Importance of R&D

Why Support R&D?

  • R&D results in new technology that brings new products and services to the market place or underpins better processes.
  • Successful research and development is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of natural gas.
  • The constant search for new applications is the only way to maintain and expand the direct use of natural gas.  
  • a robust R&D program, we would not have directional drilling technology, portable methane detectors, light weight shoring system, or keyhole technology, or large diameter coiled plastic pipe, or flexible interior gas piping or many new innovative, improved and more competitive gas appliances,such as tankless water heaters.

Your financial support for R&D programs is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of natural gas. The RF is encouraging contributing systems to consider 1 cent/Dth as a standard for fairness.On average, this is approximately $1/customer/year and, based on $8/Dth gas supply costs, would amount to an increase of only 1/10 of 1 percent (0.1 percent) on purchased gas cost.We use the $1/year/customer as a goal. We ask you to consider if that R&D support level is possible. APGARF desires all companies to contribute to R&D at this level whenever possible.

If your system belongs to as Joint Action Agency, please consider supporting the RF through the help of your JAA.

RF investor has a voice in how their voluntary R&D investments are spent, and we would like to invite you to join us. Click here to find printable documents about why financial support for R&D programs is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of natural gas.