FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2025
Final Report for the Charlottesville Natural Gas Decarbonization Study Now Available to the Community
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Department of Utilities is happy to announce that the final report for the Charlottesville Natural Gas Decarbonization Study is now available to the community. In its role as the owner and operator of a natural gas utility, the Department of Utilities initiated and funded this study as part of ongoing work to address the challenges of decarbonizing energy-related emissions in the community. The study supports two city-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals of a 45% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
The department engaged with the consulting firm Black & Veatch to explore the opportunities to decarbonize the existing gas system and assess the associated cost, impact on customer gas rates, and emissions impacts of decarbonization initiatives. The study also examined Charlottesville Gas’ existing energy-efficiency programs and looked to identify any operational improvements for consideration to further reduce its emissions footprint. Included in the final report is the methodology, assumptions, and decarbonization analysis for Charlottesville Gas to meet its proportional emissions reduction targets.
The study confirms that Charlottesville Gas is already on track to nearly meet the short-term 2030 carbon reduction target of 45% for city-only natural gas-related emissions using a combination of its existing initiatives and efforts. To meet long-term goals, the study explores how the utility can promote more efficient gas usage, procure lower carbon fuel supplies, and continue to enhance its system to reduce methane emissions. These findings are invaluable to Charlottesville Gas’ pursuit to meet city-wide GHG emissions reduction goals.
The Decarbonization Study is an important beginning and provides a framework for Charlottesville Gas to continue to build upon, including already identified near-term actions. These actions include the implementation of a new fee structure where revenue gathered from this program will be reinvested to fund the expansion of weatherization programs that reduce a home’s overall energy usage. The implementation of these actions in the near-term realizes tangible outcomes from the study and bolsters Charlottesville Gas’ continued commitment to the community.
The final report, as well as more information surrounding the study, can be found at www.charlottesville.gov/utilities.
Media Contact
Ryan Willis
Utilities Outreach Program Coordinator
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3686
willisr@charlottesville.gov