In cooperation with Union Gas, Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Terasen Gas has undertaken a study to show that biomethane is a safe, alternative to natural gas. Multiple gas sources were examined in multiple locations. The results of the study showed that biomethane, if upgraded, is interchangeable with natural gas. What this means to our customers is they won’t see any difference in the quality of gas provided.

A local company called Catalyst Power is pioneering a made-in BC approach to farm waste. Their biogas project is located in the Abbotsford area. It will combine anaerobic digestion and a water wash biogas upgrading plant to produce high quality bio-methane. Terasen Gas is considered the long-term gas purchaser. In addition, we will invest in on-site quality monitoring equipment to ensure our customers receive the best gas possible.

At the Salmon Arm landfill, Terasen Gas plans to work with the CSRD to upgrade and inject biomethane from landfill gas into the local distribution system. In this case, we are interested in investing in upgrading equipment. An operational agreement will ensure that we work closely with CSRD to optimize gas production and environmental benefits.

 

At this time, Terasen Gas and the CSRD are working towards finalizing a formal agreement. Next, the design process will follow and site construction could begin as early as spring of 2010.

As a regulated utility, Terasen Gas submits applications to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for acceptance of its operating plans and the accounting treatment of operational costs.

 

Biogas equipment is expected to become part of Terasen Gas. As these projects are developed, they will be subject to a BCUC application process.

 

In the short term, we are working to clarify how biogas will be offered to our customers. This includes researching supply, transportation, gas pool management, marketing, customer use and billing. Terasen Gas plans to submit a complete biogas application to the BCUC within the first six months of 2010. Along with that application, we plan to include the Catalyst Power and CSRD projects.

 

We will continue to develop new potential supply and we welcome the opportunity to discuss other opportunities with interested parties.

Terasen Gas will continue to accept inquiries and proposals for new projects on an ongoing basis, according to our Expressions of Interest Guidelines. For more information, contact us or submit your idea following the steps in the Biogas Call document (PDF 156 KB). Send us your submission requirements form (WORD 68 KB) by email.

Our goal is to implement at least two projects within the next year, along with several others the following year. We will submit these projects to the BCUC for approval in order to capture the costs for customer rates.

Terasen Gas is in the process of conducting market research to help us understand the viewpoints of customers related to biogas and other alternative energy initiatives. This research is essential to designing a “green” energy-offering that our customers can choose to participate in.  Such an offering will also be subject to approval by the BCUC.  We expect to prepare and submit an application in the near future.

We are in the process of refining our approach to greenhouse gas credits that are specifically related to biogas projects. The model may vary from project to project based on the source of the gas and the specific needs of each biogas participant.