Decarbonization Study

The City of Charlottesville has made commitments to community-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. On July 1, 2019, City Council adopted the goal of a 45% reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Both reduction measures are based on the 2011 inventory year. 

As a result of Charlottesville Utilities owning and maintaining a natural gas utility, we have solicited the expertise of the consulting firm Black & Veatch to conduct a Decarbonization Study to help us responsibly and accurately determine how the gas utility can be part of the solution in achieving and aligning itself with the community's greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Study will include an assessment of the legality of any potential actions allowable under Virginia law and will evaluate several pathways and their impact on emissions, reliability of service, and cost to customers. A kickoff for the Study was presented to City Council on March 20, 2023 and it is anticipated to take one year to complete. 

Decarbonization Study Outline

• Legality
  • Discontinuing the natural gas distribution operations
  • Discontinuing new natural gas connections 
• Evaluation of Several Pathways
  • Electrification
  • Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
  • Certified Natural Gas
  • Hydrogen
  • Carbon Offsets 
• Financial Impact on Customers (Equity Impact)
• Evaluate operations of the gas utility and Energy Efficiency Program and propose recommendations

For questions or for more information on the Decarbonization Study, please email Utilities Outreach.