RRC: Texas’ Underground Storage Facilities Adding to Natural Gas Reserves Ahead of Winter
State Has Additional Capacity That Can Be Used by Utilities, Others
October 27, 2021AUSTIN – Operators of underground natural gas storage facilities have added an additional 100 billion cubic feet to the state’s storage reserves over the last month, according to the Railroad Commission’s latest gas storage statistics.
As of Oct. 15, the state has about 478 billion cubic feet of working gas in underground storage with room for about 75 billion cubic feet more of additional storage. Operators of such facilities, both depleted oil and gas reservoirs and mined salt caverns, are required to report storage information to the RRC.
“Natural gas storage is a great way to avoid and mitigate any potential supply disruptions,” said Ted Wooten, RRC Chief Engineer. “The more gas we have in reserve, the better prepared we are.”
As the state prepares for the winter season, critical infrastructure facilities, such as electric power generators, should take full advantage of the state’s available underground gas storage capacity.
Reserves can be utilized by natural gas utilities, electric power generators and others. The roughly 75 billion cubic feet of additional storage availability for natural gas could generate enough electricity for 8.61 million Texas homes for a month, according to data from the Energy Information Administration for electricity production from natural gas and average consumption per household.
Monthly underground gas storage statistics are available on RRC’s website.
About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.