Ontario Energy Board Approved Enbridge’s application to offer a Voluntary Renewable Natural Gas Program
On September 24, 2020 the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) issued a Decision and Order approving Enbridge Gas Inc.’s (Enbridge) application to offer a Voluntary Renewable Natural Gas Program (RNG Program), on a pilot or test basis. Residential and small business customers that take part in the RNG Program will pay a charge of $2 per month, which will be shown separately on their bills. The RNG Program is expected to start in January 2021, and can continue only as a pilot project until the OEB issues a further decision on the RNG Program, either as part of Enbridge’s next major rate application or in response to a stand-alone application filed by Enbridge.
The OEB noted that renewable natural gas (RNG) is a renewable energy source that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to conventional natural gas, and should be explored as a means of diversifying the gas supply portfolio. RNG is a higher cost alternative to conventional natural gas, and the OEB decided that exploring the addition of RNG is best done on a voluntary and pilot basis. The learnings from the pilot would lead to a better understanding of RNG options and provide information to assess future RNG program proposals.
By Ontario Energy Board