20230120INT to Staff Attachment - Response to No. 31_48520 Attch_14_Natural Living Mag.pdf

Natural Gas:
Helping to
Make Our
World Better
naturalliving
your home. your world.Fall/Winter 2022
presented to you by
02 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
INSIDE
FEATURE
06 Trash to treasure
Turning natural gas into a renewable asset
is happening now
Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
12
06
IN EvERy ISSUE
naturalNews
03 Energy savings
Simple changes can cut cost,
increase efficiency
naturalFit
08 Indoor heating 101
Turn chilly into comfy with reliable
heating options
naturalChoice
10 Healthy living
Habitat for Humanity chooses natural gas to
build affordable, energy-efficient homes
naturallyBetter
12 Dining out
Restaurants find new opportunities with
outdoor options
naturallyGood
16 Beer And lime Marinated Salmon
Southwest Spaghetti Squash
NaturalLiving is a free publication brought to you by Energy
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Naturalliving is published twice annually by PRISM Media Group, 8951 Cypress
Waters Blvd., Ste. 160, Coppell, TX 75019. Visit PRISM Media Group on the web
at www.prismmediagroup.com. No part of this publication may be reprinted
without permission. Copyright 2022 Energy Solutions Center.
PRISM Media Group
President: Ray larson
Editorial Director: Stephanie Anderson Forest
Production Manager: Rachael Daniel
Graphic Designer: Nancy Kekich
Contributing Writers: Tonya McMurray,
Drew Robb, Monica Stavish Skaggs
For advertising information
contact Barbara Stinson:
[e-mail]
Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 03Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
W ith inflation at record-high levels, consumers are
looking for ways to reduce everyday expenses.
Households using natural gas for heating, cooking
and clothes drying are already recognizing signifi-
cant savings – an average of $1,041 each year compared to homes
using electricity for those applications, according to the American
Gas Association (AGA). But a few simple changes can boost savings
even more.
INCrEasED HEaTING EFFECTIvENEss
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA),
cooling and heating account for about half of energy costs in the aver-
age home. Along with the use of clean and energy-efficient natural gas,
households can save money with the following strategies:
• Set thermostats to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the
winter. Every degree of extra heating or cooling will increase energy
use by 6% to 8%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
• Install a programmable thermostat. The DOE advises that ad-
justing your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees during the workday
when no one is home will save between 5% and 15% on annual
energy costs.
• Pay attention to humidity levels as higher humidity will make a
home feel warmer, leading consumers to set thermostats to a lower
temperature during hot weather. To reduce humidity, the DOE
naturalNews
Energy savings
Simple changes can cut cost, increase efficiency
By Tonya McMurray
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Gas appliances are one of the
best ways to increase energy
efficiency for homeowners.
Households that use natural
gas for cooking, heating and
clothes drying save more
than $1,000 a year in energy
costs compared to those who
use electricity.
04 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
recommends making sure clothes dryers, stove fans and bathroom
fans are vented outside; venting them into an attic or basement only
redistributes moisture and doesn’t eliminate extra humidity.
• Improve insulation and seal any air leaks. Add weatherstrip-
ping to drafty windows or replace them with new energy-
efficient windows.
• Add a storm door to provide an extra layer of protection from
weather year-round. The DOE reports a storm door can reduce
energy loss by up to 50%.
• During warmer months, close blinds, shades and curtains on the
sunny side of the home and open them during cooler months to
take advantage of the natural warmth of the sun.
naturalNews
Even as natural gas prices are higher than they have
been over the past few years, natural gas remains one of
the most affordable forms of energy for homeowners.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
estimates that the average family spent about $573 to
heat their home with natural gas last year, with aver-
age prices for this year reaching about $709. Even
with that increase, the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) rates natural gas as 3.4 times more affordable
than electricity and significantly more affordable than
many other residential energy sources in the 2022
Representative Average Unit Costs of Five Residential
Energy Sources.
The DOE’s 2022 representative average unit costs for
residential energy sources show natural gas at $12.09
per million British thermal unit (Btu) compared to
$41.79 per million Btu for electricity. The report indi-
cates propane averages $24.46 per million Btu, No. 2
heating oil averages $25.11 per million Btu and kero-
sene averages $29.73 per million Btu.
“Natural gas is affordable,” said Jake Rubin, senior
director, public relations and executive communications
for the American Gas Association (AGA). “Natural gas
has saved commercial, industrial and residential custom-
ers more than $640 billion over the last decade.”
The EIA projects that natural gas will be between one
half and one-third the price of other fuels through 2050.
Current market dynamics resulted from a combination of
factors, Rubin said. Unseasonably cold weather through-
out the U.S. in April and May resulted in more consump-
tion of natural gas during a time when underground
storage is typically being filled; this led to lower storage
inventories. Production was not able to keep pace with in-
creased demand. The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted
in increased European demand for non-Russian gas and
introduced market uncertainty abroad.
A recent AGA analysis also notes that other energy
sources are also seeing significant increases. Coal has
more than doubled in some regions over the last year.
New solar panels and wind turbines are less available
and more expensive because of supply chain issues.
And battery storage for renewable energy has been im-
pacted by a seven-fold increase in the price of lithium.
NaTural Gas BENEFITs
In addition to being the most affordable fuel source,
aFForDaBlE ENErGy: DEsPITE rIsING FuEl CosTs, NaTural Gas rEmaINs a GooD DEal For CoNsumErs
“Natural gas is reliable with unplanned outages
affecting only one in 800 customers per year. In
comparison, customers of electric distribution
systems have an average of one outage per year.
Without natural gas, that outage can mean no
heat during winter storms, no warm water, and
no ability to cook.”
— Jake rubin, senior director, public relations
and executive communications, american
Gas association
Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 05Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
BoosT aPPlIaNCE EFFICIENCy
Buy appliances with high Energy Star® ratings, which can reduce
energy use by up to 50%. Other ways to boost the efficiency of appli-
ances include:
• Opting for a tankless water heater, which is more efficient and
tends to last longer than conventional storage water heaters.
• Washing clothes in cold water.
• Insulating water pipes. This will keep condensation from
forming on cold water pipes, which contributes to extra humidity,
and will prevent heat loss from hot water pipes to maximize hot
water heating.
DoN’T ForGET your Gas uTIlITy
Homeowners can often get help with many of these strate-
gies through their local gas utility, said Jake Rubin, senior
director of public relations and executive communications
for AGA.
“Gas utilities invest $4.5 million every day in energy efficiency
programs to help customers install tighter-fitting windows and
doors, upgrade insulation and purchase increasingly more ef-
ficient natural gas appliances,” he said. “Contact your utility or
go to their website to see how you can take advantage of these
programs to help you save money by conserving energy.” n
natural gas offers consumers many other benefits.
“Natural gas is reliable with unplanned outages
affecting only one in 800 customers per year,” Rubin
said. “In comparison, customers of electric distribution
systems have an average of one outage per year. With-
out natural gas, that outage can mean no heat during
winter storms, no warm water, and no ability to cook.”
Natural gas is also an efficient fuel source and creates
jobs across multiple industries, said Abigail Miller, director
of communications for the Interstate Natural Gas As-
sociation of America.
“Natural gas has helped create thousands of Ameri-
can jobs in the energy production and pipeline sectors
as well as the manufacturing industry,” she said. “Natu-
ral gas is vital to our economy and its increased use
has contributed to historic reductions in greenhouse
gas emissions. In short, natural gas is an economic and
environmental winner.” n
aFForDaBlE ENErGy: DEsPITE rIsING FuEl CosTs, NaTural Gas rEmaINs a GooD DEal For CoNsumErs
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Even with increased
gas prices, natural
gas remains 3.4 times
more affordable
than electricity
for homeowners,
according to the U.S.
Department of Energy.
06 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
“rNG is a critical part of a cleaner energy future
and is one of the solutions to solving the energy
transition … By capturing and cleaning the gas
and turning it into rNG, we’re able to avoid a large
release of GHG emissions and use the rNG in place
of traditional natural gas — all without changing
any home appliances.”
— Katie Fleming, director, corporate planning,
sustainability and EsG, Black Hills Energy
City of lincoln’s Water Resource Recovery Facility project
produces renewable natural gas for use in transportation.
Photo coUrtesy of blacK hills enerGy
Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 07Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
I magine if you could transform trash into clean energy that could
heat households and serve all household appliances. That is ex-
actly what is being done to produce renewable natural gas (RNG).
In essence, RNG is natural gas produced by the decomposition
and burning of organic matter from sources such as plants, manure,
and food waste. This “biogas” just needs to be captured and purified
before being used by consumers or as a transportation fuel.
Black Hills Energy, for example, is an enthusiastic advocate of RNG.
Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, this utility serves 1.3 million natural
gas and electric utility customers in eight states. It has been building in-
terconnections to move RNG produced by wastewater treatment facili-
ties, landfills and food waste, into its natural gas distribution system.
In total, the company has six RNG projects in service, with numerous
other projects under development, said Katie Fleming, director of
corporate planning, sustainability and ESG for Black Hills Energy.
One example is a partnership with Blue Source and The City of Lin-
coln, Nebraska, to produce RNG for transportation from the city’s mu-
nicipal wastewater treatment plant, which recovers about 20 million
gallons of water daily. Biogas from the facility has been producing
electricity for many years. But in 2017, city officials upgraded the sys-
tem to begin producing RNG for transportation, including power-
ing Lincoln’s growing fleet of city transit buses. Fleming said the six
projects on the Black Hills Energy system produce up to 3.3 million
cubic feet of RNG per day. That’s the equivalent of displacing 178,000
barrels of oil. As each barrel of oil holds 42 gallons, switching to RNG
for transportation or blending with natural gas results in a significant
reduction in carbon and other emissions.
“RNG is a critical part of a cleaner energy future and is one of the
solutions to solving the energy transition,” Fleming said. “The organic
waste used to produce RNG is abundant; there are landfills, animal
manure, wastewater treatment facilities and many other sources that
are emitting greenhouse gas (GHG). By capturing and cleaning the
gas and turning it into RNG, we’re able to avoid a large release of GHG
emissions and use the RNG in place of traditional natural gas — all
without changing any home appliances.”
rNG IN oHIo
Chesapeake Utilities Corp. is another firm believer in RNG for
several reasons: It provides multiple environmental benefits, is fully
interchangeable with conventional natural gas, and can be produced
from landfills and other waste material. One of its many projects is
the Noble Road Landfill RNG pipeline project. Aspire Energy of Ohio
constructed the 33.1-mile pipeline, which takes RNG from the landfill
in Shiloh, Ohio, to the Aspire Energy pipeline system.
Other partners in the project include OPAL Fuels and Rumpke Waste
& Recycling. Rumpke extracts and captures waste gas from the landfill,
which OPAL Fuels purifies of carbon dioxide and other components
to achieve pipeline quality standards. In addition to supplying Aspire
Energy’s customers, RNG is available to be dispensed into fueling
stations to fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
“The Noble Road pipeline represents the first of many RNG proj-
ects under development that will deliver energy that contributes to
a sustainable future,” said Jeff Householder, president and CEO of
Chesapeake Utilities. “Transporting RNG from the landfill through
our pipeline system provides a path to markets that supports the
economics of the biogas production and significantly reduces total
carbon emissions. The outcome of this collaborative project is a win
for customers, the local community, and the environment.”
The Noble Road project will capture and transport quantities of re-
newable natural gas equivalent to 6.9 million gasoline gas equivalents
(continued on page 15)
Trash to treasure
Turning natural gas into a renewable asset is happening now
By Drew Robb
Economic Devistar RNG storage units at the Noble Road landfill project
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08 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
naturalFit
W hen chilly days arrive, there’s nothing like being able
to relax and enjoy a warm and cozy home, knowing
the heat will be on and stay on. Homeowners today
can choose from a variety of reliable heating options,
including forced air furnaces, hot water (radiant or hydronic) systems
and space heaters.
With all systems, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises
consumers to regularly maintain their equipment. That, together
with proper insulation, sealing and thermostat settings, will help save
money while reducing environmental emissions.
ForCED aIr HEaTING
Forced air or central heating is the most common heating system in
new homes. A forced air heating system pulls in air from inside your
home, heats it, and then sends it back into your home using a blower
fan via ducts.
A forced air heating system is energy efficient. With forced air fur-
naces, natural gas is often used as the heat source. A gas flame warms
a heat exchanger that air passes through. A forced air heating system
is affordable and quickly sends warm air through the home via ducts
that can also be used to provide air conditioning.
Indoor heating 101
Turn chilly into comfy with reliable heating options
By Monica Stavish Skaggs
Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 09Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
This type of heating system can be easily in-
stalled. Forced air systems are reliable because
the ducts are durable and there are fewer work-
ing parts than other systems. Forced air sys-
tems utilize air filters. These filters should be
replaced or cleaned according to the manufac-
turer’s instructions. You should also have the
unit serviced on an annual basis to keep the
system running as efficiently as possible.
HoT WaTEr HEaTING sysTEms
Hot water heating systems, often called hydronic systems, are less
common today and are generally found in colder climates. Instead of
a furnace, these systems feature boilers. The boiler heats water, which
is pumped through radiators or baseboards, carrying heat throughout
the house.
Hydronic systems provide several advantages, such as consistent
heat in a cost-effective manner, according to DOE. These systems tend
to be preferred by those with allergies because it doesn’t distribute
allergens, the DOE reports.
On the downside, hot water heating systems are more expensive
and complicated to install, making upfront costs higher. Also, an air
conditioner cannot be connected
or added to a boiler, as opposed
to forced air furnaces which can
share the same ductwork. Like
other heaters, hot water systems
require regular maintenance to
prevent leakage and damage.
sPaCE HEaTING sysTEms
Space heating systems are
sometimes used in addition to
central heating systems in add-on
rooms, garages and basements.
Space heaters generally are in-
tended to heat only the room in
which they are placed. However,
in warmer climates, a larger unit
could serve as a home’s sole heat-
ing source. Some small space heat-
ers may be vent-free, but most use
either conventional or direct vent-
ing. Most are mounted to either
the floor or a wall.
Vent-free systems draw in room
air to support combustion. With
efficiency ratings of up to 99.9%,
they release almost all the generated heat into the area to be heated.
Used for supplemental heat only, vent-free units come with oxygen
depletion sensors that automatically shut the unit down if there is
an inadequate oxygen supply. Direct-vent room heaters vent directly
outside and don’t need a chimney or flue and are self-contained sealed
combustion heating appliances. These heaters are highly efficient as
they draw outside air to support combustion rather than taking air
from the space you are trying to heat. Direct-vent heaters are typically
compact and easy to install.
As with any large-scale home improvement, consumers should first
speak with a reliable heating contractor before selecting a heating sys-
tem. A knowledgeable professional can discuss the different aspects
of each system and help make an informed investment in comfort. n
With all systems, the u.s. Department of Energy (DoE)
advises consumers to regularly maintain their equipment.
That, together with proper insulation, sealing and
thermostat settings, will help save money while reducing
environmental emissions.
10 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
naturalChoice
D reams really can come true. Case in point: Habitat for
Humanity and Atmos Energy Corp. are partnering to
help lower-income families move into affordable, en-
ergy-efficient homes that feature reliable natural gas
and renewable energy.
Two zero net energy (ZNE) homes were recently constructed in
Taylor, Texas, and Evans, Colorado. A ZNE home produces the same
amount of energy that it consumes in a year by using high-efficiency
natural gas space and water heating, high-performance building ma-
terials, and solar technology to provide comfort, affordability and
sustainability.
“Zero net energy homes demonstrate the value and vital role natural
gas plays in helping customers reduce their energy bills while reduc-
ing their carbon footprint,” said Jennifer Altieri, vice president, public
Healthy living
Habitat for Humanity chooses natural gas to build affordable,
energy-efficient homes
By Monica Stavish Skaggs
A zero net energy
home was recently
constructed in Taylor,
Texas. The home
produces the same
amount of energy that
it consumes in a year
by using high-efficiency
natural gas space and
water heating, high-
performance building
materials, and solar
technology to provide
comfort, affordability
and sustainability.
Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 11Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
affairs, Colorado-Kansas division, Atmos Energy. “Utility costs can be
a real burden for new homeowners, especially low-income families.”
Habitat for Humanity is a global, nonprofit Christian housing or-
ganization that specializes in removing barriers to help qualified
families gain self-reliance and lead financially stable lives. Through
Habitat, homeowners help build their new houses along with vol-
unteers and pay affordable mortgages. Since 1976, the organization
has helped 29 million people around the world build or improve
their homes.
Atmos Energy is the nation’s largest natural gas-only distribu-
tor. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the S&P 500 company delivers
natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in 1,400
communities in eight states.
In Taylor, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, Texas, and
Atmos Energy partnered to build a three-bedroom, two-bath natural
gas home. The 1,277-square-foot dwelling adheres to U.S. Depart-
ment of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program. The program
requires a qualified third-party energy consultant to be involved
in the house’s design and to complete rigorous
testing and certification.
A single mother with health issues and her four-
year-old daughter now call the house their home.
The owner spent 300 hours helping to construct
the building and attended preparatory classes.
Energy-efficient features include air sealing
of the house’s existing frame, duct sealing and
testing, and a high-efficiency tankless natural gas
water heater. The walls and underside of the roof
have spray foam insulation which provides a tight
seal against air leaks.
“Basically, no air gets into the house except
where it’s designed to,” said Linda Sloan, director
of homeowner services, Habitat for Humanity of
Williamson County.
Natural gas space and water heating keep
energy bills low, and appliances are Energy
Star® rated.
“Folks who live in Habitat homes are obviously
concerned about their monthly cash flow. While
most people will brace for $100 to $200 monthly electric bills in the
summer, this family will see a $50 monthly bill for gas and electric
service,” said Matt Skains, marketing manager, Atmos Energy. “They
will enjoy ease of living, the air will be warmer in the winter, food
will cook faster, and they’ve even got a gas dryer. The home is going
to be extremely comfortable.”
The ZNE Habitat home in Evans combines rooftop solar, high-
efficiency natural gas appliances and high-rated windows and insula-
tion to produce more energy than it consumes in a year, Altieri said.
The 1,500-square-foot home has five bedrooms and two baths. It
features a complete thermal enclosure system which includes com-
prehensive air sealing. In addition, the home features a 7.0-kilowatt
roof-mounted solar system that supplies electricity. Renewable pow-
er will offset the home’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Natural gas offers resiliency because residents are not dependent
on just one energy source,” said Cheri Witt-Brown, executive director,
Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity. “Natural gas is also affordable in
terms of monthly energy bills and it’s very comfortable.”
The house is home to a mother with four children, including an
adult son with special needs and one grandchild. The family previ-
ously lived in a crowded apartment with upper-story windows that
posed a hazard. Family members are grateful to live in a stable en-
vironment, according to Habitat for Humanity.
For the past 20 years, Habitat and Atmos Energy have partnered
to build affordable and efficient homes in communities to achieve
the goal to provide safe, cost-effective, energy-efficient housing so
families can lead healthier, more financially stable lives. n
“Zero net energy homes demonstrate the value and
vital role natural gas plays in helping customers
reduce their energy bills while reducing their
carbon footprint.”
— Jennifer altieri, vice president, public affairs,
Colorado-Kansas division, atmos Energy Corp
A zero net energy Habitat to for Humanity
home in Evans, Colorado, combines
rooftop solar, high-efficiency natural
gas appliances and high-rated
windows and insulation to
produce more energy than
it consumes in a year.
12 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
naturallyBetter
Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 13Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
W hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020,
the restaurant industry was one of the hardest hit.
With initial shutdowns followed by stringent indoor
capacity limitations, the ability to shift to outdoor
dining provided a lifeline for many restaurants, according to the Na-
tional Restaurant Association.
From simple tents to custom-built outdoor enclosures, restaurants
found ways to move their dining spaces outdoors. By September 2021,
72% of full-service restaurants offered outdoor dining and 57% of
limited-service restaurants offered outdoor seating, according to a
survey by the National Restaurant Association.
The organization reported that the inclusion of outdoor dining
spaces was important even more than a year into the pandemic as the
delta variant spread in the fall 2021. The association’s survey showed
that 78% of restaurants experienced a decline in customer demand
for indoor dining while 61% saw an increase in demand for outdoor
seating because of increased COVID cases.
sTayING Warm
As restaurants opened outdoor spaces, one challenge was finding a
way to keep outdoor dining open as many months as possible. And for
most restaurants, that meant finding ways to heat their outdoor spaces.
Lily Ning, vice president of marketing for Superior Radiant Prod-
ucts, which markets the Superior Radiant line of infrared heaters,
said that prior to the pandemic, outdoor space heating represented
less than 10% of the company’s business. That has steadily increased
over the last two years in part because restaurants and other indus-
tries with outdoor spaces are looking to keep those spaces open as
long as possible.
She said one of the biggest concerns for restaurant owners was
Dining out
Restaurants find new opportunities
with outdoor options
By Tonya McMurray
“Natural gas provides flexibility for large or
small spaces. It is also historically much cheaper
in the long term to use natural gas compared
to electricity.”
— Justin merritt, business development manager,
superior radiant Products ltd. and Ir Energy Inc.
14 naturalliving ❙ Fall - Winter 2022
naturallyBetter
how to make the outdoor dining space profitable. Those with access
to natural gas were able to take advantage of the cost and energy ef-
ficiency of natural gas heaters to expand their outdoor dining season.
“When you are looking into outdoor heating, it’s all about cover-
age,” Ning said. “Even in places where it gets very cold in the winter,
if you have enough heaters, you should be able to stay open all the
way to November. An infrared product like ours operates on the same
principle as sitting under the sun. Even on a very cold winter
day, if you are sitting under the sun, you feel really warm. So,
you can have an open wall, but if you’re under the heater,
you’ll be warm and toasty.”
usHErING IN a TrEND
While restaurants may have added outdoor dining op-
tions because of the pandemic, many industry experts ex-
pect that outdoor dining will remain an important feature
for restaurants. According to the National Restaurant As-
sociation’s 2022 State of the Industry Report, about 50% of
restaurant operators expect outdoor dining will become
more common this year. And, in a diner survey conducted
by online restaurant reservation service OpenTable, 82%
of diners said they want restaurants to continue to expand
outdoor seating.
“There’s been a real change in people’s habits,” Ning said.
“Some people are more comfortable sitting outside because
they don’t have to worry as much about the virus. Some
people have found they like it. If you go to Europe, most
cafes and small restaurants have outdoor seating and
they put a blanket on the chair. They all have heaters,
you put a blanket over your shoulders, and you can
sit outside almost all winter. Now people here are
realizing they can sit outdoors even in September,
October and November.”
The realization that outdoor dining can be enjoy-
able even into the late fall has led some homeowners
to take another look at their own backyards.
Homeowners have many options when it comes
to natural gas patio heaters. Heaters can be perma-
nently installed in-ground, deck mounted or hung
from a roofline or on a wall. Other heaters are free-
standing and portable to allow for greater flexibility
in use. Smaller heaters can provide spot heating for
an outdoor grilling space while larger heaters can
create a cozy outdoor dining and gathering spot.
Ning said homeowners looking to expand their
outdoor spaces can take a lesson from restaurants
by making sure they invest in quality heating equip-
ment. A commercial-grade natural gas heater will
provide better heating coverage and is designed to withstand the de-
mands of frequent use.
“In the last two years, we are seeing people invest a lot in the out-
door space, including landscaping, barbecues, furniture and outdoor
heating equipment,” she said. “They are more willing to spend the
money because they can create a nice space and be able to enjoy the
outdoors even into early winter.” n
Overhead radiant heaters can extend the use of outdoor spaces into the fall and early winter.
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Restaurant owners turned to outdoor heaters to expand their dining spaces during the
COVID pandemic.
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Fall - Winter 2022 ❙ naturalliving 15Please recycle this magazine after you read it.
Everyone wants a cleaner environment that is free
from harmful emissions. And the natural gas industry
is doing its part. As well as efforts to greatly reduce
emissions at natural gas facilities and major investment
in the development of renewable natural gas (RNG)
infrastructure, utilities such as SoCalGas are involved in
cutting-edge projects like Hydrogen Home.
The first project of its kind in the United States, Hy-
drogen Home aim is to showcase how carbon-free gas
made from renewable electricity can be used in pure
form or as a blend with natural gas to fuel the clean en-
ergy systems of the future.
“Hydrogen is the one gas that when it combusts, makes
no carbon,” said Maryam Brown, president, SoCalGas.
The Hydrogen Home is currently under construction
in the city of Downey, near Los Angeles, California. It
consists of fully integrated solar panels, a battery for en-
ergy storage, an electrolyzer to convert solar energy to
hydrogen, and a hydrogen-powered fuel cell to supply
electricity for the home. Up to 20% hydrogen will also
be blended with natural gas and used in the home’s
heat pump HVAC unit, tankless water heater, clothes
dryer, gas stove, fireplace and BBQ grill. The home will
function and feel just like a regular home. However,
it will harness reliable, clean energy 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, and 365 days a year.
The nearly 2,000-square-foot home will serve as a
demonstration project for hydrogen-based heating and
cooling to prove out the viability of this futuristic con-
cept. It can then be scaled up to power entire residen-
tial neighborhoods and businesses.
“For the past decade, SoCalGas has invested in hydro-
gen research and development, recognizing it as a criti-
cal component of our transition to net-zero emissions,”
said Brown. “The Hydrogen Home will show how
carbon-free gas made from renewable electricity can be
used to fuel clean energy systems of the future.”
Once completed the Hydrogen Home will function
and feel exactly like a regular household. By drawing
power from solar panels on sunny days and converting
excess energy into green hydrogen, the fuel cells can
utilize hydrogen stored on site to produce electricity at
night or during periods when solar or batteries cannot
provide enough energy. The home is also being built to
the highest environmental standards.
While SoCalGas is well known as the largest gas distribu-
tion utility in North America, it is also leading the way in
environmental stewardship. The company has set a net
zero target for greenhouse gas emissions in its operations
and delivery of energy by 2045 — and projects like Hydro-
gen Home will play a key role in achieving those goals.
The utility also plans to establish the nation’s larg-
est green hydrogen energy infrastructure. Known as
Angeles Link, the system could displace up to 3 million
gallons of diesel per day, helping to eliminate hazardous
air pollutants, and could allow natural gas power plants
in the region to convert to green hydrogen. n
ruNNING oN H20: HyDroGEN HElPs FuEl THE HomE oF THE FuTurE
(continued from page 07)
(GGE) per year, enough to fuel 725 biofuel trucks. When operating at
full volume, RNG represents nearly 10% of Aspire Energy’s entire system.
Meanwhile, Chesapeake Utilities has formed another partnership
with Bioenergy DevCo (BDC), a developer that creates renewable
energy and healthy soil products from organic material. Chesapeake
Utilities, along with Eastern Shore Natural Gas Co. and Marlin Gas
Services, will collaborate with BDC on project sites where organic
waste can be converted into a carbon-negative energy source. This
will bring RNG to service territories on the Delmarva Peninsula to
help fuel homes and businesses, increasing environmental benefits
and supporting a more sustainable future. n
Hydrogen Home will be powered by 100% clean energy including hydrogen,
batteries and solar power.
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naturallyGood
INGREDIENTS
1 spaghetti squash (3 pounds)
1 (14 ounce) can Mexican-style
tomatoes, undrained
1 (14 ounce) can black beans,
drained and rinsed
3⁄4 cup monterey jack cheese,
divided
1⁄4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt
1⁄4teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 350°F.
2 Cut squash in half lengthwise.
Remove and discard seeds.
3 Place squash, cut side down, in
greased baking pan.
4 Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or
until just tender.
5 Using fork, remove spaghetti-
like strands from hot squash
and place strands in large bowl.
6 Add tomatoes with juice,
beans, 1/2 cup cheese, cilantro,
cumin, garlic salt and pepper;
toss well.
7 Spray 1 1/2-quart casserole
with nonstick cooking spray.
Spoon mixture into casserole.
8 Sprinkle with remaining 1/4
cup cheese.
9 Bake uncovered, 30 to 35
minutes or until heated
through. Serve immediately.
soUrce: food.com
souTHWEsT sPaGHETTI sQuasH
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1⁄3 cup beer
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon minced
fresh gingerroot
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. fresh salmon fillet
2 tablespoons green bell
peppers or 2 tablespoons
yellow bell peppers
(or combination)
2 tablespoons lime zest
(2-3 limes)
Fresh ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1 Combine lime juice, beer,
soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Mix well.
2 Place salmon fillets in shallow
glass dish and
pour marinade over top. Turn
pieces several times
to coat; cover and
refrigerate overnight.
3 Preheat oven, broiler or grill.
4 Remove salmon from
marinade; discard marinade.
5 Broil, bake or grill for about
10 minutes (for 1” thick
fillets) or until fish flakes
in center.
6 Serve hot garnished with
diced bell pepper, lime zest
and pepper on top.
soUrce: food.com
BEEr aND lImE marINaTED salmoN