Philadelphia Gas Works Celebrates 190th Service Anniversary
Posted on: Feb 19, 2026
For nearly two centuries PGW has met the city’s evolving energy needs by providing safe, affordable and reliable energy, 24/7
PHILADELPHIA (February 18, 2026) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is celebrating 190 years of service to the city of Philadelphia this month. In 1836, PGW lit 46 lamps on Second Street using natural gas – 190 years later, PGW has grown to manage a distribution system of over 6,000 miles of natural gas mains and service pipes that supply approximately 500,000 customers across the city, expanded to embrace new and evolving energy technologies, and more.
PGW has kept homes warm, essential services running, and businesses operational through world wars, the Great Depression, and global pandemics in 1918 and 2020. It has heated Philly as the city endured frigid temperatures, including eight days since 1950 when the thermometer dipped below zero degrees and celebrated two Eagles Super Bowl and Phillies World Series wins. As the city prepares to welcome the world to its doorstep in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday and host both the MLB All Star Game and the FIFA World Cup, PGW is energized, proud, and prepared to meet the moment.
“Year after year, PGW has shown up for our valued customers by providing safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas,” said Seth Shapiro, President and CEO of PGW. “We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone this year as our city and country celebrates America’s Semiquincentennial. We look forward to focusing on infrastructure upgrades and advancements, technological innovations, comprehensive workforce training, and continuing to act with the highest level of safety and integrity, delivering world-class customer service as we fuel Philadelphia’s energy needs.”
Since 1836, PGW has had a vibrant history and today, remains the largest municipally owned natural gas utility in the U.S., continuing to be an essential part of Philadelphia, contributing to the city’s economic growth, participating in community service, and enhancing quality of life for its customers.
PGW is proud of the employees who dedicate themselves to serving Philadelphia 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The company continues to meet the needs of its customers today, in just the last year, PGW:
- Assisted with LIHEAP, a federal program that thousands of PGW customers have relied on for 50 years. When it was delayed due to the federal shutdown, PGW’s employees were there for Philadelphia, stepping in to provide a vital safety net for customers through our Customer Responsibility Program that offers eligible customers bills they can better afford.
- Hosted employee-led food and clothing drives to help restock food pantries and support vulnerable populations in our region.
- Brought together national thought leaders around energy innovation at the annual energy symposium at Temple University.
- Invested $125M in federal grant funds secured from the US Department of Transportation to replace legacy infrastructure across Philadelphia, further improving safety and reliability, at no additional cost to customers.
- Enhanced customer comfort and safety with the introduction of free energy saving kits and methane detectors for customers.
- Exceeded Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction targets with ongoing sustainability planning.
- Fueled the future by embracing new and evolving technologies, including a study with the School District of Philadelphia to explore the feasibility of geothermal energy.
- Successfully managed a base rate adjustment request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission garnering unprecedented public input and agreement. The approved request will help protect the safety and well-being of customers, their ability to afford their energy, and Philadelphia’s quality of life.
- Received ‘A’ ratings for the first time in PGW’s history from the three most significant credit rating agencies in the world. This huge achievement both saves our customers money by reducing the interest payments on our bonds and serves as a public acknowledgment of just how well we are doing as a team.
As PGW celebrates this milestone, the employees who power PGW every day and give back to the communities they serve will be honored with the launch of “People of PGW” on social media. Throughout the year, please look for their stories, their pride, and their impact on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
For more information about PGW and its history please visit pgworks.com/anniversary. PGW is dedicated to helping customers they’ve served for the last 190 years.
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