Fossil Gas A.k.a. Natural Gas (Heating Only) Half of Rhode Islanders use natural gas to heat their homes. If you are connected to the gas system, via a pipeline, you can use natural gas for your heating. Natural gas is a slightly cleaner and more efficient option than heating oil, because it releases roughly 30% less carbon dioxide and fewer air pollutants. Natural Gas is still a fossil fuel, so burning it for heating adds greenhouse gases to the environment and contributes to climate change. To reach Rhode Island’s goal to decarbonize heating by 2050, Rhode Islanders will have to start switching to heating systems that are carbon neutral, like electric heat pumps powered by clean energy. Information on natural gas FAQ for natural gas in Rhode Island Incentive Information High-efficiency heat pump incentives Contact Us Sarah Doherty Thermal Decarbonization Manager sarah.doherty@energy.ri.gov