In 2008, the average price of natural gas used for electric power generation was $9.41 per Thousand Cubic Feet, a $2.10 increase from $7.31 per Thousand Cubic Feet in 2007.

Annual natural gas prices (electric power industry price at the bottom)

As of January 1, 2009 the United States had about 238 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proved, dry natural gas reserves. Proved world reserves are about 6,254 Tcf (Source: Oil and Gas Journal).

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 574 Tcf and 3,274 Tcf, respectively.

U.S. Natural Gas Reserves Summary
World Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

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

Last reviewed: May 22, 2009

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

There are several ways that total underground working gas capacity may be measured.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that as of the end of April 2009, the aggregate peak working gas capacity for U.S. underground natural gas storage was 3.889 trillion cubic feet (Tcf).

Working gas design capacity, an alternative, less conservative indicator of gas storage capacity, was 4.313 Tcf as of the end of April 2009.

Estimates of Maximum Underground Working Gas Storage Capacity in the United States, 2009 Update (PDF)

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: May 22, 2009

Last reviewed: May 22, 2009

Methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and water vapor are the major greenhouse gases associated with the production, transmission, processing, storage, distribution, and use of natural gas. Emissions of these gases associated with natural gas, excluding water vapor, were about 20% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 (in carbon dioxide equivalent). EIA does not estimate volumes of water vapor produced from natural gas combustion because this contribution to global atmospheric water vapor is relatively insignificant.

Methane, the main component of natural gas, is released directly to the atmosphere when it leaks from natural gas wells and pipelines and processing and storage facilities. These methane emissions in 2007 were the source of about 25% of total U.S. methane emissions, but only 2.7% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and water vapor are produced when natural gas is burned. Some CO₂ is also released when it is removed from natural gas. Carbon dioxide emissions associated with natural gas in 2007 were about 21% of total U.S. CO₂ emissions and 17% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (excluding water vapor).

Emissions of N₂O from natural gas combustion were less than one percent of total U.S. N₂O emissions and a very small share of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2007