The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently awarded Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) a $40 million Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant.
The program helps reduce methane emissions from natural gas distribution pipes to improve public safety and protect public health.
PGW will use funding for its Main Replacement Program, that advances PGW’s methane reduction program efforts. Replacing cast iron pipes with materials that don’t rust or corrode eliminates methane escape.
The project will replacement 66 miles of cast iron main and reduce an estimated 412 metric tons of methane emissions.
“We are extremely grateful to PHMSA for its commitment to improving natural gas safety and service for Philadelphia residents,” Seth Shapiro, PGW president and CEO, said. “This PHMSA grant will further support our installation of new natural gas pipelines that make operations safer for our communities and our employees and contribute to the climate goals of PGW and the city. This award also delivers real bill savings to PGW customers by reducing the financial costs related to upgrading existing pipelines and performing ongoing maintenance costs of aging infrastructure.”
The company has set the goal of reducing methane emissions by 80 percent by 2050. It expects the cast iron replacement project will be completed by 2058.