Leading Energy Companies Unite To Promote Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas

While policymakers struggle to find solutions that balance America’s energy and environmental needs, leaders in the energy industry have formed a new coalition to advance the use of clean-burning natural gas as the responsible energy choice for the nation both now and in the future. The Council for Responsible Energy (CRE), with top management membership from over 190 organizations representing 6.5 million households, is mounting a national education campaign to communicate the superior comfort natural gas provides and why it is a responsible energy choice for the environment.

According to a new Omnibus survey issued by the CRE this fall:

• Sixty-nine percent of Americans currently use natural gas in their homes – primarily for home heating and water heating.
• Currently only 48 percent of those surveyed buy energy-efficient appliances/insulation but nearly twice as many, 93 percent, think it is very important to use less energy.
• Thirty-five percent of Americans rank energy efficiency as their top priority for home improvement in the next 12 months.

“Research clearly shows that customers want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment and our long-term energy goals, but they are unaware of the many ways natural gas helps them do that,” said Thomas Skains, president and chief executive officer of Piedmont Natural Gas and the incoming chairman of the American Gas Association for 2009. “The time is right to educate the public that by choosing natural gas you can help save energy, reduce emissions and protect the environment, without compromising performance or lifestyle.”

As part of its launch, the CRE is teaming up with HGTV host Carter Oosterhouse to unveil a new educational campaign to promote the benefits of natural gas. The campaign will provide consumers and builders with information and resources on how to be more eco-conscious in simple, affordable ways. Many resources will be available including:

• Tips for creating a more energy efficient home - With energy costs on the rise, the CRE will provide a variety of tips on creating more energy efficient homes without sacrificing comfort or quality.
• Web site - CRE unveils a brand new Web site - www.ComfortableResponsible.org– where consumers and businesses alike can find information on the benefits of natural gas for homes and businesses.
• Carbon calculator - In the coming weeks, consumers will be able to assess their carbon footprint through the CRE’s carbon calculator featured on www.ComfortableResponsible.org as well as learn more on how to reduce their emissions.

New Coalition Connects Over 190 Energy Organizations

In response to the nation’s focus on energy coupled with a lack of consumer awareness on energy issues, leading energy companies have joined together to form the CRE to educate consumers on energy efficiency and the choices they have in making their energy decisions. The research also indicates that while many consumers believe that energy efficiency is important, they do not always put their beliefs into action.

"With the recent volatility in energy prices, consumers are more conscious about their energy consumption and want to understand the impact their energy choices have on both their wallet and the environment," said Donna Peeples, chairman, the Council for Responsible Energy and vice president, sales and marketing communications for AGL Resources. "While alternative energy has a place in our energy portfolio, it cannot meet our country's demand now. Natural gas is the best energy value available today - not only is it a clean, responsible choice for your home, but also for the planet that is home to everyone."

Using natural gas for heating your home and water produce fewer greenhouse gases than electricity or oil heating in comparable size homes. As a result, the carbon footprint of a natural gas home is an average of 46 percent less than a home using electricity for those same appliances. Many studies have shown that the use of natural gas appliances can deliver on global climate change objectives now and over the long term.

Unlike other energy sources, more than 80% percent of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced in the United States. Natural gas is an abundant, domestic resource.

For more information on the benefits of natural gas, visit www.ComfortableResponsible.org. To join the CRE, visit www.cremembers.org.

Council for Responsible Energy

The Council for Responsible Energy (CRE) was formed in 2008 to educate and build awareness of natural gas as the responsible energy choice. Consumers, builders and businesses can save energy, reduce emissions and help protect the environment without compromising performance or lifestyle by choosing natural gas. The spreading of this message through an industry collaborative is the mission of CRE.

The CRE is currently composed of more than 190 companies involved in the natural gas industry, including natural gas suppliers, natural gas marketing companies, transmission companies, distributors and appliance manufacturers and distributors.

About the Survey

This survey was conducted for The Council of Responsible Energy via Inforsurv, Inc’s weekly omnibus survey of 1,500 US residents age 18 or more. The sample is representative of the US population using US census sample framework. The margin of error of is +/- 2.53 percent.