In 1999, more than 198 million cubic feet of natural gas were used in Oregon. About 55 percent was used by manufacturers, while 39 percent was used for home water and space heating. Businesses, schools, governments and others used about six percent, primarily for space and water heating. Depleted natural gas wells near Mist in Columbia County have been converted to large underground storage facilities. Three natural gas utilities serve Oregon.
Many industrial customers buy natural gas directly from producers.
Renewable Resources Hydro is the mainstay of the region's power system, providing more than half of Oregon's electricity. A little more than one percent of the state's electricity supply comes from a variety of other renewable energy sources, including wind, biomass, landfill gas and geothermal. Hundreds of thousands of Oregon households burn wood for heating. Altogether, residential and industrial use of biofuels accounted for about 10 percent of the energy used in 1995. Oregon offers a tax credit for homeowners and renters who install solar and geothermal systems for space or water heating.