JOHNSTON CITY — During the cold winter months, many residents use natural gas to heat their homes. Ameren Illinois uses a dozen facilities across the state to store natural gas to keep prices moderated during the high demand season.

The facilities are called natural gas storage fields, and one of their 12 facilities is in Johnston City. Steve Underwood with Ameren Illinois says the gas is purchased and stored over the summer for use this time of year.

Other southern Illinois facilities are located in Centralia, Freeburg, and Hillsboro.