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New Report Finds Natural Gas Critical to a Smart Energy Future

Natural gas is the key to a smart energy future through its efficient, safe and reliable delivery and
its use as an abundant, domestic, affordable, low-carbon energy source for all segments of the economy, according
to a white paper released today by the Gas Technology Institute and Navigant Consulting.

The paper, Natural Gas in a Smart Energy Future, was sponsored by five major natural gas groups, representing all
segments of the North American industry: The American Gas Foundation, APGA Research Foundation; Canadian
Gas Association, the INGAA Foundation Inc. and the Natural Gas Supply Association. It states that we must take
action to aggressively pursue smart energy solutions in order to achieve key goals by 2030.

“A smart energy future is critical to our nation’s economic well-being, environmental health and security,” said
Jose Lozano, chairman of the APGA Research Foundation. “No other fuel choice serves all those interests as well
as natural gas. It is abundant, efficient, clean, safe and affordable. This report defines the ‘smart’ and ‘strategic’
roles of natural gas in a smart energy future and serves to ensure that natural gas is part of the conversation in
policy and infrastructure planning discussions between industry, regulators and policy makers.”

The white paper identifies key tools and steps, as well as a number of action items for both policymakers and the
industry, to move toward a smart energy future.

"This report underscores the ability of natural gas to make the smart grid smarter," said R. Skip Horvath, president
and CEO of the Natural Gas Supply Association. "We already know that the use of natural gas in power generation
and in homes, businesses and factories contributes to cleaner air and greater energy efficiency. This white paper 

lays out the ways that natural gas is needed to achieve a smarter energy future, characterized by the ability of
suppliers and consumers to rapidly and efficiently respond to changing energy needs."

INGAA Foundation President Don Santa added, "Natural gas must be fully integrated with electricity from multiple
sources, including renewables, to ensure a smart energy future. In achieving this vision, and implementing
seamless communications and data management between the gas and electric infrastructure, we will make our
energy system more reliable, safer and better able to manage peak demand.”
Gregg S. Kantor, chairman of the American Gas Foundation noted, “Better energy integration and improved
technology and infrastructure will lead to increased safety, reliability and efficiency, and will provide economic and
national security benefits that we cannot afford to delay. Natural gas is critical to achieving these results, and we
are pleased be a part of helping bring to light the role it has in this smart energy future.”

The findings in the report have international implications as well. “Abundantly available, affordable, safe, versatile,
and reliable, natural gas is a clean source of energy for buildings, communities, industry, power generation, and
transportation,” said CGA President Timothy Egan. “Natural gas meets 30 percent of Canada’s energy needs and
this report illustrates that natural gas is smart energy, a strategic asset and the foundation of Canada’s smart
energy future.

The Executive Summary and Full White Paper are posted in Efficiency and Conservation Section of our website.


 
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