Canadian utilities are starting trials of green uses for a natural gas substitute, hydrogen, that has to date chiefly served the Alberta oilsands production often criticized by environmentalists.

In the 2021-22 heating season, household blends of hydrogen and gas are scheduled to enter field tests in Ontario and Alberta residential fuel markets. A Quebec variation would employ hydrogen to extract ethanol and methanol from landfill sites.

Enbridge Gas Inc. and Cummins Inc. are planning a C$5.2 million ($4 million) experiment in Ontario that would serve a 3,600-customer segment of the distribution grid in the Markham suburb of Toronto with a 2% hydrogen blend.

Another test in Alberta by Atco Gas would give a 5% hydrogen blend a trial run in a 5,000-home neighborhood northeast...