In The News

PGW’S High-Tech Tools Enhance Natural Gas Pipeline Safety

PGW marks National Safety Month by highlighting its state-of-the-art advanced leak detection technology

Philadelphia, Pa (June 26, 2023) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) celebrates National Safety Month by educating the public on its vital infrastructure safety efforts through the use of Optical Methane Detection (OMD) technology. 

OMD is a removable apparatus attached to the front of PGW vehicles utilizing laser technology that detects the presence of methane (which is lighter and less dense than air) as PGW technicians drive along neighborhood streets. If methane is suspected, an alert is sent to a monitor mounted in the vehicle. PGW’s specially trained technicians will then walk the area with a handheld gas detection instrument that pinpoints the near-exact location of possible methane release.

“PGW’s OMD trucks can monitor between 200 to 250 city blocks a day,” said Joseph Leva, Superintendent of Operations and Maintenance at PGW. “OMD is a proven, reliable, and sensitive technology that is very effective in monitoring for potential leaks along pipelines. Whenever methane is detected over a certain range, a PGW field service crew will dispatch to the scene to investigate and take appropriate action to ensure safety.”

As PGW works to replace all cast iron pipelines by 2058, OMD and other PGW leak detection initiatives are essential in prioritizing main replacements for system safety, service reliability, and meeting PGW’s sustainability targets. 

To WATCH & SHARE VIDEO about PGW’s Optical Methane Detection technology, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvmggY3tX4

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PGW RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WILL PAY LESS AS THE COST OF NATURAL GAS DECREASES

The average annual customer’s bills will fall by nearly $100

PHILADELPHIA (June 1, 2023) –The typical annual natural gas bill for Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) residential customers will decrease by $98.86 effective June 1, 2023. The decrease follows PGW’s filing with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to adjust the Gas Cost Rate (GCR) for residential customers from $4.9740 to $3.5516 per one thousand cubic feet (Mcf).

The GCR represents the cost of natural gas PGW purchases from its gas suppliers and does not include a profit margin. The rate is recalculated quarterly (March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1) to show PGW’s actual costs. Customers are then notified of GCR adjustments through messages on their monthly bills.

“Affordability, reliability, and safety are our customers’ top concerns,” said Seth Shapiro, President & CEO of PGW. “Natural gas is consistently the most affordable source of energy for our customers, and we are proud of our team’s ability to continue to purchase gas at very competitive prices.”

PGW’s residential natural gas rates are determined by:

• Supply charge: the amount of a customer’s gas usage and what PGW pays for the gas, which is passed on to the customer without change.
• Delivery charge: the costs of delivering natural gas to residences, maintaining distribution systems, and other services.

A previous decrease in the GCR on March 1, 2023, combined with the June 1, 2023 GCR decrease, has lowered PGW customers’ natural gas bills by nearly $338 annually.
 

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PGW OFFICES, CUSTOMER CALL CENTER WILL CLOSE FOR MEMORIAL DAY

PHILADELPHIA (May 25, 2023) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) offices and the Customer Call Center will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, 2023. PGW’s 24-hour Emergency Hotline will remain open for emergency calls. All odor calls or gas-related emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 215-235-1212.

PGW offices and Customer Call Center will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

Customers who need to access account information or pay their bill online can log into their PGW My Account, pay by phone at 215-235-1000, or make cash payments in person at hundreds of local retailers, including Walmart, CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven, Speedway, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. For information, visit pgworks.com/customer-care/your-home/ways-to-pay. 

This Memorial Day, PGW appreciates and remembers the heroic service of men and women of the Armed Forces who have fallen defending the United States of America. PGW reminds all employees and customers to stay safe this weekend while observing the holiday and engaging in outdoor activities. 

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