CenterPoint Energy’s RNG interconnection plan approved
CenterPoint Energy in Minneapolis, US, has received approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to open its natural gas distribution system to locally-made RNG.
RNG is produced by recycling biogas derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, wastewater, and commercial food waste.
Earlier this year, CenterPoint Energy submitted the proposal to allow Minnesota RNG suppliers to ‘interconnect’ with its pipeline system. Suppliers would pay for the interconnection, with no cost to the utility’s customers.
CenterPoint Energy will require RNG suppliers to meet gas quality standards, including ongoing testing, to ensure that the RNG entering the utility’s system is interchangeable with conventional natural gas.
The proposal was supported by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which described the proposal as ‘innovative’ and said it ‘appreciates CenterPoint Energy’s efforts to provide an opportunity for RNG producers and/or developers who are concerned about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or encouraging domestic energy use’.
Brad Tutunjian, vice-president of Minnesota Regional Operations, said: “RNG is part of CenterPoint Energy’s ongoing commitment to pursue innovative clean energy solutions.
“We are already in discussions with potential RNG producers who are interested in the opportunity to work with us to build a Minnesota RNG industry that can help diversify our energy supply, improve waste management, and boost the economy, especially in rural areas.”
RNG is produced by recycling biogas derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, wastewater, and commercial food waste.
Earlier this year, CenterPoint Energy submitted the proposal to allow Minnesota RNG suppliers to ‘interconnect’ with its pipeline system. Suppliers would pay for the interconnection, with no cost to the utility’s customers.
CenterPoint Energy will require RNG suppliers to meet gas quality standards, including ongoing testing, to ensure that the RNG entering the utility’s system is interchangeable with conventional natural gas.
The proposal was supported by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which described the proposal as ‘innovative’ and said it ‘appreciates CenterPoint Energy’s efforts to provide an opportunity for RNG producers and/or developers who are concerned about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or encouraging domestic energy use’.
Brad Tutunjian, vice-president of Minnesota Regional Operations, said: “RNG is part of CenterPoint Energy’s ongoing commitment to pursue innovative clean energy solutions.
“We are already in discussions with potential RNG producers who are interested in the opportunity to work with us to build a Minnesota RNG industry that can help diversify our energy supply, improve waste management, and boost the economy, especially in rural areas.”
