Virginia Natural Gas expands clean energy portfolio with new renewable natural gas agreement
Lifecycle emission reductions estimated to be 15,562 metric tons of CO₂e, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 15,610 acres of U.S. forests in one year
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – June 25, 2025 – Virginia Natural Gas has completed a new renewable natural gas purchase, adding to its growing portfolio of clean, sustainable fuel. The lifecycle emissions avoided by this transaction are estimated to be 15,562 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 15,610 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
RNG is a sustainable product produced from naturally occurring methane emitted from landfills, agricultural waste, wastewater and food waste as it decomposes. By capturing this methane before it enters the atmosphere, RNG significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This fuel is fully compatible with existing natural gas infrastructure and appliances, providing a seamless transition to a more sustainable energy source.
Shannon O. Pierce, President and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of integrating renewable natural gas into our energy mix. This purchase not only supports our sustainability goals but also demonstrates our commitment to providing cleaner energy solutions for our customers and communities. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure enables the growth of clean fuels in alignment with our goal, and the goal of our parent company, Southern Company, of achieving net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions from operations by 2050.”
The purchase involves acquiring environmental attributes from RNG facilities in Texas. It follows Virginia Natural Gas’ first-ever RNG purchase in 2023.
The passage of supportive policies in Virginia makes this deal possible. Virginia’s Energy Innovation Act and Sustainable Gas Program allow and encourage the production and delivery of RNG. Building upon these renewable natural gas purchases, Virginia Natural Gas recently announced an initiative in collaboration with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District that seeks to bring more renewable energy to the market. When completed, the new facility will transform biogas produced from organic waste at HRSD’s Atlantic Treatment Plant into RNG.
For more information on Virginia Natural Gas’ commitment to sustainability, visit: virginianaturalgas.com.
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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving over 314,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in
2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, and was named 2024 LDC of the Year by the VA Dept of Energy and VA Oil & Gas Association. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also owns and operates storage facilities within its regulated market and invests in interstate pipelines. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html