SoCalGas Statement on California Public Utilities Commission Approval of Renewable Natural Gas Tariff

Rhea-AI Summary

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved SoCalGas and SDG&E's Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Tariff, enabling households and businesses to purchase RNG. This initiative aligns with California's climate goals, supporting efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. RNG, derived from organic waste, is recognized for its potential in removing CO₂ from the atmosphere affordably. SoCalGas commits to delivering 20% RNG to its core customers by 2030, emphasizing the importance of decarbonizing fuels for California's energy system.

Positive

• Approval of RNG Tariff allows SoCalGas to offer renewable energy sources to customers.
• Alignment with California's climate goals enhances SoCalGas's market reputation.
• Commitment to provide 20% RNG by 2030 demonstrates long-term strategic planning.

Negative

• None.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the California Public Utilities Commission approved SoCalGas and SDG&E's request to offer a voluntary Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Tariff.  The program will allow households and businesses to purchase RNG from the utilities.  SoCalGas issued the following statement in support of the decision:

"The approval of the Renewable Natural Gas Tariff is an important step in achieving California's climate goals. SoCalGas supports those goals.  With this new program, natural gas customers will soon have the ability to purchase renewable natural gas (RNG) to fuel their homes and businesses, similar to renewable energy programs available to electric customers.

"RNG is made from organic waste from dairies, landfills and with the passage of AB 3163 can now be sourced from dead trees, agricultural waste and vegetation removed for wildfire mitigation.  It is the only renewable energy source that can be carbon negative.  Experts at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories say California will need to remove 125 million tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere per year to achieve carbon neutrality.  And they found that converting organic waste to clean fuels like RNG holds the greatest potential for negative emissions at the lowest cost.

"SoCalGas is helping to build California's 21^st century energy system with investments in RNG, hydrogen, fuel cells and carbon capture and storage. The voluntary Renewable Natural Gas Tariff is one of those building blocks and part of SoCalGas' commitment to deliver 20 percent RNG to its core customers by 2030. 

"The gas system complements and is a necessary facilitator of decarbonization.  California's success in achieving its climate change goals depends in large measure on SoCalGas's success in decarbonizing the fuels flowing through our grid, a goal to which SoCalGas is fully committed."

 

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Company

FAQ

What is the Renewable Natural Gas Tariff approved by California Public Utilities Commission?

The Renewable Natural Gas Tariff allows customers to purchase renewable natural gas from SoCalGas and SDG&E, supporting California's climate initiatives.

How does the RNG Tariff impact SoCalGas customers?

It provides customers with the option to use renewable energy, potentially lowering their carbon footprint.

What percentage of RNG does SoCalGas plan to deliver by 2030?

SoCalGas aims to deliver 20% of its energy from renewable natural gas by 2030.

Why is RNG considered important for California's climate goals?

RNG can help remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, contributing significantly to California's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

What types of waste are used to produce RNG?

RNG is made from organic waste such as dairy waste, landfills, dead trees, agricultural waste, and vegetation removed for wildfire mitigation.