Texas Energy – Leading the Nation
It’s true; everything really is bigger in Texas. Everything, that is, except for energy bills. Texas leads the nation in having the lowest average energy bills. The use of natural gas rather than other, more expensive fuels to heat a large number of homes in the state keeps the average Texan’s energy costs well below the national average. While air conditioners and other appliances around homes are still powered with electricity, the latest generation of energy efficient appliances enables even the cost of electricity to be lower for Texas residents.
As a state which has accomplished reducing energy costs for its residents, Texas has become a model which other states are looking to for lessons on how to do the same. You may see natural gas becoming an increasingly common source of energy for home heating, displacing other more expensive energy sources like oil, propane and electricity. In Texas, 43% of homes use economical natural gas for heating, a much higher percentage than in many other states.
As people demand increasingly large homes, homeowners are interested in making the most economical choices about the energy needs of their homes. While there are of course many possible energy sources, natural gas is the single most popular in Texas and growing rapidly.
Texas does have the advantage of a warmer climate compared to much of the nation, with some regions being warm enough year round to make heating costs a minor concern. However, this doesn’t change the fact that natural gas is a more economical fuel for heating and cooling homes, plain and simple. Natural gas has always been a less costly energy source than electricity or heating oil.
Some parts of Texas stay warm all year so their heating costs don’t rise above those in colder climates. That does not mean that those who use electricity to heat and cool can fault Texas for that fact, using a cheaper resources is just plain smart. Historically natural gas has always been more economical to use, it doesn’t require any special research to understand the benefits involved.
When it comes to their cars and trucks, Texans are no exception. As elsewhere in the country, gasoline is by far the most common fuel. With cities like Houston and Dallas with over a million residents in the state, Texans are naturally concerned with keeping the levels of greenhouse gas emissions low. Most vehicles in Texas still run on gasoline, but alternative fuels are beginning to gain ground.
The Clean Cities program promotes lower consumption of gasoline, through encouraging people to limit unnecessary driving, choosing more energy efficient vehicles and using cleaner fuels. Electricity, ethanol and other alternative fuel sources are becoming more popular in Texas; like everyone, Texans are well aware of the importance of making the switch to cleaner fuels. It is predicted that Texas will lead the nation in alternative energy in the near future.
Some think that it will not be much longer before fueling stations offering alternative fuels will outnumber traditional gas stations. Texas is a state which believes in using energy wisely and fully intends to be the national, even the world leader in energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels.
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been writing about the Texas Commercial Electricity market segment for many years and written articles on Business Electric prices.
