Natural gas is formed and accumulated in the Earth’s crust. It is a gas consisting of hydrocarbons, the main component of which is methane and 0-20% other hydrocarbons. Natural gas is the most widely used fuel gas in the world economy. Before natural gas reaches the users, it is purified leaving only methane - a gas without odour or colour. To avoid dangerous leaks, a special odorant (fragrance) with a strong odour is added to the natural gas to detect a natural gas leak.
Natural gas is a high-quality and high-efficiency fuel, its calorific value per 1 cubic meter is approximately 35,600 kJ and, together with modern heating devices, high efficiency and resource consumption are ensured. In addition, natural gas combustion residues consist only of carbon dioxide and water vapor. That is why natural gas is widely used in the industry, thus avoiding atmospheric pollution with CO2 and other emissions. In addition, natural gas is an easy-to-use energy resource that makes it easy to automate combustion processes. Natural gas is used in various industries, heat supply, electricity generation, heating of private houses, water heating and cooking.
ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL GAS
- Eco-friendly fuel
Although natural gas is not a renewable energy resource, among fuels it emits the lowest emissions of CO2, ash, soot, odour sources and other elements. The amount of emissions produced during the delivery of the fuel is also a matter that must be taken into account. Compressors are used to deliver natural gas; they produce less in emissions compared to the methods of delivering other fossil fuels. - The supply of natural gas is convenient and without energy loss
Because natural gas is delivered via pipelines, there is no energy loss, and you get the maximum amount of energy possible. The supply and consumption of natural gas is automatic - the only worries are setting the heating mode, depending on the time of the day, outdoor air temperature and the desired level of comfort. - The natural gas heating system is compact and does not require space for fuel storage
SECURITY
If you smell gas and suspect a gas leak, leave the premises immediately and call the gas emergency number 114 or the National Fire and Rescue Service on 112.
ACTION IF SMELL OF GAS IS DETECTED
DETECTORS
- When natural gas equipment is properly installed and operated, natural gas is safe and convenient. However, knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. Whether you are at home or outside, there are some important steps to take if you suspect a gas leak.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MAINTENCE AND SERVICING OF GAS INSTALLATIONS
- Maintaining natural gas infrastructure and equipment in good technical condition is one of the preconditions for a secure supply of natural gas. In the territory of Latvia, the distribution system operator GASO takes care of the natural gas infrastructure. Various repairs, inspections and diagnostics are the daily routine of GASO experts, so in order to verify the technical condition of the infrastructure and meters, the company's employees carry out regular inspections when visiting natural gas users.
- GASO employees can be identified by the company logo on the employee’s working clothes or vehicle. Ask for an Employee ID Card before admitting the employee to a building or yard.
However, if in doubt, you can contact the distribution system operator GASO to verify the reason and veracity of the employee’s visit by calling on 155 or 67369938 (on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00); after 18:00 and on weekends - 114.
NATURAL GAS MARKET
Latvijas Gāze purchases natural gas in the required quantity for customers from the producer, while the transportation of the produced natural gas is provided to customers by the transmission and distribution operators Conexus Baltic Grid and GASO.
- Latvijas Gāze - Natural gas wholesaler and trader, public trader with the largest number of household customers. Latvijas Gāze concludes agreements with customers and issues invoices for all services related to the trade and transportation of natural gas.
- Conexus Baltic Grid - Manages the Inčukalns underground storage and main gas pipelines connecting Latvia with Lithuania, Estonia and the northern region of Russia.
- GASO - Natural gas distribution system operator - ensures the supply from the transmission system to the final consumers.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Saving one kWh is easier and cheaper than producing one. Studies have shown that reducing the temperature of a heated room by 1° can save up to 5% in energy consumption. By observing the optimal temperature conditions in different parts of the building, it is possible to achieve significant energy savings while maintaining the comfort of your stay.
This and other useful tips on how to use natural gas wisely and spend less are summarised in the section.