Oregon

Much of the natural gas we find and use today began as microscopic plants and animals millions of years ago. However, natural gas can also be produced by capturing methane in biogas produced by dairies, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants that would otherwise go into the atmosphere. The biogas is converted to biomethane, a usable pipeline gas known as renewable natural gas (RNG).

Cascade uses the latest technology, security, and industry practices to monitor pipelines, and maintain service and safety. We execute many programs to ensure your safety: 24/7 design and construction monitoring; integrity management; inspection and patrol; public safety outreach; and communication/training with emergency officials.

We are also proud partners with 811 Call Before You Dig.

More information on our Safety Efforts can be found on our website.

While natural gas is safe for use in homes and buildings, health and safety risks can be mitigated through proper maintenance and operation of gas-fired appliances. Cascade recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors in buildings with natural gas equipment, and an exhaust for all electric and natural gas ranges, cooktops and ovens to eliminate the normal byproducts of cooking such as steam, smoke, grease and heat. Additional safety tips associated with the use of natural gas in homes and buildings can be found here.

As more renewable energy is placed onto the system, the direct use of natural gas provides reliable space and water heat, cooking, and other end-uses, taking pressure off the electric grid to provide energy for these essential needs. Natural gas also serves as an important back-up fuel in the event of a no-power situation.

Finally, certain electric technologies, like air-source heat pumps, have reduced capacity to operate effectively in cold climates and under cold weather conditions. Gas/electric hybrid systems can operate a heat pump when it is most efficient to do so, and uses natural gas backup heating when the weather gets too cold for the electric heat pump to operate efficiently.  Natural gas heat pump technology is also evolving to meet the need for highly efficient cold climate heating and cooling. Cascade is proud to serve on the board of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) which is making progress in the market-development of this technology in our region.

Guidehouse, an energy consulting firm, conducted analysis on behalf of Oregon’s Rural Service Providers including Cascade, which concluded delivery of low carbon gas through deployment of hydrogen technology results in the greatest reduction in economywide GHG emissions. In a decarbonized future, gas networks would continue to support the reliability and resiliency of Oregon’s broader energy system by transporting and distributing low carbon gas and hydrogen. Guidehouse found that scenarios with high levels of electrification do not eliminate GHG emissions from Oregon’s economy unless Oregon’s power sector fully decarbonizes the electricity supplied to its customers.

Natural gas provides skilled careers for pipefitters, and chemical workers, as well as HVAC and water heating contractors. It is also essential to the manufacturing of a wide variety of health, domestic infrastructure, and energy efficiency products— including pharmaceuticals, plastics, steel, and synthetic fabrics.

In Cascade’s service area, Oregon farmers rely on fertilizers made with natural gas. They also depend on natural gas for its affordability and reliability for heating even during a power outage.

Natural gas is a cornerstone of our state and national economy. Without natural gas, many products would not be produced, or would become more expensive, fewer jobs would be available, and Oregonians would experience increases to the cost of many goods and services.

Cascade is a founding partner of the EPA’s Natural Gas Star Methane Challenge Program which supports comprehensive actions to reduce methane emissions. We’ve engaged with this initiative since March 2016.

We are also adding a new business area dedicated to sustainability and carbon compliance to help with GHG emissions reduction and have recently expanded staff in support of integrating renewable natural gas into our energy mix.

More about the company’s Environmental Priorities can be found on our website.

Senate Bill 98, which was passed by the legislature and signed into law in July of 2019, supports development of RNG efforts for large and small natural gas utilities. Cascade is currently exploring options for adding renewable natural gas into our pipeline consistent with this important law.

More information on our Energy Efficiency programs can be found on our website.

The ECO Fund supports projects that enhance environmental education and stewardship in the communities we serve. Environmental education projects may include grants for teacher training, books, or equipment for classroom use, field trips, or special project support of the natural or physical sciences. Details can be found in the ECO Fund Brochure.