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TORONTO—Enbridge Gas has launched the new, voluntary OptUp Program that will offer residential and small business customers who buy their gas from the utility the option to contribute $2 a month as a cost-effective option to help offset the increased costs to acquire carbon-neutral renewable natural gas (RNG).

During the first five years of the program, Enbridge Gas anticipates that up to 28,000 of its customers will participate, reducing CO2 emissions by 8,000 tonnes or the equivalent to taking 1,600 cars off the road for one year, indicates a release.

OptUp will have no minimum term for participation and customers can cancel their enrolment with 30 days’ notice. 

The volume of RNG purchased will depend on the number of program participants, the availability of RNG, as well as the cost difference between RNG and traditional natural gas at any given time. The program will not offer participating customers a specified volume of RNG, instead it will support the development of RNG sources to supply carbon-neutral fuel into the current Enbridge Gas pipelines and infrastructure, adds the release.

“Enbridge’s voluntary renewable gas option for their customers is a great example of how the private sector has the capital, capability and know-how to transform clean technology markets, while fuelling economic growth and job creation for our province,” said Ontario’s Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek in a release. “Our government will continue to work closely with energy industry leaders like Enbridge Gas to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions efficiently and affordably as we work towards Ontario’s 2030 emissions reduction target.”