Xcel Energy explores renewable natural gas for customers

Xcel Energy is expanding its clean energy leadership to the natural gas industry, by exploring how it could deliver renewable natural gas (RNG) to customers. This initiative complements the company’s plan to reduce carbon emissions from the electricity it provides customers by 80% by 2030, while pursuing a vision to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. Eventually, the company hopes to provide new programs that enable customers to choose renewable natural gas, similar to current renewable electricity programs.

“Xcel Energy provides innovative ways for our customers to further reduce their environmental impact through renewable electricity programs, and new programs for renewable natural gas would help further our commitment to our customers and the environment,” said Frank Prager, senior vice president of planning, strategy and external affairs, Xcel Energy. “We’ve been a national leader in renewable energy for more than a decade, and now we’ll expand that leadership to our natural gas operations.”

Methane from landfills, wastewater treatment and agriculture has been used in power generation over the years, but this is the first time Xcel Energy has investigated the fuel’s potential for use directly by customers for heating, cooking and other activities in their homes. Methane is also the primary component of traditional natural gas.

Normally, methane from these sources is either ‘flared’ by the producer or released into the atmosphere. Using the methane captured from these sources reduces the environmental impact associated with those emissions. Last year, Xcel Energy partnered with the cities of Englewood and Littleton in Colorado to capture methane from wastewater treatment facilities and inject it into the company’s natural gas system.

Eventually, programs may be offered where customers can choose renewable natural gas for their use, similar to Windsource® and Renewable Connect®, programs that increase the amount of renewable energy customers use. This Request for Information will identify the locations and cost of capturing that methane and injecting it into pipes for use in customers’ homes and businesses.