Core Viewpoint - Southern Company Gas subsidiaries, Virginia Natural Gas and Chattanooga Gas, have made renewable natural gas (RNG) purchases that are expected to avoid 18,978 metric tons of CO₂e emissions, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 19,036 acres of U.S. forests in one year [1] Group 1: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Overview - RNG is produced from naturally occurring methane from landfills, agricultural waste, wastewater, and food waste, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane before it enters the atmosphere [2] - RNG is compatible with existing natural gas infrastructure and appliances, facilitating a transition to a more sustainable energy source [2] Group 2: Company Initiatives and Goals - Southern Company Gas aims to deliver cleaner fuels as part of its commitment to sustainability, with a goal of achieving net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions from operations by 2050 [3] - The recent RNG purchases are part of a broader initiative to support emission reduction efforts and follow the company's first RNG purchases in 2023 [3] Group 3: Legislative Support - The RNG deal is supported by policies in Virginia and Tennessee, including Virginia's Energy Innovation Act and Sustainable Gas Program, which encourage RNG production and delivery [4] - Tennessee's Natural Gas Innovation Act allows natural gas utilities to pursue cleaner energy options and reflect innovative natural gas costs in their pricing [4] Group 4: Future Projects - Virginia Natural Gas has announced a collaboration with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District to create a facility that will convert biogas from organic waste into RNG [4]

Core Insights - Venessa Harrison has been appointed to the board of Southern Company Gas, bringing her extensive experience in expanding critical infrastructure and shaping public policy [3] - Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers across several states and has a diverse portfolio including regulated distribution and nonutility businesses [5] Group 1: Leadership and Experience - Harrison has overseen nearly $2 billion in annual network spending, which has significantly expanded AT&T's fiber and wireless networks in Georgia [1] - She led the development of the North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN), which has become a model for broadband expansion in other states [2] - Harrison holds a business administration degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Phoenix [4] Group 2: Company Overview - Southern Company Gas is a subsidiary of Southern Company, a leading energy provider in the U.S. [5] - The company operates regulated distribution companies in Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia, serving millions of customers [5] - Southern Company Gas also engages in nonutility businesses, including investments in interstate pipelines and natural gas storage facilities [5]