In Profile: PG&E and Customers Fight Climate Change

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with its customers and The Conservation Fund. One of the country’s largest natural gas and electric utilities, PG&E now offers customers an easy way to fight climate change.

“We’re honored to be making these purchases on behalf of
our ClimateSmart customers. Through their commitment to
the environment, we’ve been able to sequester a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions and protect some of California’s most precious resources.”

- Nancy McFadden, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, PG&E

Summary

In PG&E’s ClimateSmart™ program, customers can choose to offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with home energy use, adding a small amount to their monthly energy bills. PG&E invests 100% of this customer payment in environmental projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Conservation Fund’s Garcia River Forest is the largest forest-based project supported by ClimateSmart™.

Challenge

Through the Garcia River Forest, located in northern California, the Fund seeks to demonstrate that non-profit ownership and management of forests under sustainable forestry guidelines can be both economically and environmentally beneficial. By selling carbon offsets based on protected trees the Fund can generate revenue to support ongoing forest and stream restoration work and preserve jobs within the community.

Solution

Through ClimateSmart™, PG&E bought 200,000 tons of verified forest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reductions from Garcia River Forest as part of the largest purchase of greenhouse gas emission reductions in the state of California. ClimateSmart™ funds will support sustainable forest management, protecting trees that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, Garcia River Forest will continue to provide critical wildlife habitat and protect water quality, enhancing climate benefits for both an environmental and economic win.