April 2013, Vol. 240 No. 4

Features

Northwest Says Gas Outlook Has Bright Horizon

A rapid influx of natural gas supply coupled with an annual predicted growth rate of .9% in regional demand has revolutionized natural gas as a key player in strengthening North America’s economy, according to Northwest Gas Association’s recent “Gas Outlook” report. Natural gas is coined as a “fundamental economic input” in the study due to its integral role as an industrial and commercial fuel for electricity generation. Because it is a cheaper option than gasoline or diesel for vehicle fueling and a medium for water heating in homes, the report says, demand expansion will largely be contingent upon the recovery of the economy and is expected to grow 8.1% in the Pacific North