How Natural Gas Supports Grid Reliability in Winter

We often think of natural gas as versatile, cost-effective, clean-burning and abundant, which is all true. But did you know it also supports grid reliability in winter? Let’s take a quick look at how.

When we say “the grid”, we’re referring to the electric power grid, an enormous network used to deliver electricity to consumers. It includes power plants, transmission lines, control systems, substations and distribution lines.

But what does any of that have to do with natural gas? Well, beyond the fact that natural gas is the No. 1 source of fuel used to create electricity in the U.S., it also provides reliable, on-demand power and heat when cold weather causes demand to surge. Here’s how it helps:

Natural gas meets peak winter electricity demands.

When it’s cold out, especially, natural gas is counted on as our nation’s biggest single source of fuel to produce electricity. On average in the U.S., it generates about 40% of the electricity produced at power plants that use heat to make energy. In some areas when temps are really cold, it accounts for more than 80%.

Natural gas power plants ramp up quickly, too. Unlike power plants that use coal, nuclear and even some renewables, natural gas power plants can fire up and produce electricity within minutes, versus the hours or days some other energy sources can take. This helps meet sudden spikes in electricity demand that we often see in winter.

Natural gas helps heat while easing grid strain.

When this clean-burning fuel is used directly to heat homes and businesses, it helps reduce the need for electricity and lessens the burden on power plants during peak winter demand.

It also happens to be more efficient when used directly, versus relying solely on the electricity produced from natural gas. That helps direct-use customers save on energy bills, and it’s great for sustainability.

Natural gas backs up renewable energy sources.

During extended winter freezes, energy produced from solar and wind can drop dramatically—solar panels and wind turbines don’t perform well when covered with ice and snow. But unlike these intermittent power supplies, natural gas is abundant, fueling power plants continuously and making it possible to adjust output in real time.

For more on how natural gas supports renewables, check out our blog on how it serves as a bridge fuel to cleaner energy.

Natural gas infrastructure has become increasingly resilient.

Over the years, natural gas production and delivery have become more and more reliable, especially when freezing temps boost demand. Although there have been scenarios in the past when cold weather caught gas producers off guard, better equipment weatherization, expanded storage capabilities and stronger coordination across the supply chain now help ensure it’s ready and available when power plants and other users need it most during cold weather.

Natural gas isn’t just a fuel. It’s our foundation for winter grid reliability. Its ability to deliver power and heat when demand rises, back up renewables and perform under pressure makes it an essential part of our lives.

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