Amid global pandemic, natural gas will reliably power the US

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COVID-19 is a pandemic infecting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The virus is wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy and disrupting day-to-day life. With more people seeking medical attention, being quarantined, or taking precautionary measures to avoid crowds and stay home, the level of anxiety is at an all-time high.

In these challenging times, we know that our basic support systems will be tested, but you can be assured that your local natural gas utilities are rising to the challenge. Nearly 180 million people depend on us every day to heat their homes and businesses, and they can count on us to deliver when it counts the most.

As we all work to protect ourselves, our employees, and the public from the ongoing threat of COVID-19, businesses and schools are asking people to stay at home to prevent further spread of the virus. Being at home more means people are using natural gas to cook their meals, warm their homes, and heat their water for longer hours of the day. The nation’s natural gas delivery network is built to handle this additional load. You will continue receiving the same safe, reliable service you have come to expect from your natural gas utility.

Reliable and resilient service is essential for hospitals, doctors’ offices, and senior centers. These critical facilities use natural gas for cooking and heat and other lifesaving services like sterilization. Many of them have efficient gas-powered generators so that in the event of an unexpected power outage, doctors and nurses can continue providing care to those who are most vulnerable. As our healthcare and elder-care professionals work around the clock to care for those most affected by the virus, they can count on us to do the same.

We’ve seen the benefits of gas-powered generators and electrical grid backups during past events such as hurricanes and other inclement weather situations. Advanced technologies such as combined heat and power have also kept the lights and heat on during natural disasters. Thanks to combined heat and power systems powered by natural gas, college dormitories have remained inhabitable, and large hospital systems have been able to maintain hot water, sterilization, refrigeration, and other systems critical to patient care during grid outages.

At the same time, as we’re making sure critical facilities have the reliable energy they need to weather the storm, natural gas utilities are also looking out for our most vulnerable customers. Utilities across the country have suspended gas disconnects for those unable to pay their bills, and many are offering to reconnect those who already lost service. People have enough things to worry about right now. We’re doing everything in our power to make sure reliable energy isn’t one of them.

The truth is, during times of crisis, everyone knows they can depend on their local natural gas utility to deliver. Meeting your needs safely and reliably is our mission, and we will not let you down.

There have been turbulent times in the past, and without a doubt, there will be more in the future. As we continue to navigate through turbulent times, we can all be assured that our natural gas utilities are working around the clock to deliver for homes, treatment facilities, and hospitals and making sure our first responders and medical professionals can continue their lifesaving work now and in the future.

Karen Harbert is president and CEO of the American Gas Association. Diane Leopold is co-chief operating officer of Dominion Energy and chair of the American Gas Association.

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