PGW Awarded $1.1M Grant to Help Reduce Methane Emissions
Posted on: Sep 29, 2026PA/EPA Grant to support PGW’s Valve Modernization Project
PHILADELPHIA (September 29, 2026) — Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) has been awarded a $1.175M grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) Grant Program is investing in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). With the grant, PGW will implement a gas valve modernization for its citywide methane reduction project. By replacing valve components and transitioning to a newer, more innovative industry technology, the valves will perform the same gas pressure control while improving air quality in historically underserved Philadelphia neighborhoods. The initiative replaces 27 valve components at nine Metering and Regulating (M&R) Stations and is expected to reduce valve methane emissions by 54%.
“PGW is actively reducing its carbon footprint, and we continue to upgrade our infrastructure to help reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Janelle Johnson-Grummert, Director of Sustainability at PGW. “As a city-owned, nonprofit utility, identifying and securing grants such as the RISE PA helps us invest in operational needs and sustainable upgrades while responsibly managing costs for our ratepayers.”
It is PGW’s goal that this project will contribute to long-term health and quality of life improvements for residents in the city of Philadelphia, while maintaining safety at our stations.
The valve modernization project is a component of PGW’s broader sustainability strategy and efforts, which include:
- Main and service replacement program, which has reduced more than 131,000 metric tons of CO2e between 2005 and 2025. In 2024, PGW applied for and was awarded Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), established by the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These grants, combined with two other awards from PHMSA since 2022, are expected to fund a $125M infrastructure plan in Philadelphia’s historically underserved neighborhoods. The project will result in the replacement of 66 miles of cast iron main, and the creation of 120 new skilled jobs, and reduce 412 metric tons of methane emissions.
- Low Carbon Pathways project to look at possible long-term pathways and considerations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Philadelphia. This project will next conduct community engagement sessions in 2026 to gather input and feedback to inform PGW’s ongoing and future work. Those findings will be made available to the public.
- Since 2011, PGW invested more than $110 million to weatherize nearly 34,000 low-income customer homes via the Home Comfort program, and 52 multi-family buildings via Low Income Multifamily Efficiency program (LIME). Home Comfort and LIME are part of PGW’s free Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP).
- In 2025, PGW eliminated more than 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions including more than 3,000 metric tons saved by customers through PGW’s energy-saving grants, rebates, and educational programs.
- Diversifying PGW’s fleet thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Agency’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant , which helped PGW secure 5 new electric vehicles, leading to 4.5 metric tons of CO2e reduction in 2024 alone.
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