While “sustainability” is most frequently associated with “clean and green” and other environmental benefits, at Peoples Gas, we embrace sustainability as the universal needs of people to live in a healthy, safe and prosperous environment. This includes access to vital resources including clean, reliable energy, water, and air; economic opportunities to help businesses and families flourish; and the ability to choose efficient energy options wisely to improve the quality of life in our communities and the environment.
As the largest distributor of safe, affordable natural gas in Florida, Peoples Gas plays a leadership role in the state’s sustainable energy future. Natural gas fuels electricity generation, transportation, businesses, homes and communities. For more than 125 years, Peoples Gas has delivered reliable, cost-effective natural gas—an abundant natural resource keeping pace with Florida’s economic development and offering resiliency and environmental protection. Watch video.
Energy – Natural gas is a reliable, resilient part of Florida’s energy mix
At the core of sustainability is energy. Energy powers industries and new technologies, improves healthcare, spurs economic growth and creates vibrant, sustainable communities. Florida depends on Peoples Gas every day to deliver clean natural gas to keep our state running reliably. Available continuously, natural gas is Florida’s core energy during storms, peak energy demand and even typical outages.
Because of its underground infrastructure, natural gas is significantly more resilient than other energy sources. That’s why Peoples Gas invests more than $200 million annually to improve and expand our natural gas infrastructure to meet the demand for reliable, affordable energy. As Florida continues to attract more residents and businesses, the demand for affordable and reliable energy is growing. Peoples Gas is ready to fill the need with more than 110 years of domestic natural gas supply available.
Efficiency – With natural gas, you can do more with less
Helping businesses cut costs and improve the bottom line is a critical component of our commitment to customer service, especially now during the pandemic. Peoples Gas provides energy-efficiency recommendations and financial incentives to help businesses do more while using less energy. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), wise energy use reduces operating costs, creates jobs and combats climate change. By the end of 2020, Peoples Gas will have distributed more than 40,000 rebates to help businesses and residents save money and energy by choosing high-efficiency natural gas appliances and equipment. Learn more.
Economy – Natural gas bolsters our economy
According to a recent report from the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, Florida’s economy from 2020 to 2023 is predicted to expand at an average annual rate of 2.6%, after contracting by 6.0% in 2020 (as measured by gross state product). Sectors expected to have the strongest average job growth during those years are leisure and hospitality (4.8%), professional and business services (4.2%), education and health services (3.5%), trade, transportation and utilities (1.2%), and state and local government (1.0%). Reliable energy is critical to sustaining this growth.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that natural gas will continue to be an essential domestic energy resource driving economic recovery and advancement. Natural gas plays a vital role in a diverse energy mix to energize the state. Today,more than 75% of Florida’s net electricity generation is fueled by natural gas, a 25% increase from a decade ago. As electricity demand increases as predicted, EIA expects natural gas-fired generation capacity to continue to grow as a lower-carbon, cost-competitive option compared to coal and petroleum. Moreover, EIA data cites that Florida is leading the way in CO2 reductions with an 11.7% reduction since 2005, mainly due to the transition from coal to natural gas for electricity generation. A recent presentation by Scottmadden Management Consultants for the Southern Gas Association shows that Florida reduced CO2 emissions by 372 million metric tons from 2005 to 2019.
In addition, Florida’s transportation industry increasingly relies on natural gas as a lower-carbon alternative to gasoline and diesel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Compressed natural gas is one of the best low-emissions alternative fuels for medium- and heavy-duty transportation, including transit buses, freight and other fleet vehicles. Liquified natural gas can be used as affordable, sustainable and reliable fueling for ships, trains and trucking. Renewable natural gas is even cleaner—with net-zero emissions—for use in natural gas vehicles. Read more.
Currently, the natural gas industry provides nearly 100,000 jobs in Florida, supporting our economy’s growth. That number increases when you factor in the workforce of natural gas-related products and services, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, contractors, field technicians, and service providers. These jobs fuel our economy, maintaining the state’s predicted growth.
Environment – Cleaner energy for a brighter, more beautiful future in Florida
Reducing our state’s carbon footprint is of vital importance to Peoples Gas. Through investment in emerging technologies and energy system advancements, we’re making progress every day to reduce GHG emissions. For example:
- 37% less GHG emissions are emitted from homes with natural gas versus those with all-electric appliances.
- 33% less GHGs have been emitted by Peoples Gas since its voluntary participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge by replacing aging cast-iron and bare-steel piping with modern plastic piping.
- Aligning with the Florida Energy and Climate Plan, Peoples Gas will launch a new Environmental Responsibility Plan in 2021 to cut GHG emissions even more.
Sustainability is fundamental to the mission, goals and strategy of Peoples Gas. It’s at the heart of our people and our environment. We believe in keeping Florida energized and beautiful—a place where we want to live, work and enjoy for generations to come.
Sustainability drives our customer service, economic and environmental priorities to use energy efficiently, reduce GHG emissions and increase our investments in modern infrastructure and lower-carbon energy, including renewable natural gas, to meet our customers’ needs.
Leading the way to a better Florida
At Peoples Gas, we’re committed to being a leader during the state’s energy evolution by delivering clean and efficient natural gas solutions in an environmentally responsible and economical way. Cost-effective, resilient, sustainable and safe, natural gas plays a critical role in Florida’s future growth and prosperity.
If you’d like to learn more, please provide us your contact information and we’ll keep you informed of relevant, timely information.
