Eversource and Avangrid, a recently merged utility parent that includes the former UIL Holdings of New Haven, said they are each founding partners in a new methane-reduction program created by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge challenges participating utilities to reduce their emissions beyond regulatory requirements.
Methane is the primary ingredient in natural gas and is a contributing factor to climate change.
One way to reduce methane emissions is by replacing old metal pipe with plastic pipe.
Early this year, the EPA issued a new goal to cut methane emissions by as much as 45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025.
In all, 41 natural gas companies are founding partners of the program, according to the EPA.
