Virginia Natural Gas advances sustainability initiatives with Next Generation Natural Gas
Customers to benefit from enhanced sustainability and reduced environmental impact from 100% Next Generation Natural Gas fuel supply
Virginia Beach, VA. – March 28, 2024 – Starting this April, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), a leader in supplying clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to over 310,000 customers across southeast Virginia, has announced that its natural gas fuel supply for residential and small business customers will now be 100% Next Generation Natural Gas. Next Generation Natural Gas supply is certified to be produced with lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional natural gas supply. By building on its leadership in supporting value chain emissions reductions with this significant move, VNG underscores its dedication to sustainability and its initiative-taking approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global decarbonization efforts and aligning with its ambitious environmental goals.
Ken Yagelski, director of gas supply for Virginia Natural Gas, elaborates on the initiative: "At VNG, we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain, both upstream through the gas production and transmission systems that supply our gas and downstream to our customers. Our customers can feel good knowing we have strong relationships with environmentally conscious producers focused on reducing methane emissions efficiently and effectively during the production cycle."
Next Generation Natural Gas, notable for its focus on promoting transparency and on certifying significant reduction in methane emissions from standard offerings, plays a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of natural gas. Since first adopting this type of gas supply in 2019, VNG not only is a leader in sustainable energy provisioning but dedicated to ensuring affordability and reliability. The use of Next Generation Natural Gas caters to the growing consumer demand for more sustainable energy sources while demonstrating a steadfast commitment to reliability.
In 2023 alone, Virginia Natural Gas’s Next Generation Natural Gas purchases led to a notable estimated reduction of 16,000 metric tons of CO2e, approximately equating to removing the emissions from an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle driving for over forty million miles. This achievement highlights the environmental benefits of Next Generation Natural Gas, which is characterized by improving environmental performance, transparency and accountability through the assessment and verification of methane emissions in the natural gas value chain.
Robert Duvall, president and CEO of VNG, reaffirms the company's commitment: "Incorporating Next Generation Natural Gas into our supply chain reflects our proactive approach to reducing emissions and our dedication to advancing sustainability across the energy sector. This effort is complementary to our sustainability goals and establishes VNG as a leader in sustainable energy solutions."
As a member of ONE Future, a coalition aimed at reducing methane emissions across the natural gas value chain to 1% or less by 2025, VNG is actively involved in industry-wide efforts to minimize environmental impacts. This is on top of its internal efforts to reach net zero GHG emissions from its operations by 2050. Initiatives in support of this goal include integrating advanced leak detection and repair practices, enhancing infrastructure, adopting innovative technologies and fostering partnerships to provide sustainable options. For more information about Virginia Natural Gas and our Next Generation Natural Gas initiative, please visit www.virginianaturalgas.com.
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Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Named a Top Workplace in 2023, Virginia Natural Gas also has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | www.virginianaturalgas.com/company/press-room
