FortisBC’s First Energy Utility in North America to Automatically Designate RNG for Customers

SURREY, B.C., June 27, 2024 – With recent approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission, as of July 1, 2024, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) gas customers will have one percent of their gas automatically designated as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). FortisBC is the first energy utility in North America to automatically designate RNG for customers.

“It is clear that our province needs all available tools to address climate change and support an affordable energy transition towards lower emissions for residents, businesses and industry,” said Doug Slater, vice-president of Indigenous relations and regulatory affairs at FortisBC. “The gas system is undergoing a transition as we work to increase the supply of renewable and low-carbon gases, like RNG, to lower emissions and this new RNG blend offering will help us do that.”

For the average residential customer, there will be no cost impact on their monthly bill. The one percent RNG blend will be incorporated in the storage and transport line item on their bill and they will see a carbon tax credit (biomethane credit) for the portion of their gas that is automatically designated as RNG.

The RNG blend will increase over time and customers could see a change in their bills in the future. Today, more than 13,000 B.C. homes and businesses subscribe to RNG through FortisBC’s current voluntary RNG program. FortisBC will continue to offer the voluntary RNG program so customers can choose to designate up to 100 percent of the gas they use as RNG, inclusive of the new one percent blend.

“RNG allows our studio to play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Gemma Martini, CEO of Martini Film Studios. “By subscribing to RNG, we can help to lower overall emissions without requiring expensive upgrades to our equipment while continuing to create world-class film and TV productions.”

“RNG is a key component of our climate action plan, as it helps reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and supports our local economy,” said James Lota, general manager of lands and facilities at the City of Burnaby. “The RNG blend we subscribe to in our facilities and vehicles is pivotal to our transition to 100 percent renewable energy, especially for applications that are hard to decarbonize with other solutions.”

The gas system plays a vital role in safely, reliably and affordably meeting the energy needs of British Columbians. Increasing the amount of RNG in the gas system is an important part of the provincial government’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 to decarbonize the economy. FortisBC will continue to develop its renewable and low-carbon gas options, like RNG, so that it can contribute towards meeting B.C.’s climate goals, maintain affordability and provide choice for families and businesses.

For more information on the RNG blend, visit fortisbc.com/rngblend.