IGS Energy to bring carbon-neutral energy to 1 million customers

Inspired by calls from customers and businesses alike, IGS Energy plans a phased approach to becoming a carbon-neutral energy provider for its 1 million customers in 20 years. 

The Dublin company says the first phase of this plan involves providing 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas to all new residential customers, and to offer carbon-neutral options for commercial customers. CEO Scott White said this could promote the development of more renewable energy generation. 

"We realize it's becoming more practical to buy and source renewable energy," White said. "As more of it becomes available, we want to play a part in stimulating that, and as an independent retail supplier, we can productize it."

By 2040, the plan is to be "net zero," which means the company would reduce all direct and indirect carbon emissions from its operations and services as much as possible. Where necessary, it would offset any remaining emissions with carbon offsets or other tools from sustainable projects around the world. 

Jen Bowden, vice president of brand, social impact and culture initiatives for IGS, said the company has been headed in this direction for five years, starting with a solar division. The new plan is aggressive, but she said incremental adoption is possible. 

"We have asked ourselves: What role do we play in this and what's as stake for everyone involved?" Bowden said. "Consumers have an expectation on their mind and are energy conscious. So we are being proactive about making positive change."

IGS has adopted the tenets of the Conscious Capitalism movement, and so it's committed $1.2 million over two years for nonprofit organizations that build an awareness of energy-related environmental challenges and boost access to renewable energy.

Consumer interest backs the decision, White said. A 2018 Consumer Reports survey found 76% of customers said increasing renewable energy is a worthwhile goal, and 61% would like to see their utility spend more on efficiency instead of building power plants. About half said they would pay $5 a month more for energy from renewable sources. Meanwhile, commercial users are demanding it. Amazon, Google, Facebook and other big tech companies have committed to renewable energy and have pushed for renewable-friendly policies in Ohio and elsewhere. Many other smaller companies have followed the lead. "This is where the world is going," Bowden said. "We can go into this dragging our head, or we can embrace it."

Tristan Navera
Staff reporter
Columbus Business First

Original article: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/08/19/igs-to-bring-carbon-neutral-energy-to-1-million-cu.html