3.4 Tcf (Trillion Cubic Feet)
2. California … 2.3 Tcf
3. Louisiana … 1.2 Tcf
4. New York … 1.1 Tcf

Learn More: Natural gas consumption by State

Calculations for the year-ago and 5-year averages are explained in Appendix A of the Methodology section of the Storage Report found at: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/ngs/methodology.html#5year

The United States had about 211 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proved, dry natural gas reserves in 2006. Proved world reserves are about 6,183 Tcf (Source: Oil and Gas Journal, December 2006 estimate).

Yes, there should be sufficient reserves to meet expected demand well into the future based on EIA's latest estimates of U.S. and total world natural gas consumption from 2006 through 2030, nearly 580 Tcf and 3,382 Tcf, respectively.

Learn More: U.S. Natural Gas Reserves Summary and World Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

Natural gas is primarily methane, which is a major greenhouse gas. Methane is emitted directly to the atmosphere from sources such as leaks in natural gas wells, coal mines, and pipelines. It is also emitted from landfills, sewage treatment facilities, livestock operations, and industrial processes. Other major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides and water vapor, are produced when natural gas is burned for heating and electric power generation. Direct methane emissions and carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas combustion in 2006 were about 25 percent of total U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases (in carbon dioxide equivalent).

Learn More: Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2006

There are several ways that total underground working gas capacity may be measured. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated that inAugust  2007 that, after adjustment for operational considerations that hinder the attainment of full storage at all fields simultaneously, a likely practical estimate for maximum industry-wide working gas capacity is roughly 3.7 Tcf. However, based on design capacity estimates, U.S. working gas capacity was 4.10 Tcf as of the end of July 2007.

Learn More: Estimates of Maximum Underground Working Gas Storage Capacity in the United States

Residential consumers in some States have the opportunity to choose their supplier for the natural gas itself. Suppliers are either the local distribution company or approved gas marketers. Regardless of supplier, the local distribution company continues to provide local transportation and distribution services.

Last reviewed: April 17, 2008

Last reviewed: April 17, 2008

Last reviewed: April 17, 2008