Project Description

ABAG POWER is committed to supporting the goals of the customers and communities we serve.

As part of this commitment, we hosted a series of outreach events in 2021 to discuss the State’s climate action goals driving an anticipated decline of natural gas use. These conversations were intended to frame products and programs offered by ABAG POWER, in order to better support a transition to renewable energy resources and to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Feedback received during these events was incorporated into a Stakeholder Engagement Report and Strategic Implementation Roadmap, both approved on December 16, 2021 by the ABAG POWER Executive Committee following a public comment period.

ABAG POWER Strategic Implementation Roadmap Priorities

The Strategic Implementation Roadmap (“Roadmap”) focuses on the development and implementation of various priorities identified below:

1: Enhanced Default Product

Description: ABAG POWER’s default product will transition from fossil-based natural gas to fossil-based natural gas bundled with certified carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are a competitively priced option furthering project development for operations that indirectly mitigate the impact of combusting natural gas, which results in greenhouse gases emissions.

Implementation Timeframe: Development expected in calendar year 2023

2: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

Description: In May 2023, ABAG POWER established an RNG Program to conduct aggregated procurement of RNG and related fuels, primarily for the purposes of realizing greenhouse gas emissions reductions, compliance with Senate Bill 1383 and enabling participation in State and Federal vehicle fuel programs that incentive the use of compressed natural gas and RNG.

Implementation Timeframe: Operational as of May 25, 2023

3: Transitional Electrification Incentives

Description: Many members of ABAG POWER have identified electrification of buildings and vehicles as a primary method for achieving climate-related goals. ABAG POWER will offer a financial incentive to electrify these end-uses, funded through a voluntary volumetric surcharge coupled to natural gas usage. This incentive is intended to partially alleviate the upfront cost of electrifying equipment or vehicles.

Implementation Timeframe: Development expected in calendar year 2023

4: Transparent and Socially Responsible Supply

Description: ABAG POWER will offer a voluntary "opt-up" product comprised of a blend of RNG, fossil-based natural gas purchased from disadvantaged business enterprises and natural gas produced from organizations striving to actively reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Timeframe: Development expected in calendar year 2024

Contact

Ryan Jacoby, Principal Program Manager
Phone: 415-820-7956
Email: rjacoby@bayareametro.gov