FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are environmental groups in Nevada looking to eliminate different energy options?
Yes. There have been several proposals pushed forward in Nevada, backed by out of state interest, that would limit the kind of energy that may be used in your home or business. However, our coalition members have had positive engagements with state and local lawmakers to ensure they understand the harms in eliminating energy options in our state and communities.
Will having one source of energy lower my bills?
No. In fact, it’s more likely that you would have to pay more to retrofit your home or business, unnecessarily replace your appliances and upgrade your panel. All of this would require more money out of your pocket. Additionally, there are questions about energy resilience if everyone is pulling from the same source – particularly on very hot or cold days.
Would limiting energy choices have an impact on jobs in Nevada?
More than likely. Many communities in Nevada have recently expanded their energy choices through the installation of natural gas pipelines. This has made it more competitive for businesses to start, expand or relocate. Some of these communities have already seen the direct economic benefits from having energy options by lowering their operational cost and commitments from major companies to bring jobs.
I hear that gas appliances are not sustainable, is this true?
No. In Nevada, our natural gas utilities spend lots of time and money to ensure that their infrastructure is well maintained and prevent unnecessary release into the atmosphere. In fact, Nevada has some of the newest infrastructure around the country. In addition, natural gas appliances have the benefit of being energy efficient by only losing 4-8% of energy from the source it was produced.
What are utilities doing to make energy cleaner?
Utilities in Nevada have been working for years to make our energy cleaner and more sustainable. On the electric front, more energy is being produced from renewables like solar. Gas utilities have also been investing in green technology like renewable natural gas and alternative fuels like hydrogen. These solutions would lower emissions using infrastructure already in place, without burdening consumers with large costs to adopt.
Do I currently have a choice on the type of energy I want to use in my home or business?
Yes. Consumers currently have the option to install and use whatever types of appliances they choose as long as their local utility, home or commercial builder have provided the infrastructure to do so. Survey data has shown that consumers prefer a balanced energy approach when it comes to their appliance choices and energy use in their homes and businesses.
Should I be concerned about air quality in my home if I use natural gas appliances?
No. While there are limited emissions from gas ranges, ovens and cooktops there are no documented risks to respiratory health from using these appliances. Multiple federal agencies including the Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) routinely address indoor air quality issues and have never identified natural gas cooking emissions as having negative health impacts to consumers.
How does natural gas support achieving our climate goals?
Direct use of natural gas to home appliances such as your stove, dryer, water heater and other gas equipment, is the most efficient use of this energy. In Nevada, direct use of natural gas is also one of the lowest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. In fact, over the last two decades, the use of natural gas in place of carbon intense coal for electric generation has helped drop emissions dramatically throughout the United States. Additionally, in Nevada, the expansion of natural gas to underserved communities, is likely to help reduce millions of pounds of CO2 as homes switch from high carbon products to natural gas for cooking, water and home heating.
What role does natural gas play in economic development and jobs?
When businesses are looking to start, expand or relocate, one of the major considerations they evaluate is the availability of energy and other infrastructure. If a state, municipality or community do not offer the energy needed to run that operation, communities are likely to lose out on the economic development those businesses could bring. Both small and large business across the state of Nevada rely on natural gas, and the removal of this resource would be detrimental to the future of these businesses and the jobs that accompany them.