Although utilities already have more than a million miles of distribution pipeline, they need to add 263,000 additional miles to meet Energy Policy estimates. By comparison, we need only 38,000 miles of transmission pipelines. This means that utilities will be the ones to plan, design, engineer, and build a huge proportion of the infrastructure that the United States needs to keep our energy picture positive. Most of these new utility pipelines, and the fittings and services needed to build them, will be plastic. And the percentages are growing.
Steel accounts for most of the rest.
First, be aware of the need. Next, look at your own utility s projected markets. All of these factors signal a need for more utility mains and service lines. Plan financially for the investment needed to finance these lines in the coming decade, targeting the most urgent needs first. Natural gas has a critical role to play in the success of the United States Energy Policy.