In 2007, the average price of natural gas used for electric power generation was $7.31 per Thousand Cubic Feet, a 20-cent increase from $7.11 per Thousand Cubic Feet in 2006.

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

The United States had about 238 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proved, dry natural gas reserves in 2007. Proved world reserves are about 6,186 Tcf (Source: Oil and Gas Journal, December 2007 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.

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: April 17, 2008

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) estimated that in August  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.

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

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