Why choose natural gas

If you’re considering your energy options, natural gas is a safe, reliable source of energy that’s easy to use in your home or business. Here are a few more reasons to choose natural gas:

Save money.

Natural gas remains an affordable option when compared to other energy choices such as electricity.

For example, space heating uses up the largest amount of energy in your home—see the space heating fuel cost comparison below:1

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Get rebates when you connect to gas.

If you connect to natural gas and install a natural gas heating system or heating and hot water system, you could be eligible for rebates up to $3,700, for a limited time.

Get rebates

Take the affordable path to lower carbon energy.

BC’s natural gas has an important role to play in helping our province meet its climate action goals. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel,2 and it’s an abundant, local energy source with existing infrastructure that helps British Columbians heat their homes in a cost-effective way.

The future of natural gas

We’re focused on keeping this affordable energy available for our customers, while lowering the carbon footprint of natural gas by increasing the amount of low-carbon Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) in our system, and exploring the possibilities of adding hydrogen gas to our system.2 In fact, we're consistently adding more supply of RNG and expect to have contracts in place for more than 11 per cent of our total supply to be renewable and low carbon by 2025.

Supporting energy conservation

While more British Columbians are now using natural gas—we have more than 1 million customers—they’re using it more efficiently than ever, thanks to growing awareness of energy conservation, provincial energy policies and building codes that support energy-efficient retrofits and new construction and high-efficiency new appliances. We’re proud to help every British Columbian save energy and reduce emissions with our rebates on efficient appliances, our conservation programs and energy-saving tips. 

Learn how we’re partnering for climate action.

Enjoy the convenience and cosiness only natural gas appliances can offer.

Natural gas space and water heating systems are up to 98 per cent efficient, and natural gas appliances provide unique comfort and convenience:

  • get precise temperature control and instant heat with natural gas cooking appliances
  • get cosy at the flick of a switch with natural gas indoor fireplaces
  • enjoy instant heat and forget about tank refills with natural gas barbecues
  • enjoy your backyard year-round with the warmth of natural gas patio heaters, outdoor fireplaces or fire pits

There’s also outdoor natural gas heating for your pool, backup generators and more.

Learn more about natural gas heating systems and appliances.

1These are approximate annual costs for space heating of a typical household in specific FortisBC and BC Hydro service areas as identified. A typical household is defined as a single family house approx. 2,300 square feet with average insulation. Anticipated savings will be the difference between annual Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), natural gas, electricity, heating oil or propane costs for various heating equipment.

Calculations compare the most energy-efficient heating equipment currently available for natural gas furnace heating, electric resistance heating, oil furnace heating and propane furnace heating, and an air source heat pump with Heating Seasonal Performance Factor of 9.3. The calculations are based on FortisBC natural gas rates as of January 2023, FortisBC electricity rates as of January 2023 for Southern Interior, BC Hydro electricity rates as of April 2022 used for Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Whistler and Northern Interior, and heating oil and propane rates as of December 2022 (source: Home Heating Oil & Propane Study, The Sentis Group, December 2022). Calculations include applicable carbon tax as of April 2022. Electricity rates exclude basic charges. The cost of RNG depends on the blend you choose. The FortisBC biomethane (or RNG) rate is as of January 2023. You can designate 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 per cent of the natural gas you use as RNG. You'll also receive a credit on the BC carbon tax on your bill, depending on the blend you choose.

Savings may vary by household and do not include potential rebates and/or incentives.

Renewable Natural Gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create RNG (also called biomethane).