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CPUC, CARB present 2024 joint natural-gas leak report showing 34% cut from 2015 baseline
Summary
CPUC and California Air Resources Board staff presented the 2024 joint report showing total 2023 natural-gas emissions of 176,003,000 standard cubic feet, a 2% drop from 2022 and a 34% reduction from the 2015 baseline toward a state goal of 40% by 2030.
The California Public Utilities Commission and the California Air Resources Board on Feb. 12 presented their 2024 joint report on statewide natural-gas emissions, saying utilities reported 176,003,000 standard cubic feet of emissions in 2023 — 2% lower than in 2022 and 34% below the 2015 baseline.
The report, required under SB 1371 and compiled by CPUC Safety Policy Division staff and CARB analysts, tracks emissions by system category and by utility, and reports a system-wide leakage rate of roughly 0.15% of throughput for 2023. CPUC decision D.17-6615 sets a state goal of reducing 2015 baseline emissions by 40% by Feb. 1, 2030; the joint report’s numbers show overall progress but stop short of the 40% target.
CPUC staff said PG&E and Southern California Gas have surpassed a separate Commission benchmark tied to rate recovery. Under Commission decision D.19-080 (as discussed in the workshop), the two large utilities must keep emissions at or below 20% below the 2015 baseline to avoid restrictions on recovery of certain costs; PG&E showed a 38% reduction from the baseline and SoCalGas showed a 36% reduction, both exceeding that metric.
CARB staff said most system categories either held steady or declined year over year; the largest single declines from 2022 to 2023 were in transmission blowdowns (a decrease of roughly 91 MMscf) and in distribution and maintenance services (about 37 MMscf), together producing a net drop in total emissions. CARB and CPUC also noted several increases in other categories — including transmission compressor stations (+17 MMscf) and customer meters (one utility reported +71 MMscf while another reported –41 MMscf) — but overall total emissions fell.
The joint report process included utility data submittals in June 2024, follow‑up data requests in August, and three approved adjustments to the 2015 baseline in September–October 2024 (for specific utilities and storage operators). CARB and CPUC staff told attendees they aim to finalize reporting-template revisions by March 31, 2025, and that the next reporting cycle will incorporate those template changes.
CARB and CPUC emphasized their intent to publish the draft report for review before finalizing and to provide the joint report and any associated appendices publicly. Staff said they will list follow‑up questions to utilities in July and issue a draft joint report to utilities in November, with a final report by Dec. 31.
