NATURAL GAS. 35 
sumption of manufactured gas at Louisville, Kentucky, prior to the 
introduction of natural gas was 24 M cubic feet. 
The reasons for this large increase in domestic natural gas con- 
sumption are as follows : 
1. Natural gas prices have been so low as not to make the gas 
worth saving. 
2. The efficiencies of most natural gas using appliances are gener- 
ally less than for manufactured gas using appliances. See page 40. 
FIG. 12. MONTHLY AVERAGE NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION PER DOMESTIC CONSUMER. 
3. Manufactured gas is used primarily for cooking, hot water heat- 
ing, and lighting only. The largest part of the natural gas busi- 
ness results from its extensive use for house-heating services, where 
the volume required is very much greater. 
PEAK LOAD SERVICE. 
Abnormal peaks of very short duration are characteristic of all 
natural gas loads for domestic consumers. This necessitates a large 
