Black Hills Energy plans voluntary RNG, carbon offset program for Nebraska homes, small businesses
Black Hills Energy announced plans to expand sustainable energy options for its Nebraska customer base this week through a voluntary renewable natural gas (RNG) and carbon offset program targeting residential and small business customers, specifically.
If approved by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC), this program would let participants offset in excess of 100 percent of the emissions associated with their own natural gas usage. Fixed price blocks representing a portion of emissions could be purchased for $5 a piece, equivalent to 20.5 therms of natural gas each. One block is approximately 33 percent of the average residential Nebraska customer’s monthly usage, according to Black Hills.
“Natural gas will continue to play a critical role in a clean energy future,” Kevin Jarosz, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of Nebraska operations, said. “Thousands of customers and communities rely on natural gas each day for highly efficient home and space heating, water heating, and cooking. Our customers are increasingly looking to us for sustainable and cost-effective options to help them further reduce their carbon footprint, and this program creates a pathway for our company to help customers and communities achieve our shared goals.”
According to surveys conducted by the company, more than half of its customer base indicated they would be interested in participating in a voluntary program like this. If approved by regulators, Black Hills Energy would begin offering it through a four-year pilot program starting in 2023 and running through 2026. It will study the program’s performance over that time and use lessons learned to tailor future ideas.
