Atmos Energy : Introduces SmartChoice Carbon Offset Program in Partnership with Tennessee Public Utility Commission

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Sept. 27, 2022 - Atmos Energy customers in Tennessee who want an affordable option to reduce their carbon footprint will soon be able to enroll in the SmartChoice Carbon Offset program. As approved by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, this strictly voluntary program will give customers the ability to offset 25, 50 or even 100 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with their monthly use of natural gas.

"For customers who share Atmos Energy's commitment to a comprehensive environmental strategy that supports a lower carbon future, the SmartChoice Carbon Offset program makes it easy to offset some or all of the CO2 emissions from natural gas used to heat their homes and cook their meals," said Brannon Taylor, Atmos Energy vice president of rates and regulatory affairs. "This is yet another way that we are executing on our environmental sustainability strategy by modernizing our business and providing innovative solutions for customers to reduce their carbon footprint."

The SmartChoice Carbon Offset program is an important component of Atmos Energy's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, which is illustrated in its recently released Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report. The CRS Report is available online at atmosenergy.com/sustainability and highlights accomplishments in environmental sustainability; as well as public and pipeline safety, system modernization, community support and the culture of AtmoSpirit.

"If the average residential customer in Tennessee chooses to offset 100 percent of their carbon footprint each month, achieving 'net zero' emissions from their natural gas usage, that would be equivalent to 144 trash bags of waste recycled instead of landfilled every year," added Taylor.

Enrollment for the SmartChoice Carbon Offset program is set to begin later this year. Participation will be entirely voluntary, and customers may enroll or cancel at any time. Residential customers who elect to join can choose to offset 25, 50 or 100 percent of their monthly CO2 emissions by way of a modest fee ranging from $1.50 to $6.00 per month. That charge, reflected as a separate line item on the monthly bill, will be used to purchase carbon credits that achieve the carbon offset targets chosen by customers. A carbon credit is a certificate that represents the removal of 1 metric ton of CO2 from the atmosphere, originating from verified climate action projects that either capture and destroy greenhouse gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere (such as methane captured from a landfill) or capture and store greenhouse gases to prevent their release into the atmosphere (for example, a project that promotes the healthy growth and maintenance of forests).