utilities

Natural gas utility customers rate their service providers higher than electric customers, in part because of the fuel’s lower cost and reliability, according to a recent study by J.D. Power.  In its inaugural Utility Brand Appeal Index (BAI), which surveyed 80,000 residential customers from 149 electric utilities and 85 natural gas utilities over eight months,…

A Canadian startup is targeting 2025 to begin a low-carbon hydrogen blending pilot with local natural gas utility Gas New Brunswick. Fredericton, New Brunswick-based Nu:ionic Technologies Inc. said it plans to deploy its proprietary teal hydrogen technology, which combines elements of the more widely known “blue” and “green” production methods. The teal method utilizes microwave…

U.S. natural gas utilities are using innovation and technology to improve their portfolios, adding more renewable natural gas (RNG) and alternative fuels while reducing coal, executives said during the recent second quarter conference calls.  Some utility executives noted that higher costs affected their recovery from last year’s high natural gas prices, but they are steadily…

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) both filed with state regulators to raise revenue as they pursue “the dual opportunities of advancing decarbonization and helping to deliver energy security globally,” said CEO Jefff Martin.  “We understand that modern energy infrastructure is a great enabler of prosperity, health and…

As a deluge of adverse circumstances in 2022 nearly doubled natural gas spending by Pacific Gas and Electric Corp. (PG&E), CEO Patricia Poppe said the San Francisco-based company is “laser focused on affordability” as customers face higher-than-normal bills.  The cost of natural gas nearly doubled year/year to $2.1 billion in 2022 from  $1.15 billion in…

The right incentives could allow natural gas utilities to use existing infrastructure to advance low-carbon fuels and fight climate change, according to a study commissioned by the American Gas Association (AGA). AGA consulted Concentric Energy in discovering key regulatory frameworks that would encourage the production of low carbon products.  “This study leaves no doubt that…

Once the third largest spender on natural gas, electricity generators now account for 31% and take on the biggest share of natural gas expenditures, according to a recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).  The sector, already the dominant natural gas consumer, rose to the top of spending in 2021, when natural gas…

Eugene, OR, will become the first city in the state to ban natural gas infrastructure in new low-rise residential construction. The ordinance will require developers to use electric appliances and power in new buildings that are three stories or less. However, this will not affect existing buildings.  Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has set a goal…

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is investigating the performance of Dallas-based Atmos Energy Corp.’s Mid-Tex Division during Winter Storm Elliott after thousands of customers experienced issues with their natural gas service. Gov. Greg Abbott called for the investigation after Atmos asked its North and Central Texas customers to curb natural gas use as the…