OAKLAND, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) (NYSE:PCG) is making strides in its commitment to environmental responsibility. The utility giant announced it has significantly surpassed its methane emissions reduction target, achieving a 42% decrease in 2024 compared to a 2015 baseline. This achievement, detailed in a report submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), puts PG&E well ahead of its initial pledge to reduce emissions by 20% by 2025.
The CPUC and California Air Resources Board (CARB) had challenged PG&E in 2017 to achieve a 20% reduction by 2025. Not content with meeting the minimum, PG&E proactively set a more ambitious goal: a 45% reduction by 2030. The company’s recent performance signals a strong likelihood of exceeding even this self-imposed benchmark.
According to its annual 2024 emissions data submitted to the CPUC in June, PG&E has implemented a multi-pronged strategy to slash methane emissions. Key initiatives include:
- Enhancing the leak survey program, now assessing over 42,000 miles of natural gas distribution pipeline every three years, a significant improvement over the previous five-year rotation. This more frequent monitoring allows for quicker identification and remediation of leaks.
- Applying advanced leak detection technologies and utilizing an accelerated repair schedule for the largest emissions sources, under the PG&E Super Emitter Program. This targeted approach focuses resources on the most impactful leaks, maximizing emissions reductions.
- Continuing strategic implementation of gas mitigation technologies for planned ventings on transmission pipelines, compressor stations, and underground storage facilities. This proactive approach minimizes emissions during routine maintenance and operations.
“Achieving and surpassing our methane emissions reduction goal is an important milestone that highlights our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our natural gas pipeline system,” said Gas Engineering Vice President Austin Hastings. “Coupled with our ongoing commitment to support the interconnection and delivery of California-produced renewable natural gas, we remain committed to achieving a net zero emissions energy system for our customers and hometowns.” Hastings’ statement underscores PG&E’s broader strategy of integrating renewable natural gas into its system, further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
PG&E’s Climate Strategy Report lays out the company’s ambitious long-term vision, including a commitment to achieve a net zero emissions energy system by 2040 and a “climate positive” system by 2050. These goals position PG&E as a leader in the utility sector’s transition towards a sustainable future, but also face the operational challenges of balancing aggressive emission reduction targets with the crucial need to provide affordable and reliable energy to its vast customer base.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), provides natural gas and electric service to more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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