About Renewable Natural Gas delivery 

Renewable Natural Gas¹ (RNG) is low-carbon² energy that’s key to transforming BC’s energy future. But how is it delivered? And how does it displace conventional natural gas? Let’s find out.

Please note: With recent approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission, all gas customers will have a portion of their gas automatically designated as Renewable Natural Gas¹ beginning July 1, 2024. This will support B.C.’s clean energy transformation. No action is required from customers, and we’ll keep you up to date as more information becomes available.

How is RNG delivered?

North America’s natural gas systems are all interconnected, so when RNG is injected into the system, it mixes with conventional natural gas. This means that RNG cannot be directed to a specific location.

But if you choose to subscribe to RNG through the voluntary RNG program, there is RNG in the system with your name on it (figuratively) and the greenhouse gas emissions reductions caused by the displacement of conventional natural gas exist because of your support. And the more RNG that is added to the system, the less conventional natural gas we’ll use overall.

¹Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create RNG. When RNG is added to North America’s natural gas system, it mixes with conventional natural gas. This means we’re unable to direct RNG to a specific customer. But the more RNG is added to the gas system, the less conventional natural gas is needed, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels and overall greenhouse gas emissions.

²When compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The burner tip emission factor of FortisBC’s current Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) portfolio is 0.27 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO₂e/MJ). FortisBC’s current RNG portfolio lifecycle emissions for stationary combustion are -22 gCO₂e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 36.4 gCO₂e/MJ as set out in the 2021 B.C. Hydrogen Strategy.