What caused the natural gas industry to shift its market to heating and cooking?

• A. Electricity
• B. Coal
• C. Oil
• D. Nuclear

Answer: (A)

Electricity replacing gas for lighting changed how energy was used in homes. As electric lighting became widespread, demand for gas to light streets and houses fell, so natural gas utilities turned their focus to heating and cooking where gas appliances fit well and the existing gas distribution system could grow. Coal, oil, and nuclear aren’t the drivers here—the rise of electricity in lighting is what freed natural gas to serve heating and cooking.