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Nick Stavropoulos of National Grid on C-Span
Yesterday, on C-Span’s morning news and discussion show, Washington Journal, Nick Stavropoulos, head of National Grid’s U.S. gas distribution business, talked about the importance of the nation’s natural gas system and how natural gas plays a significant role in America’s low carbon future.
In a wide ranging discussion that touched on a variety of issues, Nick explained how natural gas utilities work, how customer bills are structured, key issues surrounding supply and demand, and answered several questions from callers.
A popular topic was alternative power sources, including the role of wind turbines. The point was made that, while a growing and vital portion of America’s power supply, greener alternatives like wind and solar are not yet fully reliable. Additionally, the power generated from such sources still needs to be transmitted to the end user. Nick talked about National Grid’s contract with Cape Wind to develop an extensive wind farm off the coast of Cape Cod to help power Massachusetts customers.
One caller asked about distributed generation and cogeneration, using natural gas to power a site-located turbine to generate electricity and at the same time capturing the resulting heat and using that as steam for local heating purposes. National Grid has used this technology for some time in limited situations, but more development is needed. Nick noted that there are some residential customer locations using cogeneration, but it’s still on a small scale. He also stressed that government support is needed for development of natural gas cogeneration and renewable gas technology.
Discussion also touched on shale gas and where it fits in with the overall domestic natural gas supply. Addressing the topical issue of hydrofracking, Nick clarified that it is not a new technology – in fact, it has been in use successfully for decades — and he pointed out on several occasions that well funded regulators and transparency from all sectors of the industry are vital to oversight and effective regulation of natural gas development.
The video is embedded above and you can watch the interview at C-Span.
Get your video in for the natural gas video awards
Last year we presented the Natural Gas Video Award for the first time. It was a great program that allowed many members to have an opportunity to highlight their video work. Well, it’s that time of year again. We’re putting out the call for your videos. The video can be anything natural gas or utility related. So, if you’ve done some great work on a safety video, a video about your work in the community, a training video, a commercial or just something highlighting natural gas, here’s your chance to shine.
You can submit your work by leaving a link to the video in the comments below or emailing me at dgibson@aga.org. We’ll need to get your entry by August 31. We’re going to select a group of finalists that will be voted upon on this blog by our readers. The winners will receive:
- An award to commemorate their achievement
- Feature article in American Gas Magazine
- Spotlight profile here on True Blue Natural Gas
- An official AGA press release recognizing them to our media contacts
- Complimentary registration (up to two people) to the AGA communications and marketing meeting with an opportunity to speak about their experience making the video
Spectra Energy received the 2009 Natural Gas Video Award for its video “Facts about Natural Gas. The Natural Choice.” The video does a great job highlighting the positives of natural gas story. But instead of me trying to tell you about it, why don’t you just watch it. Enjoy last year’s winner.
‘Drive To Inspire’ Rides Through Tulsa
Keith Barfield sent me this video last week. It comes from a News6Tulsa report on Keith and Mark McConville’s drive from Los Angeles to Chicago in a car powered only by compressed natural gas. Keith said it’s one of his favorite videos yet. The guys finished up their trip and are in town this week meeting up with Rep. Bachus about their project. I’m trying to line up some of their time to stop by AGA so we can talk with them and get some pictures of that beautiful car (man, Bruce and Chris are going to be upset they missed that).
Look for that later in the week but in the meantime you can watch the News6Tulsa video below to wet your whistle. You can also read last month’s post about Keith and Mark on our blog or read about the whole trip at route66goatgas.com.
True Blue Natural Gas Blog from the American Gas Association (AGA)- Natural Gas Market Indicators
- Spectra Responds to Natural Gas Pipeline Concerns
- Don’t Miss Out—Make Sure to Register for the World Shale Gas Conference & Exposition
- Dave Parker Receives Prestigious Key Award from ASAE and The Center
- Department of Energy proposes to use full-fuel-cycle analyses in developing energy efficiency standards
- High dividend tax rates will negatively impact utilities
- White House Supports Keeping Maximum Dividend Tax Rate At 20%
- Natural Gas Market Indicators
- Natural Gas Vehicles for America in Boston
- Nick Stavropoulos of National Grid on C-Span
