Dominion Energy launches program to help natural gas customers reduce emissions

Dominion Energy announced Tuesday it was launching a new program that would help residential and commercial natural gas customers in North Carolina reduce their carbon footprint and support renewable natural gas projects.

The new program, GreenTherm, would allow customers to voluntarily sign up for ways to offset carbon emissions from natural gas in their homes by supporting projects that reduce emissions in the state.

“Our customers want clean energy, and they want to have a positive impact on the environment,” said Rusty Harris, vice president and general manager of Dominion Energy North Carolina Gas. “We share their passion, and this program delivers in a big way. GreenTherm is a convenient way for our customers to enjoy the benefits of natural gas while making a difference for the environment and reducing emissions close to home.”

Carbon offsets balance emissions from one source by reducing emissions from others, such as landfills. Through GreenTherm, customers can support projects that reduce landfill emissions and preserve forested areas to capture carbon emissions in North Carolina and nearby states.

To participate, customers can purchase carbon offsets for as little as $3 per month. The company said a typical residential customer can offset their entire carbon footprint from natural gas usage for as little as $12 a month.

Projects in North Carolina that reduce emissions include landfill gas capture and reuse at the Buncombe County Landfill in Alexander, N.C.; the Johnston County Landfill, in Smithfield, N.C.; and the Upper Piedmont Landfill, in Rougemont, N.C., as well as forest conversion avoidance at the Noles Farms in Washington and Hyde counties.

Officials said the program is available to both residential and commercial companies, and that customers can sign up on the company’s website, through the company’s mobile app or by calling customer service.