Xcel Energy to purchase low-emission intensity natural gas from Crestone Peak Resources certified by Project Canary

A new partnership announced this week will see Xcel Energy purchase low-emission intensity natural gas for use in Colorado as produced by Crestone Peak Resources and certified by Project Canary.

Driven by increased usage of environment, social and governance (ESG) information for sustainable natural gas production, transportation, and operation, the partnership will rely on Project Canary’s independent, real-time methane emissions monitors and TrustWell certification process. Project Canary is a Denver-based Benefit Corp. and a leader in methane leak monitoring and detection.

“We are committed to reducing methane emissions from our own operations and using our buying power to encourage our suppliers to reduce their emissions as well,” Alice Jackson, president of Xcel Energy – Colorado, said. “That is why we’re pleased to work with Crestone Peak Resources and Project Canary on a pilot project that clearly demonstrates to customers our dedication to delivering them a cleaner energy product.”

Crestone Peak is a Colorado producer and the first to utilize the TrustWell certification process on its production volumes. The process allows it to provide verified and monitored environmental practices and oversight of its commitment to clean energy, from which Xcel will, in turn, benefit.

“This partnership with Xcel Energy allows us to further advance our commitment to safely and responsibly producing energy for Colorado consumers,” David Stewart, Crestone Peak Resources vice president of environment, health, safety, and regulatory, said. “As the first Colorado energy producer to deploy real-time, continuous air quality monitoring on the majority of our well sites, Crestone understands the importance and value of demonstrating our commitment to responsible, sustainable energy production.”

Xcel was the first major U.S. power producer to commit to fully carbon-free electricity by 2050. This partnership continues down that path. As to the partnership itself, a fourth company is involved as well, though it has remained anonymous at the moment outside of its European and multinational roots. Its job will be to market Crestone’s certified production.