Natural Gas Q&A

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas forms when plant and animal matter are trapped beneath solid rock under tons of pressure for millions of years. Made up mostly of methane, natural gas is both odourless and tasteless in its original form. To see the chemical composition of natural gas, click here.

Where does our natural gas come from?

We buy most of our natural gas from western Canadian suppliers. Most of the gas is transported to our system by TransCanada Pipelines Limited. Additional natural gas comes from U.S. sources and Ontario producers.

By signing a prudent mix of short and long term gas supply contracts, we secure a reliable supply at a fair price.

How safe is natural gas?

Statistics clearly show natural gas to be the safest energy form. Compared to other energy sources, it has an enviable safety record because of several factors. Natural gas is non-toxic. The odourant that we add makes it easy to detect small leaks. Since natural gas is lighter than air, it dissipates quickly in a well-ventilated area. These factors, combined with the rigorous controls and safety standards that regulate the industry, make natural gas a safe energy choice.

Why does natural gas have an odour?

We add an odourant called mercaptan (a rotten egg smell) so leaks can be readily detected. If you should ever detect this odour, immediately open windows, leave the house and call us from a neighbour's telephone. We'll send a Service Representative to investigate. We provide 24-hour emergency response to anyone who calls in and tells us they smell gas. We work very hard at maintaining exacting safety standards and we take pride in our safety record.

What should I do if I smell gas?

We advise all customers to call 1-877-969-0999. Our staff are trained to analyze your problem quickly. They'll walk you through a series of questions so they can determine the severity of the problem.

They can then advise you on how you should respond. Here are some of the questions you could be asked. How long have you smelled a gas odour? Do you hear a hissing noise? Is there construction going on?

Depending on your answers, you may be asked to shut-off the supply of gas to the appliance (we'll talk you through the procedure) or you may be asked to vacate the premises. Again, if you smell gas, open the windows, leave the home and call from a neighbour's telephone. A Union Gas representative will advise you on the severity of the problem and how you should respond.

These calls are given the highest priority. When we receive one of these calls, we dispatch a Service Representative immediately.

How does Union Gas transport natural gas?

As natural gas enters our pipeline network, giant compressors, at the Trafalgar, Parkway, Bright, Lobo and Dawn stations, move it throughout our distribution system in southwestern Ontario. This modern system delivers gas to you through a 21,000- kilometre network of underground pipelines, mains and services. It delivers a safe, constant, year-round supply of natural gas, in all kinds of weather, to you and your neighbours.

Can Union Gas store natural gas?

Unlike most gas utilities, we have developed an extensive underground storage system. We store enough natural gas in depleted, underground wells to heat 1.2 million homes for a year. Centered in Dawn Township, near Dresden, Ontario, and Enniskillen Township near Oil Springs, these facilities take advantage of porous rock formations that were once underground reefs. Now entombed by layers of solid rock, they are ideal natural storage depots. We inject natural gas into these ancient reservoirs during the summer months when demand is low and withdraw it during colder periods when demand is high. Additionally, Union Gas is able to liquify natural gas and store it for high demand periods. At Hagar, Ontario, we store enough gas to heat 3,700 homes for a year.

How is the price for natural gas established?

Before we can alter the price of natural gas, we must make a formal application to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Through public hearings, the board ensures that the price is fair and reasonable. Because of deregulation, we now have more flexibility in negotiating for supply of natural gas from the western provinces. Increased competition between western suppliers gives Union Gas more leverage to hold down consumer prices.

How can I be sure of an uninterrupted supply?

We have access to more than one supplier of natural gas. There are also several places where we can bring natural gas into our system. Access to alternate pipelines gives us operational flexibility and lowers the risk of service disruption. To ensure continuous operation of important lines and equipment, we build backup facilities. Lastly, we impose and follow stringent operating procedures and standards to ensure your gas supply is not interrupted.

We also conduct periodic reviews of our emergency response system. We do everything possible to provide you with a reliable supply of natural gas.

Can we run out of natural gas?

There is an abundant supply of natural gas. Our current reserves are thirty times greater than annual consumption. By wisely conserving and managing this energy, we can stretch these reserves even further. We must work together to use energy wisely to ensure it will be around for future generations to enjoy.