Energy source for public consumers

Natural gas is a fossil fuel used as a source of energy for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

Natural gas is often informally referred to simply as «gas», especially when compared to other energy sources such as oil or coal. Natural gas was used by the Chinese in about 500 BC (possibly even 1000 BC).

Energy capacity

Natural gas dispensed in a residential setting can generate temperatures in excess of 1100 °C (2000 °F) making it a powerful domestic cooking and heating fuel. In much of the developed world it is supplied through pipes to homes, where it is used for many purposes including ranges and ovens, gas-heated clothes dryers, heating/cooling, and central heating. Heaters in homes and other buildings may include boilers, furnaces, and water heaters. Both North America and Europe are major consumers of natural gas. Boilers use low pressure, usually 6 to 7 inches of water (6″ to 7″ WC), which is about 0.25 psig.