Florida Public Utilities Company

Exploring the Facts and Myths of Natural Gas

Natural gas is one of the most popular alternative energy sources in the United States. This clean-burning resource can be used to power and heat homes, provide fuel for automobiles, and more. Let’s learn more about natural gas by exploring the facts and myths surrounding this fuel:

Myth: Natural Gas is Not Environmentally-Friendly

In fact, natural gas is regarded as the cleanest type fossil fuel because it creates significantly lower emissions than other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. When natural gas is burned to create energy, it produces lower levels of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Clean burning natural gas is also important for the production of sustainable energy sources, such as the creation of windmills to harness wind energy. 

Myth: Natural Gas is Not Produced Domestically

The United States is the second largest producer of natural gas in the world. Of all the natural gas consumed in the United States in 2011, 91% was produced domestically. In fact, the domestic gas reserves in the United States are so large, it is currently estimated that the U.S. has enough natural gas to meet demand for the next 100 years.

Fact: Natural Gas is More Affordable

Natural gas is an affordable energy source that has a diverse number of uses in residences, transportation, and manufacturing. The price of natural gas is currently 33% lower than conventional gasoline. As the prices of other fossil fuels continue to rise, natural gas will remain an environmentally-friendly and affordable energy source.

Fact: Natural Gas is Safe and Non-Toxic

When natural gas is in the air, it is transparent, odorless, and, most importantly, non-toxic. Natural gas is safe for use in homes, automobiles, and many other places. It can ignite if it comes into contact with an ignition source of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are interested in learning more about natural gas, contact the Florida Public Utilities Company by calling (888) 471-4013. As a leading energy provider in Florida, we are proud to serve Florida customers with natural gas, propane, and electric energy services.

What Is a Home Energy Checkup?

Saving energy is a common goal for homeowners and renters alike, because energy savings equate to lower energy bills. Florida Public Utilities Company can help you make the most of your energy savings with a free Home Energy Checkup.

When you schedule a Home Energy Checkup, an energy conservation representative will check common areas of energy waste—such as HVAC systems, water use, and lighting—and offer customized solutions to help you cut down on your energy use every day. While energy savings will be the primary goal of a Home Energy Checkup, we understand that you and your family want to remain comfortable and cool in your home, so we aim to offer solutions that will not sacrifice your comfort.

To have Florida Public Utilities help you accomplish your energy saving goals at home, contact us on our website or call (888) 471-0413. Our energy conservation experts will take the time to guide you through the factors that affect your family’s energy use so that you are able to keep your bills down every month.

The Basics of Home Energy Audits

A home energy audit can save you hundreds of dollars each year by suggesting energy-efficient upgrades for your home. During the audit, the inspector will use sophisticated equipment to evaluate your home’s energy use. After the home energy audit, the inspector will provide you with a list of improvements that will reduce your energy consumption. Your home will also be given a National Energy Assessment Standards rating from either the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). To learn more about home energy audits, watch this video from the US Department of Energy.

The Florida Public Utilities Company can provide you with a free energy check-up for your home. Call us at (888) 471-0413 to schedule an appointment today or to learn more about our natural gas, propane, and electric energy services.

What Types of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Can Run On Compressed Natural Gas?

As an affordable, clean-burning, and widely available alternative to other fossil fuels, compressed natural gas has become a popular choice for vehicle fuel. In fact, many cities and other organizations are now using natural gas to power their fleets. Here are a few types of heavy-duty vehicles that can run on compressed natural gas:

Transit Buses

Many major metropolitan cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and San Diego have transitioned their city buses to run on compressed natural gas. In fact, one fifth of the buses in the United States are powered by natural gas. Not only does natural gas reduce the level of emissions created by bus fleets, but this clean burning fuel also helps municipalities save money on fueling expenses.

Semi-Trucks

The largest semi-truck manufacturers such as Kenworth and Freightliner are now manufacturing semi-trucks that are powered by natural gas. The move towards natural gas in the trucking industry marks a promising step towards reducing the United States dependence on foreign oil. In fact, semi-trucks consume more foreign oil than almost any other part of the United States transportation sector. Semi-trucks that are powered by natural gas are just as powerful as conventional semi-trucks that run on diesel, but they produce fewer emissions and run on domestically sourced fuel.

Fleet Vehicles

Natural gas is being used to power other heavy-duty fleet vehicles, such as refuse haulers. By using natural gas in refuse and other fleet vehicles, cities and organizations are able to save money on fueling expenses. In addition, compressed natural gas produces lower overall emissions. Since fleet vehicles are usually built to have long lifespans and high mileage, investing in natural gas powered fleets will help cities and other organizations save money over a long period of time.

Contact the Florida Public Utilities Company to learn more about natural gas for automotive and heavy-duty vehicle use. We provide Florida residents and business owners with natural gas. You can reach us on the web, or by calling (888) 471-0413. 

Examining the Role Natural Gas Can Play in an Environmentally-Sensitive Future

As environmental issues become more and more urgent in the United States, natural gas is emerging as a popular and environmentally friendly alternative fuel. Because natural gas is efficient, clean burning, and affordable, it can be used as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Let’s examine the role natural gas can play in an environmentally-sensitive future:

Electricity Generation

As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas combustion is an environmentally friendly method of electricity generation. Other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, release high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere when they are combusted. Through a variety of methods, including steam or gas turbines, natural gas can be easily used to create energy. Natural gas currently makes up one fourth of all of the energy consumed in the United States, and this number is steadily growing.

Transportation

Vehicles that run on conventional gasoline emit high levels of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere. By contrast, a vehicle that is powered by natural gas emits 30 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions. Natural gas is already a popular fuel source for heavy-duty fleets such as city buses, and this clean burning fuel is gaining popularity for use in personal vehicles as well. Natural gas will reduce the level of carbon dioxide and other harmful vehicle emissions while also reducing the United State’s dependence on imported oil.

Residential and Commercial Appliance Use

Appliances that run on natural gas provide an environmentally friendly alternative to electric appliances. Because natural gas appliances are more energy efficient than their electric counterparts, they will save you money on your monthly energy bill. Additionally, natural gas appliances are not connected to the power grid, so they do not rely on environmentally harmful methods of energy production, such as coal plants. 

To learn more about natural gas and the environment, or to work with a trusted natural gas provider in Florida, contact the Florida Public Utilities Company at (888) 471-0413. We are committed to helping to create an environmentally sustainable future for our fellow Florida residents.