Energy Resources

Facts and Glossary

What is Natural Gas:

Natural gas is made up of hydrocarbon gases, primarily methane, which naturally occurs in rock formations deep below the earth's surface. The natural gas is withdrawn and transported to homes and businesses through an underground system of pipes. Natural gas is efficient, clean-burning (emits few pollutants), plentiful, and safe.

Natural Gas Pipelines:

There are over 1,900 miles of natural gas pipelines in our community that safely transports over 25 million cubic feet of natural gas to our customers. Long Beach Energy Resources' primary focus in operating these pipelines is to ensure the public's safety. Energy Resources regularly monitors its pipelines and performs periodic leak patrols along all pipeline routes to ensure the safety and integrity of those lines. Energy Resources monitors the natural gas pressure in the pipeline system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Control and Dispatch Center immediately implements response measures, should an abnormal condition be detected.

Natural Gas Measurement:

Natural gas is metered in hundreds of cubic feet (CCF's) and is sold to customers in Therms.

Therm:

A unit of energy measurement equal to 100,000 British thermal units (Btu's).

British Thermal Unit (BTU):

The amount of heat it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is also approximately equal to the amount of heat given off from burning a wooden kitchen match.

Energy Content:

The measure of the heat produced by burning natural gas.