Storage and Transport

Storing Gas

Gas companies collect natural gas in huge storage tanks, or underground in gas wells.  The gas remains there until it is added back into the pipeline during periods of high demand, such as in the winter, to heat homes.

When the gas gets to the communities where it will be used, the gas is measured as it flows into smaller pipelines called "mains". Very small lines, called "services", connect to the mains and go directly to homes or buildings where it will be used.

Transporting Gas

Three segments of the natural gas industry are involved in delivering natural gas from the wellhead to the consumer. Production companies explore, drill and extract natural gas from the ground. Transmission companies operate the pipelines that link the gas fields to major consuming areas. Distribution companies are the local utilities that deliver natural gas to the customer.