December 20th, 2024

MOGA Spotlight: Riverside Energy Michigan, LLC

by Amy Rostkowycz
MOGA Membership & Events Coordinator

Riverside Energy Michigan, LLC Gaylord Staff L to R: Larry Kuck, Jim Brandt, Carolann Knapp, Jason Crawford, Stephanie Quick, Chris Matts, Jim Schramski, and Doug Curtis -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

Riverside Energy Michigan, LLC: Innovating and Building Connections in the Energy Sector

Since its founding in 2016, Riverside Energy Michigan, LLC has emerged as a significant player in Michigan’s energy industry. Born from the acquisition of Chevron Michigan’s assets, Riverside has expanded its footprint dramatically. Through strategic growth, technological advancements, and a strong focus on community and environmental stewardship, Riverside Energy is redefining what it means to be a leader in the energy sector.
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Riverside began with a bold vision. Umbono Capital, in partnership with White Deer Energy, acquired Chevron Michigan’s holdings, gaining ownership of over 1,800 operated Antrim Shale wells and interests in ​​1,000 additional wells. This acquisition laid the groundwork for Riverside’s strategic focus on consolidation, a path the company has pursued with unwavering commitment.

​“Consolidation of the Antrim was always the strategy,” explains Rob Gerhard, CEO, alongside Rob Symons, CFO, and Jim Schramski, COO.

Symons adds, “Unlocking economies of scale, bringing core functions in-house—such as lease operators, compression mechanics, roustabouts, and meter technicians—and leveraging best practices from former operators have been critical to driving down operating costs and staying profitable, even during periods of low commodity prices.”

These efficiencies, combined with the team’s passion for continuous improvement, have propelled Riverside’s success.

“Our people have been the driving force behind the operational efficiencies we’ve achieved in a relatively short time,” notes Symons.
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​Today, Riverside operates over 5,600 Antrim wells and 200 Class II brine disposal wells, making it Michigan’s largest natural gas producer, with daily gross sales exceeding 100 Mmcf (million cubic feet).

Riverside Energy Michigan is adapting to the evolving energy landscape by combining technological advancements with investments in employee development. To enhance field efficiency, the company introduced a drone equipped with gas detection instruments, operated by Pipeline Technician Aaron Cline, for monthly patrols and leak detection on the 85-mile Beaver Creek Pipeline. Recognizing Aaron’s interest in drone operations, Riverside supported his training at Alpena Community College to obtain the necessary commercial license.

“This is a great example of the way Riverside invests in the growth of its people and in new technology to reduce operating expenses,” says Chris Matts, Operations Manager.

Additionally, Riverside partnered with Line 45, LLC, to develop software that integrates SCADA system data for streamlined gas allocations, improving workflows in plant operations and revenue accounting.

Meter technician, Brian Cleveland, works out of his mobile office to calibrate Riverside’s natural gas meters. -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

“The Finance team has already seen significant benefits, including the elimination of cumbersome data transfers between spreadsheets and manual data entry,” explains Patty Workman, VP of Finance.

The web-based application will also provide field staff with real-time operational data, enabling quicker problem-solving and trend analysis.

Riverside places a high value on its relationship with the local communities and stakeholders in northern Michigan.

“Many of our staff hunt, fish, hike, and camp here. We are fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful area full of rich natural resources,” shares Jim Schramski, COO. “We try to minimize the impact of our operations as much as possible.”

Riverside Energy’s forward-thinking strategy emphasizes building strong partnerships with regulators, local governments, and landowners.

“Our team takes pride in serving as stewards of the land as well as the reservoir,” Schramski notes.

This philosophy extends to proactive communication with communities. During the development of a new enhanced oil recovery (EOR) project near its Wilderness CO2 Plant, Riverside’s Land Department engaged with local residents to address concerns.

Rebecca Abbott, VP of Land, stresses, “Building and maintaining relationships with land and royalty owners is a cornerstone of our work.”

Safety is also a top priority at Riverside Energy.

Drilling and HSE Manager Steve Harrigan shares the progress made in recent years: “By emphasizing Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and fostering a culture of accountability, we’ve halved our Total Recordable Injury Rate. This improvement reflects the dedication of every team member, from management to field staff.”
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Riverside’s innovative spirit extends beyond its operations. Through Riverside Carbon Solutions, LLC, the company is collaborating with Advanced Resources International, Inc. and the Michigan Geological Survey on the Michigan Intrastate Technical Team (MITT). This partnership recently secured a Department of Energy CarbonSAFE Phase II Award to assess the feasibility of a CO2 storage hub in central Michigan. If successful, this project will reduce carbon emissions in the region significantly.

The Phillips 66 South Chester CO2 Plant (background) and the work crew from Henkels & McCoy next to polyethylene pipes and fuser (foreground). -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

Riverside has already been active in the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) space. Since 2022, it has been injecting CO2 formerly being vented from its Chestonia CO2 Plant back into the Antrim Shale to enhance the recovery of methane, the first project of its kind. In 2025, Riverside will start up CO2 capture facilities at three of the major Antrim CO2 processing plants. CO2 from the Riverside-operated Custer and Wilderness CO2 Plants will be injected for EOR into the Hayes 29-32 Niagaran reef. CO2 captured at the Phillips 66 South Chester CO2 Plant will be injected into the Chester 21-22 Niagaran reef (a depleted gas reservoir) for permanent disposal, another industry first.

“We have worked very closely with GRMD and the DNR to bring this project to fruition, and both agencies have been very supportive,” Schramski adds.

With its commitment to operational excellence, technological innovation, and community engagement, Riverside Energy Michigan is not just an energy company—it is a transformative force within the industry. As Riverside continues to adapt to the changing energy landscape, its projects and partnerships are paving the way for a sustainable and efficient energy future.
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Rob Gerhard, CEO, sums up Riverside’s mission: “Our skills, infrastructure, and position as Michigan’s largest natural gas producer allow us to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in energy. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, we’re building a legacy that benefits both the industry and the communities we serve.”