Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in clean fuel with investor-owned natural gas utilities

You could get more bang for your buck by investing in a market that will continue to grow, such as investor-owned gas utilities. Many companies market natural gas as clean and green fuel. There is no supply shortage, and natural gas is environmentally more acceptable than other forms of energy.

I recommend: Wall Street Journal has called Questar, which works in the exploration of oil and gas, a high-growth company. Williams produces and transports natural gas and offers an investor kit online via email requests.

Keep your risks low as a natural gas investor

Some natural gas companies have investor plans with minimal to no investment necessary. You can make these investments through reputable online investment services.

I recommend: The second-largest independent producer and the third-largest overall producer of natural gas in the United States is Chesapeake Energy. There is no minimum investment required, and you can enroll in its investment plan online. Delta Natural Gas, another utility, doesn't require a minimum investment to join its investor program. You can buy both on line from Computershare Limited.

Try the bigger natural gas traded companies for more expensive stock

Some natural gas utility companies have more expensive stock. Even if the stock seems a bit high, you might be buying into a solid company with a big future.

I recommend: Anadarko, another Wall Street Journal high-growth company, requires a higher initial investment than other companies. Northstar Energy has an online questionnaire to see if investing in the company meets your investing needs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask about dividend reinvestment programs when you invest in natural gas utilities companies.