Natural gas distribution
Énergir is Québec’s leading natural gas distributor
Énergir distributes approximately 97% of the gas consumed in Québec. Its underground network spans more than 10,000 km and serves just over 200,000 customers. Énergir’s subsidiary Vermont Gas Systems is the sole gas distributor in Vermont, in the U.S. It serves over 50,000 customers. Énergir and Vermont Gas are companies with a keen interest in society’s energy future. They have been investing in energy efficiency for a long time and, more recently, in developing renewable natural gas and natural gas as fuel.
About natural gas
Natural gas distributed in Québec is composed of 95% methane, less than 4% ethane and nitrogen, and 1% carbon dioxide and propane. To reach the user, natural gas travels through different mains buried in the ground. An intricate network lies beneath cities, connecting homes, businesses and industries.
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Growing demand
The environmental benefits and competitiveness of natural gas compared to other forms of energy are contributing to its growing demand in all sectors. Prioritizing its use as a replacement of more polluting energies is a logical choice for the environment and for achieving Québec’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.
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Safe energy
Natural gas is not toxic and it is odourless in its natural state. An odorizer called mercaptan is added to natural gas to make it easy to detect in the case of a leak. Mercaptan gives it that "rotten egg" smell and makes it possible to detect at concentrations of less than 1% in the air.
In the open air, natural gas rises and rapidly dissipates since it is lighter than air. It is insoluble in water and does not contaminate it. It forms bubbles, rises to the surface and quickly disperses into the air.
Natural gas does not ignite easily. To burn, it must have a 5 to 15% concentration in the air (i.e. a lower range than that of gasoline or propane) and an ignition source must be present.
In the open air, natural gas rises and rapidly dissipates since it is lighter than air. It is insoluble in water and does not contaminate it. It forms bubbles, rises to the surface and quickly disperses into the air.
Natural gas does not ignite easily. To burn, it must have a 5 to 15% concentration in the air (i.e. a lower range than that of gasoline or propane) and an ignition source must be present.
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Natural gas, part of everyday life
Millions of people enjoy the benefits of natural gas, which make it one of the most commonly used energy sources in the world today. From homes, restaurants and schools, to grocery stores, office buildings, hospitals and heavy industry, natural gas is part of Québecers’ day-to-day life.
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Natural gas is commonly used to heat large spaces in hospitals, schools, warehouses, office buildings, arenas, and stores, as well as smaller spaces like restaurants, convenience stores and hair salons. It is also used for heating water, cooking and as fuel for commercial fleets.
The use of natural gas is also widespread in the industrial sector
Énergir’s clientele includes aluminium plants and businesses in the mining, papermaking, agrifood and metallurgy sectors, all of which consume nearly half of the company’s natural gas deliveries. Since natural gas is the only energy source with a high enough calorific value to replace heavy fuel oil, industries use it not only to heat air and water, but also for processing methods.
Clean and economical energy
Less costly than electricity and heavy fuel oil, natural gas can cut the energy bills of businesses and industries in half. Opting for natural gas also means choosing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. When a plant uses natural gas instead of oil, it cuts its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 32%, it almost completely abolished the emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulphurs (those responsible for acid rain ) as well as the fine particles and it saves up to 40% on energy costs — key to continued development and improved profitability.
Natural gas is also a fuel
Liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas motors are a proven technology commonly used for many years in road and maritime transport worldwide. As the best alternative fuel to diesel or gasoline for heavy-duty vehicles, natural gas in transportation also reduces GHG emissions by as much as 25%. No less than 22 million vehicles worldwide are already blue-fuelled.
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Consume better and less: a priority for Énergir
Énergir is a pioneer in energy efficiency. We have implemented a Global Energy Efficiency Plan in the early 2000s. We are stepping up our efforts against energy waste by developing and presenting innovative and responsible energy efficiency solutions to our customers.
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Impressive results
Since 2001, Énergir and many of its customers have helped carry out more than 120,500 energy efficiency projects. Their work has resulted in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1 million tonnes.
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Extension of the gas network
Gas network extension projects make it possible to reach even more customers. An extension project officially announced in June 2015 will allow us to reach the Bellechasse region.
New avenues for natural gas
Natural gas is also available in other forms, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), which can now replace diesel as a fuel for the heavy transportation and maritime transport industries. Now, businesses and establishments in remote areas not served by a pipeline network can access a natural gas supply via truck or boat. The development of organic matter also gives Québec access to vast reserves of renewable natural gas. This resource allows municipalities and other organizations to turn a profit on their wastes while reducing their environmental footprint.
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Renewable natural gas
Producing renewable natural gas from organic matter. -
Liquefied natural gas
LNG is natural gas that changes from a gaseous to a liquid state. -
Compressed natural gas
CNG is compressed natural gas that can be used as fuel.
Énergir is committed to a more energy-efficient future
To help fight climate change, our team is implementing concrete solutions because it is committed to offering Québec a more energy-efficient future.
Énergir, more than natural gas!
We believe diversity is key to the future of energy. This is why Énergir is involved in developing solar and wind power and hydroelectricity.
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Wind power
Investments in several wind farms in Québec and Vermont. -
Solar power
Solar farm, energy efficiency programs and other innovative projects. -
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity production through our U.S. subsidiary. -
Cow power
Producing electricity takes an unexpected form in Vermont.
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About Énergir
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Contact us
Need more information?
Contact us!
By phone at 1 800 361-4568 or by email.