Natural Gas Has a Demand Problem Amid Battle for Home Hookups

One of the biggest threats facing the natural gas industry is in the home.

The Netherlands, once among Europe’s leading gas producers, is outlawing new residential hookups.

Groups in California and the U.K. are pressing for the same. And in New York State, where pipelines face fierce opposition, a utility slapped a moratorium on new service and is urging homeowners to turn down their heat to cope with supply crunches.

Ditching gas from homes could hobble demand for the fuel, which has long been seen as a bridge from coal and oil to a future of cheap wind and solar. ...