cubic feet available. in what areas of the united states is natural gas plentiful? finally, learn about the uses of natural gas which, according to the energy information administration, accounts for 24 percent of total energy consumed in the united states. read about residential and commercial uses of natural gas, such as water heating, space heating, and cooking. learn how natural gas is increasingly used in the transportation industry, and it is a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline or diesel. also read how natural gas is used for electric generation. for which of these uses do you think natural gas utilization is likely to increase in the near future? natural gas distribution let us focus now on the distribution of natural gas — how it gets from the well to our homes and businesses. for that, visit california ’ s energy story web site and read chapter 9 : natural gas distribution system. this page describes a network of pipes, from larger pipes ( like the one that exploded in san bruno, california ) to smaller pipes that reach residential homes. what do people use for gas who live in rural areas outside the gas pipe networks? how many miles of pipeline are there in america? find out at pipeline101. what is the difference between a gathering line and a transmission line? are gathering lines used offshore, or only on land? natural gas pipelines are part of america ’ s energy infrastructure in populated areas. the nation ’ s electric grid, the highway system, fiber optic data, wireless telephone networks, water pipelines, and even local sewage pipes are other examples of the infrastructure that delivers a high standard of living. it is easy to take these services for granted. in a current or recent issue of the e - edition, look for stories and articles about local utilities and infrastructure. you may find notices about maintenance and repair work, or you may find news about infrastructure failures of one kind or another. collect several of these stories over the course of a week, then write an essay explaining what your life would be like if water, electricity, mobile communications, natural gas, or any other type of utility or service because unavailable for a whole month. what aspects of your daily routine would change?