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sItE vERsus sOuRCE: AND thE wINNER Is … NAtuRAl GAs.

The choice between natural gas and electricity for ing at energy performance. Failing to do so will result in
heating and other uses in a home affects both overall an apples-to-oranges comparison that does not give an
energy efficiency and the environment. Although accurate picture of a home’s energy consumption.
efficiency ratings for home appliances can make it
seem as if electric appliances are more efficient than thE DEFINItION OF sAvINGs
those using natural gas, that is not necessarily the Site energy is the amount of energy consumed in the
case. According to researchers from the National home. Measures of site energy are based on the overall
Institute of Standards and Technology, consumers amount of energy converted to useful power.
wanting to operate their homes more efficiently Source energy considers the entire chain of energy
should choose natural gas over electricity. production, from creation to distribution and energy
However, to get a clear picture, the difference between usage by the consumer.
site and source energy must be accounted for when look- (continued on page 06)

2.5 Times More Energy Reaches the Customer with Natural Gas

Extraction,
Processing & Delivered
Transportation Conversion 1 Distribution To Customer

Electricity 100MMBtu 95 39 37
37% Efficient Energy Source

Total Co e
2
CO equivalent emissions from
2
2
3
typical household use (metric tons) 0.4 3.8 0.1 2.5 6.8
Natural Gas 100MMBtu 93 92

92% Efficient Energy Source

Not
Applicable
Total Co e
2
CO equivalent emissions from
2
2
3
typical household use (metric tons) 0.4 0.1 4.9 5.4
1. Includes all energy imputs, including renewable sources — based on actual fuel mix in 2018
2. Includes greenhouse gas impact from unburned methane
3. Energy consumed in space and water heating, clothes drying, and cooking
NOTE: This full-fuel-cycle examines all impacts from the energy sources through consumption

SOURCE: EnERgy AnAlySiS, AmERiCAn gAS ASSOCiAtiOn, OCt. 1, 2020.
Spring - Summer 2021 ❙ naturalLiving 05
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