Consumers Energy Debuts New High-Tech Vehicles to Locate Natural Gas Leaks, Lower Emissions

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy, based in Michigan, launched two Ford Edge SUVs equipped with advanced methane leak detection technology from Picarro Inc. This $4 million investment aims to enhance the company’s natural gas leak detection capabilities and fulfill its goal of achieving net zero methane emissions by 2030. The vehicles, which will patrol nearly 28,000 miles of distribution network, can identify and analyze potential gas leaks in real-time. The initiative is part of Consumers Energy's commitment to reducing methane emissions, having already achieved a 15% reduction.

Positive

• Investment of $4 million in high-tech vehicles enhances leak detection.
• Achieved a 15% reduction in methane emissions by improving infrastructure.
• New vehicles will improve safety and response times during emergencies.

Negative

• None.

JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two new vehicles are helping Consumers Energy track down methane leaks to protect the planet and keep customers and communities safe.

This month, the company is debuting two Ford Edge SUVs equipped with sensitive state-of-the-art mobile natural gas leak detection systems from Silicon Valley-based Picarro Inc. The rolling labs can gather and instantly analyze methane, wind, atmospheric and GPS data to find natural gas leaks and calculate their risks. 

The new vehicles will help the energy provider prioritize leaks in natural gas pipes faster and more accurately and improve response to storms and natural disasters. The $4 million, five-year investment is part of a plan to achieve net zero methane emissions by 2030. 

"This pilot project is another way we're innovating to protect the planet and lead Michigan's clean energy transformation," said Greg Salisbury, vice president of gas engineering and supply. "We're investing to make infrastructure and processes safer while reducing our environmental footprint." 

The rolling labs are outfitted with Picarro technology, a combination of hardware, software and data analytics that's one thousand times more sensitive than the process currently used to survey Consumers Energy's nearly 28,000-mile distribution network. 

The vehicles will collect and analyze methane data as they roll down the road. They can patrol geographic areas quickly, scanning for potential trouble spots and providing real-time information to identify leaks and target areas for further investigation. 

"Picarro-equipped vehicles have collected and analyzed billions of methane data points, across millions of miles, for utilities worldwide," said Vince Gaeto, vice president, sales and marketing, energy at Picarro. "We're pleased Consumers Energy has selected this proven technology to help achieve their ambitious methane emissions reduction goals." 

The system on each vehicle includes: 

• A parts-per-billion sensitivity gas analyzer measuring atmospheric gas composition and other tracers such as ethane. 
• An anemometer mounted on a mast for detecting wind speed, direction and wind variability. 
• Two antennas on the vehicle roof, one for the 4G wireless connectivity and one for sub-meter GPS vehicle positioning. 
•  A 4G wireless router enabling the internet connection and data transmission to and from the Picarro Cloud and Wi-Fi connection to the in-vehicle tablet. 

Consumers Energy is creating a cleaner natural gas future for Michigan by reducing emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. Already, we've cut methane emissions by 15 percent, primarily by replacing aging pipeline and outdated infrastructure.

By reaching our net zero goal, we'll reduce our methane emissions by more than 10,000 metric tons — that's the equivalent of removing about 55,000 vehicles from the road for a year or preserving more than 300,000 acres of forest.  

Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

For more information about Picarro technology, go to energy.picarro.com

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy  
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy  

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What is the purpose of the new vehicles launched by Consumers Energy?

The new vehicles are designed to enhance methane leak detection and improve response times to potential leaks.

How much has Consumers Energy invested in the new leak detection technology?

Consumers Energy has invested $4 million in the new leak detection technology.

What emissions goal is Consumers Energy trying to achieve with this investment?

Consumers Energy aims to achieve net zero methane emissions by 2030.

By what percentage has Consumers Energy reduced its methane emissions?

Consumers Energy has reduced its methane emissions by 15%.

What technology is used in the new vehicles for leak detection?

The vehicles are equipped with advanced natural gas leak detection systems from Picarro Inc.