By Stephen Nakrosis

Xcel Energy on Tuesday said it is exploring how to deliver renewable natural gas to its customers, part of a plan to reduce carbon emissions from the electricity it provides customers by 80% by 2030.

"Eventually, the company hopes to provide new programs that enable customers to choose renewable natural gas, similar to current renewable electricity programs," Xcel said.

"Methane from landfills, wastewater treatment and agriculture has been used in power generation over the years, but this is the first time Xcel Energy has investigated the fuel's potential for use directly by customers for heating, cooking and other activities in their homes," the company said.

In 2019, Xcel Energy partnered with two Colorado cities to capture methane from wastewater treatment facilities and inject it into the company's natural gas system, it said.

Xcel also said it is "pursuing a vision to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050." 



  --Write to Stephen Nakrosis at stephen.nakrosis@wsj.com