Southwest Gas Seeks CPUC Approval for RNG Supply from California Waste Facility
Southwest Gas has filed for CPUC approval to supply renewable natural gas from food and wastewater in California.
(P&GJ) — Southwest Gas has asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to approve a procurement agreement that would bring renewable natural gas (RNG) to its California customers, advancing the state’s push to cut methane emissions.
The agreement was reached with Anew Climate LLC and SoCal Biomethane, a subsidiary of Anaergia Inc. RNG will be produced at the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority facility, where food waste and municipal wastewater solids are co-digested and upgraded to pipeline-quality natural gas. If approved, the gas will be injected into Southwest Gas’ California system.
The proposal fulfills requirements under Senate Bill 1440, which mandates utilities procure biomethane as part of California’s strategy to reduce short-lived climate pollutants. It also marks the first time an operating project would qualify under the SB 1440 Biomethane Procurement Program, according to the companies.
"Long-term offtake agreements from natural gas utilities support local and state climate goals," said Ryan Childress, Managing Director of Low Carbon Fuels at Anew Climate.
The project has potential to cut emissions by up to 11,841 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually — similar to removing 2,762 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road. The upgraded facility can handle 65,000 gallons of slurried food waste per day, diverting about 104,000 tons of organic waste each year.
"Delivering RNG to our customers from innovative projects like this one demonstrates our dedication to environmental stewardship, long-term energy solutions, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve," said Karen S. Haller, President and CEO of Southwest Gas Holdings.
Anaergia COO Yaniv Scherson added the agreement supports California’s “ambitious methane reduction goals through innovative partnerships that serve communities with local and resilient infrastructure solutions.”