The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the largest gas utility in the US, has announced the company’s bold commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045. This commitment makes SoCalGas the largest gas distribution utility in North America to set a net zero target including scopes 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, which would eliminate not only its own direct emissions, but also those generated by customers’ energy delivered by SoCalGas’ energy infrastructure.

SoCalGas’ commitment aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement’s recommendations and reflects the company’s focus on supporting California with a resilient gas grid through the energy transition to support a carbon neutral economy. Commenting on the development, Scott Drury, CEO of SoCalGas said, “Our mission is to build the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America. We will lead the energy transition by providing clean fuels and innovative technologies essential to carbon neutrality for California. Through collaboration and partnership, California can develop clean energy solutions at scale and serve as a global beacon for energy innovation.”

Over the next five years, SoCalGas plans to invest in initiatives to decarbonise, diversify, and digitalise its business. To guide SoCalGas’ path to net zero, the company released a Climate Commitment Announcement. Select commitments along SoCalGas’ path to net zero include:

By 2025 to:

  • Achieve net zero energy for 100 per cent of SoCalGas’ newly constructed buildings and major renovations of buildings over 10,000 square feet
  • Replace 50 per cent of SoCalGas’ over-the-road fleet with electric, hybrid, natural gas, and/or fuel cell electric vehicles
  • Establish statewide hydrogen blending standards
  • Complete five hydrogen pilot projects

By 2030 to:

  • Eliminate 100 per cent of vented gas during planned transmission pipeline work
  • Achieve net zero energy for 50 per cent of all SoCalGas existing buildings
  • Deliver 20 per cent of renewable natural gas

By 2035 to:

  • Operate a 100 per cent zero emissions over-the-road fleet
  • Achieve net zero energy for 100 per cent of SoCalGas buildings