Heritage Gas
Heritage Gas Limited is a Nova Scotia-based company having formed in 2003 for the purpose of operating a full regulation class, natural gas distribution franchise in Nova Scotia. Heritage Gas is owned by AltaGas Utility Group Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AltaGas Ltd. With almost 50 employees, Heritage Gas has approximately 3000 customers in Halifax, Dartmouth, Amherst and the Halifax Airport area. Since its inception, Heritage Gas has invested close to $140 million on over 250km of natural gas infrastructure. Safety is core to their corporate culture and Heritage Gas has received national recognition for their safety practices and track record. Protecting the environment is a fundamental principle of Heritage Gas - this is in line with its mandate to distribute a cleaner burning fuel to Nova Scotians.
Since 2003, Heritage Gas customers have saved between 20%-70% compared to other Nova Scotians using oil, propane or electricity. Advances in technology will continue to spur further economic benefits. Lower energy costs provide competitive advantages for companies and are an important factor in investment attraction to the region.
Environmental responsibility is a corporate value and an important priority for Heritage Gas. Accordingly, Heritage Gas is guided by an Environmental Policy for all of its activities - engineering, construction, operations, and corporate. Natural gas is the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels with no SO2 emissions and the lowest NOx and CO2 emissions (45% less CO2 than coal, 30% less CO2 than fuel oil). Heritage Gas customers’ cumulative CO2 reductions at the end of 2009 were 90,500 tonnes, the equivalent to removing 18,100 vehicles from Nova Scotia highways.
Nova Scotia is connected to the North American natural gas grid, currently with access to over 100 years of reserves. Advances in technology continue to improve both the economic viability of such projects and the estimated resource base. An LNG-receiving terminal is now located near Saint John, N.B. which can receive gas from anywhere in the world, providing further benefits to regional supply and pricing. Current natural gas production in Nova Scotia originates solely from the Sable Offshore Energy Project – the largest con¬struction project in the history of the province. A second project, Deep Panuke, is set to begin producing from offshore Nova Scotia in 2011. In addition, producers are exploring the onshore regions of Nova Scotia for both conventional and non-conventional gas, including both shale gas and coalbed methane (CBM). Existing and potential Heritage Gas customers can be confident in an abundant supply of natural gas being available.
The natural gas distribution network is underground so Heritage Gas has a “Call Before You Dig” emergency line that customers and public can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – the number is 1-866-313-3030. To ensure public safety while providing reliable service to customers, Heritage Gas employs experienced and highly trained personnel to operate and maintain pipelines and facilities, using thoroughly tested procedures and standards while adhering to strict regulations.
The main advantages of using natural gas as a heating option are the cost savings, environmental benefits, safety, consistent & reliable supply, versatility, convenience, and easy & affordable maintenance. Natural gas is very efficient for heating space and water. Unlike a heat pump, the efficiency of gas heating does not depend on outside temperatures, because it heats using an actual flame, so even when the outside temperature dips below zero degrees Celsius, the gas furnace will still warm your home without using auxiliary electric resistance heat to maintain the warmth.
Heritage Gas is a proud corporate citizen in our region, contributing to Nova Scotia’s economy and to a variety of organizations and charitable groups.
