Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) submitted a report to the California Public Utilities Commission reporting a 42 percent reduction of methane emissions in 2024 from its gas pipeline system compared to a 2015 baseline, surpassing its commitment to achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2025.
In 2017, the CPUC and California Air Resources Board (CARB) directed PG&E to achieve a 20 percent emissions reduction below 2015 baseline levels by 2025. The company outpaced this goal and voluntarily set a target to achieve a 45 percent reduction by 2030.
In June of this year, PG&E submitted its annual 2024 emissions data to the CPUC, which outlined the methodology and comprehensive approach the company took to achieve the 42 percent emission reduction, including:
- Enhancing the leak survey program that now assesses more than 42,000 miles of natural gas distribution pipeline every three years versus the previous five year rotation.
- Applying advanced leak detection technologies and utilizing an accelerated repair schedule for the largest emissions findings, also known as the PG&E Super Emitter Program.
- Continuing strategic implementation of gas mitigation technologies for planned ventings on transmission pipelines, compressor stations and underground storage.
“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. 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,” said Gas Engineering Vice President Austin Hastings.
PG&E’s Climate Strategy Report outlines the company’s commitment to achieve a net zero emissions energy system by 2040 and a “climate positive” system by 2050.
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