Reducing Emissions in the Gas Supply
For the past several years, SoCalGas has researched the critical role renewable natural gas (RNG) needs to play in achieving California’s environmental goals. We are taking positive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our gas supply, by displacing traditional fossil gas with RNG.
Our vision is to become the cleanest natural gas utility in America, and we will deliver 5% renewable gas by 2022, and reach 20% renewable gas by 2030 delivered in our system.
Delivering RNG to Customers
In 2018, RNG produced from organic waste by CR&R Environmental Services in Riverside County started flowing into SoCalGas’ pipelines to be used by CR&R’s fleet. Additionally, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced seven dairy projects, representing 45 dairies, will begin producing RNG for pipeline delivery. This year, we began receiving RNG from Calgren’s dairy waste digester facility in the Central Valley.
2019 Clean Energy Roadmap
SoCalGas has developed a 2019 roadmap to further reduce emissions in the gas supply. Our focus is on engaging state regulators and legislators to develop and implement policies that create positive results by:
• Seeking a RNG procurement target, like the requirements for electric utilities to procure a set percentage of energy from renewables.
• Submitting a CPUC filing to provide customers who would like to receive RNG the option of purchasing a portion of their gas from renewable sources.
• Engaging in a building decarbonization proceeding to reinforce how RNG can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in buildings.
• Sponsoring a bill to have an independent third-party study the impacts on the pipeline system of using low- or zero-carbon hydrogen to displace traditional fossil gas. The bill would then direct the CPUC to implement standards for injecting hydrogen into the system, based on study findings.
• Supporting a bill that would incentivize the use of RNG in buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from space and water heating.
More to Come
The 2019 Roadmap is part of our strategy to help California meet its climate change goals and supports our vision to be the cleanest natural gas utility in North America.
We look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders to help advance a balanced energy approach to the future California energy system. We hope you will stay engaged on issues that may impact your community, your business or your constituents.
SoCalGas remains committed to providing customers affordable, safe, reliable service with an increasing emphasis on renewable natural gas
