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PGW to Mark Earth Day 2020 as A New EPA Methane Challenge Partner

To start, Company will track and share methane emissions reductions from pipeline replacement by 2022   

PHILADELPHIA (April 21, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is pleased to announce its acceptance into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Methane Challenge Program on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. By joining the Challenge, PGW is voluntarily committing to lower its methane emissions by replacing at least two percent of its cast iron and vintage steel mains with newer, modern pipes, along with new service lines, every year by 2022.  

As a partner, PGW joins more than 60 companies from all segments of the industry — production, gathering and boosting, transmission and storage, and distribution — to set targets and track and share their progress to reduce emissions and improve air quality. PGW will also work with the EPA and peer companies to learn and share knowledge about the latest technologies, industry trends and new industry initiatives.

“PGW intends to meet or surpass the goals set by the Methane Challenge and strengthen our commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Janelle Johnson-Grummert, PGW’s director of sustainability. “Participation in this program helps PGW continue to play a role in creating a healthier environment and improving essential services in the City.”

The Methane Challenge is the latest in PGW’s conservation and efficiency efforts. PGW’s main and service replacement program has reduced 78,000 metric tons of CO2e since 2005. Last year, PGW invested $87 million to modernize and replace 34 miles of its infrastructure. With each new mile of main installed, emissions were reduced to zero. Along with reducing methane emissions, pipe upgrades ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the overall natural gas distribution system in Philadelphia.

Sustainability is core to PGW’s business operations and its future. Just over the last 10 years, PGW has invested $60 million to weatherize 21,880 low-income customer homes and 22 multi-family buildings (with a majority of low-income tenants) in Philadelphia through Home Comfort, a free, low income usage reduction program.

PGW has also awarded more than 6,200 rebates and grants to residential, commercial and industrial customers at a cost of $10.7 million through its EnergySense Rebate Program. Collectively, the estimated resources saved over the lifetime of PGW’s conservation measures in Philadelphia homes and businesses is equivalent to 846,000 metric tons of CO2e, or planting over 13.9 million trees.  To learn more about PGW’s conservation efforts, visit the Energy for All of Us page at pgworks.com.

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