FortisBC’s future depends on convincing regulators, governments and consumers that it can shift to renewable natural gas, made from organics in garbage and manure, from fossil fuels.
The corporation, which supplies 1.2 million customers in the province, has pledged that all new residential customers will receive 100 per cent renewable natural gas.
The shift is needed as climate policies that call for a shift away from fossil fuels take effect.
In this series, we explore the big questions keyed to FortisBC’s promise.
Is renewable natural gas actually less damaging to the climate?
Can FortisBC find suppliers, or are its plans fantasy?
And finally, why bother trying to keep the gas flowing when the province and many of its municipalities have signalled that the future is electric?
In This Series
Green Energy or Greenwashing? Inside FortisBC’s ‘Renewable Gas’ Claims
The company banks its future on a type of methane called renewable because it’s from organic waste. Does it meet the climate test? First in a series.
Can FortisBC Actually Get Its Promised ‘Green’ Gas?
A close look at its suppliers reveals permitless projects, experimental tech and stiff competition. Second in a three-part series.
BC Has Ambitious Climate Goals. Do They Leave Room for Gas?
Natural gas giant FortisBC drew a plan the regulator has ruled ‘a reasonable first step towards a low carbon future.’ What’s in it?