Natural Gas Reserves in Louisiana
Louisiana has abundant crude oil and natural gas reserves both onshore and offshore, buried beneath the thick sediments of the Mississippi Delta. Most consumers in Louisiana receive natural gas from a local utility, also called a local distribution company, or LDC. These companies, such as CenterPoint Energy, are regulated by the state Public Service Commission (PSC).
Fracking in Louisiana
Fracking is being used for the natural gas producing Haynesville Shale area in northwestern Louisiana and the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale that stretches across the middle part of the state. Over 2,200 wells have been drilled and are producing natural gas in the 11,000-feet-deep Haynesville Shale area in Louisiana.
Natural Gas and Energy Generation in Louisiana
In 2022, natural gas fueled 68% of Louisiana’s electricity net generation and fuels 6 of the 10 largest power plants in the state. Nuclear electric power surpassed coal as the state’s second-largest source of electricity in 2015. Louisiana’s two nuclear power plants accounted for about 15% of the state’s net generation in 2022. Despite being third for natural gas production, Louisiana shipped 63% of the nation’s LNG exports in 2022.
Is gas in Louisiana cheaper than in Texas?
Louisiana has abundant crude oil and natural gas reserves buried beneath thick sediments. In 2020, it received 4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and delivered 5.3 trillion cubic feet. About two-fifths enters from Texas and close to one-fifth from Mississippi. Most consumers in Louisiana receive natural gas from local utilities, regulated by the Public Service Commission.