What is the Natural Gas Ban?

Green efforts like the current shift away from natural gas are hot-button issues in the foodservice industry. In Europe, more and more operators are moving away from gas to alternatives like electric and induction cooking, and that trend is taking hold here in the United States, as well.

Driven to a large degree by eco-friendly efforts to reduce the use of natural gas, cooking is becoming political. What we cook in the kitchen isn’t the only question. How we cook is just as relevant these days, with states like California becoming the battleground in the war of gas versus electric.

There are plenty of benefits to reducing one’s carbon footprint in foodservice, but in some cases, operations may not have a choice. Natural gas bans are in effect, or going in effect, in major cities across the United States, and restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice establishments need to adapt.

Presently, this practice of reducing natural gas equipment is focused on new construction, not existing establishments. The way this movement is trending, however, will likely impact restaurants and other foodservice operations in the future that primarily use natural gas cooking equipment.

The Reasons Behind the Natural Gas Ban

With the goal of becoming more eco-friendly, cities around the country have begun mandating businesses follow new energy usage rules – this includes a ban on gas-powered cooking equipment. More than 140 cities in the United States have already committed to transitioning to carbon-neutral energy.

Berkley, California was the first city in the United States to ban the use of natural gas in newly constructed buildings at the start of 2020. Several other cities have followed suit, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Washington D.C., and more.

The goal behind this ban is geared towards reducing natural gas demand through the use of electric foodservice equipment. This policy also aims to help operators save money by reducing utility costs through the use of energy-efficient equipment.

Discover Electric Cooking Equipment from Pitco

Pitco is dedicated to helping your operation be as successful as possible by providing the highest quality foodservice equipment available, no matter the regulations in your area. From fryers to pasta cookers to rethermalizers, Pitco offers equipment solutions designed to create eco-friendly kitchens around the world.

Download the Electric Food Service Equipment Guide to learn more about the electric equipment solutions from Pitco, along with tips to make your commercial kitchen more energy-efficient.