CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) is marking Earth Day 2011 by sharing facts about natural gas and encouraging customers to use energy wisely and efficiently.  "Natural gas is the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels, and when used directly for space heating, water heating, and cooking can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a home or business," remarked Thomas E. Skains, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Piedmont Natural Gas.  Mr. Skains went on to say, "Clean burning natural gas is also an abundant and domestic energy resource that enhances our nation's energy independence and energy security."

Natural gas resources in the United States represent more than a one-hundred year supply at current consumption rates.  In addition, more than 98 percent of all natural gas consumed in the U.S. comes from North American sources.  The transmission and distribution of natural gas from the source of production to the end consumer is also an efficient delivery system of energy, retaining more of the original energy produced than alternative energy products and services. 

Karl Newlin, Piedmont's senior vice president of Corporate Planning and Business Development whose responsibilities include the Company's carbon management strategies further commented on the importance of energy efficiency, "Energy efficiency is important to Piedmont Natural Gas and its customers on this day and every day.  But Earth Day 2011 is a special opportunity to consider the simple things we can all do to use natural gas and other energy products and services more efficiently and protect our environment."

In combination with simple behavioral changes, some of the ways customers can use energy more efficiently include the following techniques:

Energy Saving Tips

• Use a programmable thermostat
• Use energy-efficient appliances and equipment
• Ensure proper home insulation
• Seal leaks and insulate duct work
• Change or clean filters regularly
• Install low-flow faucets and shower heads
• Use approved "wraps" to insulate water heaters and hot water pipes in unconditioned spaces
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs
• Turn off lights when leaving the room
• Wash clothes on a cold water cycle 

For more information about the benefits of natural gas, or to learn about how your home or your business can become more energy efficient, visit us online at www.piedmontng.com

About Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than one million residential, commercial and industrial utility customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including 52,000 customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Our subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy- related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, interstate natural gas storage and intrastate natural gas transportation. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available at http://www.piedmontng.com.

SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas