Efficiency

These days, efficiency is a buzzword. But it only became a buzzword because it's something people care about, and look for their energy choices. When it comes to natural gas, "efficiency" is a powerful noun that means more than you think.

Energy continues to be a hot topic and New Brunswickers are interested in technology that can reduce their energy consumption. As energy prices continue to rise and we learn more about our impact on the environment, the need for greater efficiency.

As it relates to the home, the obvious opportunity is reducing the heating load first. However, how much do you need to reduce your energy consumption?

The answer: Your domestic hot water heating system.

Domestic hot water can account for up to 30% of your home's energy consumption. Furthermore, new homes are being built with the homeowners wanting to be the world's largest water heater and waterfall showers.

Efficient Energy for you, your family and your life

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, energy efficiency “refers to products or systems that use less energy to do the same or better job than conventional products or systems. It saves energy, saves money on utility bills and reduces the demand for energy thus protecting the environment”.

Liberty supports and encourages the use of high efficiency equipment and the participation in energy conservation programs that are available. We encourage all homes and businesses to take part in an energy audit to discover what can be done to conserve more energy.

No matter what your everyday life situation is, live better, breathe better and save better when you switch to natural gas.

Being green is easier than you think when you switch to natural gas. The cleanest burning of all the fossil fuels, natural gas contributes to a cleaner environment. Because it contains less carbon, sulphur and nitrogen compounds, and emits less greenhouse gas and ash particulates into the air when burned, natural gas is one of best forms of energy you can use to run your home or business. When natural gas is burned instead of the more polluting energy sources, such as coal, oil and electricity generated by fossil fuels, it helps improve air and water quality. By generating lower greenhouse gas emissions, the use of natural gas can help combat against smog, acid rain, and climate change.

Energy Saving Tips

Take Control of Your Bills. Get Started with These Saving Tips.

We want to help you save. A few small steps could add up to big savings.

Weatherize your home – Sealing air leaks around windows, doors and vents will help save energy and will make your home more comfortable.

Invest in smart tools – Smart thermostats, smart appliances and smart irrigation controllers all use technology to help you save.

Look for labels – When buying appliances, water heaters, electronics, light bulbs, toilets, faucet, shower heads, and more, look for ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense labels. Items with these labels are certified by the EPA to use less and can save you significant money on your utility bills.

Additional Savings Tips

Install a programmable thermostat and set it for a lower temperature at night or when you are away. During the summer months, setting your thermostat at a higher temperature will reduce your cooling costs.
Insulate your hot water piping leading to your shower and faucets.
Take a shower rather than a bath. This will result in lower hot water consumption.
Install compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs. They consume less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Turn off the lights when you leave the room – even if it’s only for a few minutes. The most efficient light bulb is the one that’s off.
Make sure the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer are full when using them.
Wash your clothes in cold water.
Maintain all your heating and cooling equipment annually.
Use power bars or unplug electronic equipment when not in use. Most electronic equipment uses power even when it’s not in use. This “ghost consumption” can add up at the end of the year.
If making big renovations on your home, consider adding insulation or replacing windows with high performance models. These renovations not only save money, but further add value to your home in the long run.

Here are some videos with more info on saving energy:

The planet prefers natural gas

The environmental impact of natural gas is minimal compared to other energy solutions. In addition to being a domestically abundant and secure source of energy, the use of natural gas also offers a number of environmental benefits over other sources of energy, particularly other fossil fuels.

Natural gas is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels. Composed primarily of methane, the main products of the combustion of natural gas are carbon dioxide and water vapor, the same compounds we exhale when we breathe.

As the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, natural gas creates less greenhouse gas emissions than heating oil, or electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

Learn about renewable natural gas and how we are using it.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is one of the innovative ways Liberty is aiming to achieve our environmental goals. See the information below to learn more about what RNG is and about how Liberty will use it to fuel our future.

About Renewable Natural Gas

What is Renewable Natural Gas?

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is an ultra-clean and ultra-low carbon natural gas alternative. RNG is produced from various sources such as dairy and hog waste, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities. Once it has been cleaned to pipeline quality standards, RNG is used as a substitute for fossil natural gas.

How is RNG produced?

RNG is produced from various feedstock sources through a biochemical process, such as anaerobic digestion.

Anaerobic digestion is used to break down feedstock sources, such as dairy and hog waste, wastewater, and food waste. During this process, the organic waste is placed inside sealed, airtight tanks. Inside the tanks, large mixers evenly distribute microorganisms that break down the mixture in the absence of oxygen. This process results in the production of biogas. Once this biogas has been processed and purified, it is then interchangeable with conventional natural gas.

Landfill gas is produced by anaerobic digestion, only instead of occurring in a digester, this process takes place underground. As the waste begins to decompose, it releases high levels of methane and CO2 into the atmosphere and toxic substances into the earth and groundwater over time. Instead of allowing the gasses to escape, landfill gas can be captured and converted to RNG. During this process, gas is extracted from landfills using a series of underground wells, pipes, and a blower or vacuum system. This system directs the collected gas to a centralized location where it can then be processed and purified to RNG.

What are the benefits of RNG?

There are many benefits of RNG, including that it has carbon-neutral, and in some cases, carbon-negative properties. RNG reduces the need for conventional natural gas by acting as an interchangeable alternative. Additionally, RNG captures emissions of “waste” and “fugitive” methane- methane that would have otherwise been flared with no benefit. Since RNG is interchangeable with conventional natural gas, there are no updates needed to current gas infrastructure. Lastly, RNG can be used anywhere that natural gas is used, such as in transportation, heating, and power generation.