In August of 2020, Williams announced our goal of 56% absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, putting the company on a positive trajectory to be net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Part and parcel with our goal is a commitment to collaborate with our peers and customers on reduction strategies around our regulated pipeline assets. The Northwest Pipeline Emissions Reduction Program (“ERP”) provides a practical and measured path to mitigate business and customer risk while minimizing the environmental impact by reducing emissions, and is designed to strengthen the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the Northwest Pipeline system. Northwest Pipeline is proposing an Emissions Reduction Surcharge as a mechanism designed to recover the cost of Northwest Pipeline’s ERP through an annual limited NGA Section 4 filing commencing in 2025. Northwest Pipeline will adjust the surcharge annually in a limited NGA Section 4 rate filing based on the cost of the eligible facilities placed in service as of the end of the preceding annual period.
Northwest Pipeline is in the scoping stage for the ERP and is proposing a transparent and open approach to ensure stakeholder feedback is received along the way. The attached ERP Fact Sheet provides more background and introduction to the Northwest Pipeline ERP.
We look forward to working with our customers along the way.