First, we know what we’re good at. We’re great at building and operating storage facilities. We do an excellent job of building and managing pipelines. Secondly, we know how to read the writing on the wall.

Today, that writing says the U.S. is going to be relying on natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. In the Northwest alone, demand for natural gas is projected to increase by nearly 7.5 percent over the next four years, and could grow as high as 30 percent over the next two decades.*

While we’re not in the gas exploration business, we can build on what we know to help West Coast gas customers access the supplies they need at a price they can afford.

That’s why in 2007 we expanded our own underground storage facilities in Oregon. We also took the first steps to develop storage in California and a new major pipeline, called Palomar, connecting our system to the TransCanada interstate system.

From our vantage point, we see changes coming in the nation’s energy policy and in our region’s energy needs. Our storage and transportation projects will support the West Coast’s energy-dependent economy as carbon constraints limit fuel options. These investments will also strengthen the foundation of NW Natural for future customers, employees and shareholders.

* NWGA, Natural Gas & Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest, 2007.

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