North American utility customers are less likely to pay into carbon offset programs using renewable natural gas (RNG) or differentiated gas when prices are high, according to several industry executives. 

Many U.S. natural gas utilities have programs that allow customers to choose whether to pay an added fee for carbon offsets, including for RNG and verified gas supplies, said some executives at the recent LDC Gas Forums Mid-Continent conference in Chicago, which had nearly 200 participants. 

“We haven’t seen too much participation in willingness to pay even a small cost,” said Nicor Gas’ Michelle Carbone, who manages Gas Supply for the Naperville, IL-based company. Nicor serves 2.2 million customers in the state. 

The Southern Company subsidiary offers a carbon...