What are carbon offsets?

A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made to compensate for emissions made elsewhere. This reduction is typically achieved through projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. These offsets can be bought and sold in the form of carbon credits, which represent a quantified reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by specific carbon offset projects.

What are the steps I need to take to reduce my carbon footprint?

Upon enrollment, a small fee will be added to your monthly energy bill. This fee will cover the cost of purchasing the amount of carbon offsets needed to offset your emissions from your natural gas consumption. The billed amount varies depending on your annual emissions, which are estimated by rate group.

For rate groups Residential and GS I, a flat fee is offered. For rate groups GS III and Transportation, a custom offset amount is required. Rate group GS II has the option of either a flat fee or a custom fee. See the carbon calculator below for emissions estimates and pricing.

Rate Group Average Annual Emissions (Metric Tons CO2e) Monthly Fee
Residential 5 $5.91
GS I 11 $11.00
GS II 63 or Unique to Customer $54.40 or Custom
GS III Unique to Customer Custom
Transportation Unique to Customer Custom

To receive a custom quote, please reach out directly to [email protected].

Benefits of carbon offsets

  • Immediate difference: By purchasing carbon offsets, you are making an immediate, measurable difference in efforts to mitigate climate change. Not only this, but carbon offset projects often have numerous co-benefits local to the projects' regions, such as providing jobs, protecting biodiversity, or improving air quality.
  • Environmental responsibility: Purchasing carbon offsets demonstrates your commitment to mitigating climate change by taking responsibility for your carbon footprint, aligning with corporate sustainability goals and improving your environmental reputation.
  • Innovation and leadership: By participating in carbon offset programs, your business can contribute to innovative projects that promote sustainable development, renewable energy, habitat conservation, and more, positioning your company as a leader in environmental stewardship and driving positive change in the marketplace.

Enroll today.

Complete the form below to enroll in the SEMCO Carbon Balance Program.

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Program Overview

The SEMCO Energy Gas Company (SEMCO) Carbon Balance Program (Program), administered by CLEAResult Consulting Inc. (CLEAResult), purchases, and retires carbon offsets on behalf of eligible customers of SEMCO. The Program is offered on a first come, first-served basis from March 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028.

Carbon Offset Description
CLEAResult will identify, purchase, and retire reputable high-quality carbon offset offsets using recognized peer-reviewed methodologies in accordance with the following standards:

  • Additionality: offset project should be additional, i.e., it may not exist without the offset or intervention
  • Durability/Permanence: offset should sequester or prevent carbon emissions for long timeframes
  • Leakage: offset should not displace activities which create emissions outside the boundaries of the project
  • Measured and Verified: offset should be able to be measured and verified on a regular frequency to ensure the emissions are permanently removed
  • Tracked: offsets to be tracked via carbon credit accounting registries
  • Prioritized: Priority is given to purchasing offsets for nature-based solutions in Michigan or the midwestern United States when Michigan projects are unavailable. If projects in the previously defined areas are unavailable or cost prohibitive, CLEAResult may extend project areas to the rest of the United States and to Canada.

Program Eligibility
Customer confirms that it is an existing customer that receives gas distribution services from SEMCO. Customer agrees to provide account access to CLEAResult for the purpose of participating in the Program.

Annual Offset Purchase Agreement
Customer authorizes CLEAResult to purchase and retire offsets annually in the amount below according to their rate schedule. Customer will be billed the amount in the table monthly on their SEMCO bill.

Rate Group Average Annual Emissions (Metric Tons CO2e) Monthly Fee
Residential 5 $5.91
GS I 11 $11.00
GS II 63 or Unique to Customer $54.40 or Custom
GS III Unique to Customer Custom
Transportation Unique to Customer Custom

Auto-renewal
Customer may opt out of this agreement at any time by sending an email to [email protected]. Cancellation will be effective on the first day of the customer’s next billing period after the email has been received. If customer does not opt out, enrollment in this program will continue until discontinuation of this program by SEMCO.

Frequently asked questions