Nicor Gas receives approval for first-in-state initiative
Nicor Gas has received approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission for its Renewable Gas Interconnection Pilot, the first time that an Illinois gas utility will have a tariff allowing its distribution system to interconnect renewable fuel production systems.
“With the approval from the ICC, the RGI Pilot tariff provides an established, transparent process for RNG producers to qualify for the Renewable Gas Interconnection Service, which we believe is an important step in this industry,” John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas, told American Gas.
The pilot aims to encourage the development of renewable natural gas production facilities within Nicor Gas’ service territory and allows the company to determine how RNG can be efficiently integrated into its natural gas distribution system as a safe, reliable and clean energy source for customers.
“RNG is a drop-in substitute for geologic natural gas that is produced from abundant amounts of organic waste from sources such as landfills, wastewater plants and farms,” Hudson said. “RNG is pipeline-quality gas that is interchangeable with conventional, geologic natural gas and compatible with existing infrastructure, which means end-use customers can reduce their carbon footprint without changing their home’s infrastructure or appliances.”
Converting waste to clean RNG and integrating it into Nicor Gas’ distribution system reduces greenhouse gas emissions while creating new jobs and business opportunities in the community, he said.
According to an Illinois economic impact study by EcoEngineers, just one RNG project could create up to 229 part-time jobs during construction, 46 full-time jobs during operations and $478 million in total economic output over the 20-year project life, the utility said.
Southern Company, Nicor Gas’ parent company, is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero and providing the customers and communities it serves a clean energy future, Hudson said.
“By using the existing natural gas network to transport lowcarbon fuels like RNG, this infrastructure, as well as the workforce employed to safely maintain it, can play a long-term role in enabling a carbon-neutral economy,” Hudson said.