Enbridge Gas customers can help ‘green’ Ontario’s gas supply

Enbridge Gas has introduced a new voluntary renewable natural gas (RNG) programme for its customers to help reduce emissions from Ontario’s gas supply.

The company’s new OptUp programme will offer residential and small business customers who buy their gas from the utility the option to contribute $2 (€1.68) a month to help offset the increased costs to acquire carbon-neutral RNG.

The RNG programme forms part of the Ontario Government’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help the country meet its 2030 target. RNG utilises landfill and other organic waste, uses existing pipeline infrastructure, and creates local jobs and new revenue opportunities for municipal governments.

“Enbridge’s voluntary RNG option for its customers is a great example of how the private sector has the capital, capability, and know-how to transform clean technology markets while fuelling economic growth and job creation for our province,” said Jeff Yurek, Ontario’s Minister for Environment, Conservation, and Parks.

“Our government will continue to work closely with energy industry leaders like Enbridge Gas to help reduce GHG emissions efficiently and affordably, as we work towards Ontario’s 2030 emissions reduction target.”

Today, more than 75% of Ontario’s households heat their homes with affordable natural gas. During the first five years of the programme, Enbridge Gas anticipates that up to 28,000 of its customers will participate, reducing CO₂ emissions by 8,000 tonnes, equivalent to taking 1,600 cars off the road for one year.

The volume of RNG purchased will depend on the number of programme participants, the availability of RNG, as well as the cost difference between RNG and traditional natural gas at any given time. Enbridge Gas highlighted that the OptUp programme will not offer participating customers a specified volume of RNG, but will support the development of RNG sources to supply carbon-neutral fuel into its current gas pipelines and infrastructure.

Cynthia Hansen, executive vice-president and president of Gas Distribution and Storage at Enbridge Gas, said: “Our new voluntary RNG OptUp programme gives Enbridge Gas customers an easy and affordable way to help green the natural gas supply.

“This programme is just one way Enbridge Gas is investing in innovative energy solutions across multiple markets that improve energy efficiency and lower emissions as we transition to a low-carbon energy future.”