While it seems like I'm playing the role of Captain Obvious here, it occurred to me this morning that a bit of background information on natural gas was in order. To understand the nature of the natural gas market, rate fluctuations, supply and so on, it is first essential to understand where natural gas comes from, and to understand that it is also essential to understand what natural gas is. It is these unique components of natural gas that directly affect it's extraction, delivery and of course, why you pay what you do to enjoy it in your home.

Natural gas is odorless, colorless and shapeless. Though natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases (including methane), it emits lower levels of harmful gases when burned. Natural gas is also a fossil fuel, meaning it's formed from the decomposition of organic material—as in plant and animal remains. The compression of said organic matter is caused by the pressure of sediment and other layers on top of the organic materials, as well as the high temperatures beneath the Earth's surface. The resulting break down of carbon bonds in the organic matter leads to our friendly natural gas.

Due to the nature of how natural gas is formed, drilling a hole through the rock in which the gas is trapped allows the natural gas to rise to the surface. Thus, enters the wellhead and natural gas pipeline that help trap and control the flow of gas, which eventually finds its way to our homes and businesses. Voila!

Penn State researchers have detected a massive natural gas reservoir in the northern Appalachia. The Marcellus black shale covers hundreds of miles in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia, and is estimated to contain a substantial reservoir of natural gas, somewhere in the neighborhood of 516 trillion cubic feet.

The potential to produce more than 50 trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually would be nearly double current U.S. production, and could greatly impact the natural gas market once the gas is extracted, though it's too early to speculate whether natural gas prices would drop due to the supply increase. What is evident is that the find is a significant step in pushing this country toward energy independence with an abundant fuel resource that produces a smaller percentage of greenhouse gases as well.

A natural gas stove is easy to operate, and quite safe if used properly. Chefs around the globe salivate over the prospect of using a gas stove to prepare their meals. Here are a few essential reasons why you—though maybe not a culinary genius—can equally appreciate the convenience of a natural gas stove at home.

• Easy to control heating—just run the dial with no more moving pots back and forth
• Precise temperatures for cooking
• Natural gas stoves are more energy efficient than the electric variety—just think cheaper utility bill
  
• Natural gas stays on during a power outage
• Easy installation
  

Are you familiar with the safety precautions for the natural gas in your new home? If not, GasGeorgia has some safety tips to give you a helping hand in understanding natural gas and how to keep your family safe in case of an emergency.

• Smell Gas — The smell of natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If the smell inside your home is strong, have everyone exit the house immediately. Open door and windows on the way out only if you can. Do not use anything like a home phone, light switches, flashlight, computer or any other item that might cause a spark. If the odor is faint then check your stove burners and pilot light.

• Gas Appliances — Keep anything flammable away from gas appliances at all times.

• Blue Color — Burning natural gas should have a blue color. Another color could signify improper venting.

• Landscaping — Make sure to call your local gas company before you begin digging anywhere on your property to ensure you won’t hit a natural gas line.

• Gas Appliances — All gas appliances should have proper air circulation at all times.

• Keeping Warm in the Winter — Do not use natural gas appliances likes stoves to keep warm during a cold snap.

In the name of all that is convenient and efficient in this crazy world, hop on over and check out the natural gas calculator. Enter the usage amount for the household appliances you currently operate, cover, bake, sprinkle some magic dust and voila! The calculator automatically figures out the monthly and annual cost to operate these appliances with natural gas.

So what are you waiting for, a neon sign? Enjoy the piece of mind knowing that you can actually estimate your monthly natural gas bill before signing up for new service.