Preparing for Winter Curtailments: Practical Strategies for Reliable Gas Distribution
Winter Demand is No Small Spike
When the temperature drops, natural gas consumption rises—often by 30% or more. Residential heating is the primary driver, as roughly 49% of U.S. homes rely on natural gas to stay warm during the colder months.
Consider these numbers from last winter:
Winter presents unique challenges for gas utilities. With heating demands skyrocketing, unpredictable weather, and potential supply disruptions, it’s essential to be prepared. At CNG Delivery, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic planning and dependable resources can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the season effectively and maintain service reliability.
- 120 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas were consumed daily during peak winter months.
- Regions like the Northeast and Midwest saw spikes of up to 50% during extreme weather events.
For utilities, this demand surge means not only maintaining infrastructure but also ensuring emergency plans are rock solid.
Curtailments: A Tough Reality
Sometimes, reducing supply to non-essential users (curtailment) becomes necessary to prioritize critical customers, like homes and hospitals. However, the impact of curtailments can be minimized with thoughtful strategies:
- Diversified Backup Sources: Integrate options like LNG or propane as contingency fuels to supplement supply.
- CNG Trailer Leasing: High-capacity CNG trailers can step in to support critical demand when pipelines are at capacity.
- Load Management: Incentives for off-peak usage or tiered pricing structures can help utilities balance demand.
Emergency Preparedness: Why CNG Trailers Matter
When the unexpected happens—be it a curtailment or a pipeline disruption—CNG trailers can be the difference between continuity and chaos. These mobile systems provide flexibility and reliability when it’s needed most.
Why Utilities Trust CNG Delivery:
- Scalable Solutions: Our trailers handle high volumes, making them ideal for peak season challenges.
- Rapid Deployment: With a nationwide network, we can mobilize resources quickly to address emergencies.
- Proven Track Record: Utilities using our trailers report nearly 100% reliability, even during the toughest winters.
Real-World Example: Staying Reliable Under Pressure
Here’s what one utility company shared about working with us last winter:
“When a sudden curtailment hit during peak season, our ability to maintain service was at risk. CNG Delivery stepped in with high-capacity trailers, ensuring we kept our commitments to customers. Their rapid response and dependable support were invaluable in keeping operations smooth during a critical time.”
— Senior Operations Manager
Your Winter Checklist
To be ready for the season, consider these action steps:
- Forecast Demand: Use data and trends to anticipate peak usage and plan accordingly.
- Secure Backup Resources: Partner with trusted suppliers like CNG Delivery to lease equipment early.
- Develop Emergency Protocols: Ensure rapid response systems and contingency plans are in place.
- Communicate Early: Keep customers informed about potential curtailments and your preparedness.
Partner with CNG Delivery for Winter Readiness
Winter doesn’t wait, and neither should your preparations. At CNG Delivery, we provide high-capacity CNG trailers and expert deployment services to keep your operations running smoothly, no matter the challenges.
Let’s work together to ensure your utility is ready for whatever this winter throws your way. Contact us today to discuss your winter-readiness plan.
Sources:
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov
- American Gas Association: https://www.aga.org
- Industry Data and Reports
