(Philadelphia, PA – May 5, 2006) – The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) this month is sending out a special newsletter to provide customers with important information about America’s natural-gas pipeline delivery system.

The issue, entitled “Natural Gas Pipelines: Safe, Sound & Underground,” includes information about Philadelphia’s own natural gas infrastructure as well as safety tips on how to avoid accidents and what to do in the event of a natural gas emergency.

The Philadelphia Gas Works’ number for reporting gas emergencies in Philadelphia is
215-235-1212. In general, it is important for the public to know that anyone who smells gas, inside or outdoors, should take immediate action by calling their gas utility or 911 to report the emergency.

To prevent accidents, the law requires anyone who plans to dig to give advance notification so that all utility lines in a work area can be located and marked off to avoid damage. In Pennsylvania, the number to call, at least three business days in advance, is the Pennsylvania One-Call System at 1-800-242-1776.

PGW customers will receive the newsletter in their May bill envelope. In addition, as part of this public education effort, PGW is placing pipeline-safety informational advertisements in a number of Philadelphia community newspapers. Copies of the newsletter, or a Spanish translation, may be requested by calling PGW at 215-684-6624.

Founded in 1836, PGW is the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas utility, serving more than a half million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the City of Philadelphia.