Energy Efficiency and Electrification Best Practices for Oil and Gas Production

Production of oil and gas consumes a significant amount of energy, both electricity and fuels, and generates significant emissions of methane and other air pollutants. Most oil and gas production sites in Colorado are not yet connected to the electricity grid. In order to power their pump jacks, and water and oil pumps, these sites use diesel engines and natural gas or diesel generators. Connecting these sites to the grid reduces energy consumption and emissions from the engines and generators and reduces operating costs for the oil and gas producers. This aspect of “electrification” of oil and gas production has advantages for both the oil and gas producers and the electric utilities. There are also opportunities to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through installing electric rather than gas pneumatic-driven devices and electric rather than natural gas-driven compressors. Updated July 2022.