Northeast Gas Association Announces Massachusetts Energy Reliability Awareness Campaign

The Northeast Gas Association (NGA) today formally announced the launch
of a year-long initiative to raise awareness about the importance of
natural gas infrastructure to Massachusetts’ economy and its essential
role as the Commonwealth transitions to an electricity grid that
increasingly relies upon renewable energy.

“Massachusetts continues to see rising demand for natural gas in homes
and businesses, as a clean and affordable energy option,” said Tom
Kiley, President and CEO of NGA. “The Commonwealth and the region also
fundamentally rely on natural gas for power sector reliability. As more
traditional power units retire, from coal and oil to nuclear, including
several large facilities in Massachusetts, the need for natural gas is
more important than ever. Natural gas will also increasingly partner
with renewable energy sources to power the grid. We need to ensure that
the natural gas system can meet that demand, through both system
modernization and – where needed – system expansion,” Kiley added.

For more than two decades, natural gas has played a primary role in
positioning Massachusetts as a national environmental leader by helping
dramatically reduce the state’s air emissions.

As the state moves to comply with Global Warming Solutions Act emissions
reductions, natural gas will play a pivotal role in balancing energy
innovation with continued affordability and reliability – for
homeowners, businesses, and the electric power sector. Even as
renewables become more reliable and cost-efficient, gas-fired generation
will still be required as a safe, reliable, and dependable backstop for
the electricity grid of the future.

Throughout the campaign, NGA members and staff will work with key
stakeholders and constituents to encourage implementation of a long-term
state energy strategy that balances the need for natural gas and
renewable energy resources, including modernization of the natural gas
distribution system.

NGA also will release a ‘state of the industry’ report and host a
Natural Gas Awareness Day later this spring to promote the economic and
environmental benefits of natural gas.

About Northeast Gas Association

The Northeast Gas Association is a regional trade association that
promotes education and training, technology research and development,
operations, planning, and increased public awareness of safe, reliable,
efficient, and environmentally responsible delivery of natural gas.

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