Propane-Air Standby Systems: Gas Energy Uninterrupted (February 2001)
Unfortunately, the world's largest system of natural gas production, transportation, and storage operations cannot support 100% of peak demand in every location. Various load management schemes have long been used to balance seasonal peaks in gas demand with available pipeline deliveries. Some local gas distribution utilities supplement pipeline supplies using propane-air (LPG-Air) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) peak-shaving plants. Underground natural gas storage also helps keep gas flowing in some areas. And where gas meets the burnertip, utilities and/or third-party gas suppliers may simply reduce or completely curtail deliveries to larger institutional, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Many gas utilities offer reduced natural gas rates to large consumers in exchange for an agreement to go offline during periods of peak demand.