Peoples Gas Replaces Pipelines

citizen |

By Thelma Sardin

A gas main replacement project is underway in the Chicagos Bronzeville neighborhood. Peoples Gas and its contractor, Michels, have started the beginning phase of a major pipeline project.

The Peoples Gas Accelerated Main Replacement Program (AMRP) is a long-term infrastructure improvement project. The utility company is replacing all of the remaining cast iron natural gas mains in Chicago with polyethylene pipes by 2030.

These improvements will ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the natural gas delivery system that serves Chicago, said Will Evans, president of Peoples Gas. By being proactive about making improvements, we will avoid more expensive repairs later.

Peoples Gas serves approximately 819,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Chicago. The company is replacing nearly 2,000 miles of natural gas main which represents about half of the utilitys natural gas distribution system.

Eventually, upgrades will be made in almost every neighborhood around the city. Work has already begun in many communities throughout Chicago including Mt. Greenwood, Lakeview, North Lawndale and Rogers Park.

We want to assure our customers that Peoples Gas has an excellent record of safety and reliability. Each year, we invest millions of dollars to maintain and upgrade our system, said Evans. Like necessary maintenance to a home or vehicle, Evans says that the upgrades are definitely needed. We need to replace the cast iron gas pipes in our natural gas delivery system to ensure long-term safety and reliability.

Bonnie Johnson, Manager of Public Relations, Peoples Gas told the Citizen that the project will be funded by a charge that is reflected on customers monthly statements.

In April 2011, a new charge was included on customers bills called Infrastructure Adj. The Infrastructure Adj charge pays for the accelerated main replacement program that Peoples Gas has undertaken. Johnson said.

The project will take about 20 years to complete according to Peoples Gas and as a result the charge will be reflected on monthly bills from April through December each year for the next 20 years.

Because the charge is based on charges associated with a customers rate class as well as the volume of gas used, the charge will vary by customer and it typically will be less in the summer and more in [the] winter. For 2011, it will average about 40 cents per month for residential customers and more for larger customers, said Johnson.

The gas company pledges to keep disruptions to customers to a minimum. For more information please log on to www. peoplesgasdelivery.com

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.