BioGreenGas Frequently Asked Questions

BioGreenGas is a voluntary, natural gas renewable energy program offered by DTE Energy.   The program supports local landfill gas production with its development of renewable natural gas generated from biogas resources. 

Renewable natural gas is generated from methane that is produced in landfills.  When ordinary garbage decomposes, it produces methane gas.  Capturing the methane gas and removing its impurities creates a renewable source of pipeline quality natural gas. 

No.  The biogas production process taps into the methane source by means of wells sunk into the landfill.  The methane gas is then delivered to a facility where it is cleaned and converted to renewable, pipeline quality natural gas.

The BioGreenGas program is voluntary.  Customers elect to pay a premium of $2.50 per month to support the development and advance the utilization of natural gas generated from biogas resources.

No government mandate has been imposed on DTE Energy.  The company is offering BioGreenGas because of expressed customer interest in a renewable natural gas program. 

DTE Energy residential natural gas customers whose account is in good standing.

Renewable natural gas benefits the environment in (2) important ways: First, it helps preserve our environment by preventing harmful methane from escaping into the atmosphere.  Second, it replaces some of the non-renewable natural gas that we consume every day.

The renewable natural gas is purchased by DTE Energy and delivered into a nearby pipeline system.   However, because the renewable natural gas is blended with gas supply from other traditional sources, there is no way to determine which of the gas molecules actually reach your home.

Biogas production is a relatively new technology and can be quite expensive.  DTE Energy believes that the benefits of supporting the development of landfill gas production creates a win/win situation for the planet and Michigan natural gas customers.  When customers partner with DTE Energy they are helping to advance the utilization of a valuable resource and contribute to its further utilization.

The monthly contribution is $2.50.

DTE Energy offers 2 voluntary renewable energy programs, one for electric customers called GreenCurrents, and its latest program, BioGreenGas, for its residential natural gas customers.

Methane gas is a destructive greenhouse gas.  Capturing the methane gas generated by decaying landfills prevents it from releasing into the atmosphere. Using a landfill gas recovery system, this potentially harmful gas is turned into a clean, pipeline quality natural gas – it becomes an environmentally conscious source of natural gas energy. The environment benefits because less harmful methane is released into the atmosphere.  The BioGreenGas program is helping to build a cleaner, more sustainable Michigan.

Supporting alternative energy development contributes to the sustainability of our communities and to the betterment of Michigan’s environment.

You will help develop and advance the utilization of a sustainable energy source – Renewable Natural Gas.

Email us at biogreengas@dteenergy.com.