In The News

PGW RECOGNIZES NATIONAL PUBLIC NATURAL GAS WEEK

PHILADELPHIA (October 3, 2023) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) joins the American Public Gas Association (APGA) in celebrating National Public Natural Gas Week (October 1-7, 2023), a nationwide observance to inform the public about the benefits of natural gas for residential and commercial customers.

This week and beyond, PGW raises awareness of the benefits of natural gas to communities across the nation and recognizes that a critical path to a lower carbon future includes natural gas as a safe, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy source.

Natural gas is also the cleanest burning fossil fuel that offers low-cost, long-term price stability due to its domestic availability and local abundance. What’s more, between 2005 and 2009 in the U.S. natural gas was responsible for 61% of cumulative power-sector carbon dioxide emissions reductions through changes in the fuel mix.

PGW customers have enjoyed the advantages of natural gas while PGW, through its main and service replacement programs, has reduced emissions from 20,341 metric tons in 1990 to 10,537 metric tons in 2020, a 48 percent reduction. PGW’s goal is to further reduce methane emissions through all of its main and service replacement programs by 9,019 metric tons by 2058.

The use of natural gas contributes to a variety of everyday experiences and necessities for Philadelphia residents and business owners: They include:  

•  Lowering emissions. Homes with natural gas appliances emit 22% less carbon dioxide than all-  electric homes.
• Generating power. Natural gas is a resourceful energy source, and a primary use for power generation. When power grids are under peak demand, natural gas’s high energy density and low-cost takes the lead on supplying energy.
• Reducing coal usage. Natural gas produces less carbon dioxide emissions than coal and oil, making natural gas a preferred energy source.
• Saving customers money. Homes with natural gas appliances can save $1,068 per year compared to all-electric homes.
• Processing vital products. Natural gas fuels many industrial and manufacturing facilities and processes that produce material goods ranging from drinking glasses to clothing. It is an important product in the creation of many household items such as plastic and paints.
• Economic development. Over 4.1 million people are employed in jobs related to the natural gas industry and contribute to local economic impact opportunities. PGW employs 1,600 individuals locally.
• Uninterrupted service. During extreme weather conditions, natural gas customers very rarely experience service interruptions due to the resilience of underground infrastructure.
   

 PGW has been delivering safe and reliable natural gas to Philadelphia for over 185 years. Industry expertise and changing energy needs drives PGW to advance a clean energy future for accessible and affordable energy for generations to come.

To  learn more about the benefits of natural gas and how your public natural gas system works, please visit, https://www.pgworks.com/community-impact/in-the-community.

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PGW PROMOTES NATURAL GAS SAFETY TIPS THROUGHOUT NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

PHILADELPHIA (September 18, 2023) – Acting on the theme of this September’s National Preparedness Month, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) offers the following three natural gas safety tips that every Philadelphia resident can use to stay prepared: how to report gas odors, how to safely operate natural gas appliances, and where to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

If you smell gas

PGW urges anyone who smells gas to leave the area immediately and call PGW’s 24/7 emergency hotline at 215-235-1212. Although natural gas is odorless, PGW adds mercaptan to natural gas that produces a rotten egg smell that is easily recognizable.

When customers report possible gas odors, PGW responds immediately (arriving on location in less than an hour) to measure the amount of gas present in the atmosphere, assess the situation, perform safety checks, establish a safety perimeter, and take necessary action to mitigate the situation, if needed. If evacuations are necessary, occupants may only return to the building or to the area once a PGW employee or a qualified utility professional says it is safe.

Use natural gas appliances safely

PGW reminds residents of the importance of operating natural gas appliances safely and efficiently, inspecting them regularly, and clearing potential hazards near appliances.  It’s important to note that PGW’s control of natural gas lines ends at the customer’s gas meter. Anything beyond the meter outlet belongs to the property owner, who is responsible for maintaining the condition of inside piping and appliances. 

To ensure safety, professionals should always be hired to install and maintain natural gas equipment, such as the  qualified technicians available through PGW’s Parts and Labor Plan (PLP). The plan offers several coverage packages for repairs, inspections, and maintenance costs, including the “Check and Adjust” option under a PLP heater plan. “Check and Adjust” provides a tune-up of furnaces or boilers and a visual inspection of natural gas heating equipment to advise customers of potential issues.

PGW advises residents not to store flammable liquids near their furnace or gas water heater; to check vents, flues, and chimneys regularly for blockages; and to never use a stove or oven as a heating source.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
PGW recommends that residents install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes and replace the batteries twice a year.

CO is an odorless, tasteless, dangerous gas produced when heating systems are not working correctly and could cause severe sickness and even death. Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately.

Residents are also advised to place one smoke alarm on each floor of their home, including the basement. Philadelphia residents may request smoke alarms through Philly311 (via the app or by phone), which can be installed by the Philadelphia Fire Department.

In the spirit of this National Preparedness Month – which focuses on older adults – PGW invites customers to share these safety tips with family and friends, particularly with elderly loved ones, who may be living alone, have disabilities, or other challenges.

For more information on natural gas safety, visit pgworks.com/emergencies.

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PGW OFFICES WILL CLOSE IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY

PHILADELPHIA (August 31, 2023) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) offices and Customer Call Center will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 4, 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, September 5, 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.

Additionally, customers can now manage their My Account from the new PGW mobile app. The one-stop app is a more convenient way to manage your account, monitor usage, make payments, and more!

Customers can download the app for free on the Apple store or on Google Play. For information, visit pgworks.com/customer-care/your-home/ways-to-pay. 

This holiday weekend, PGW celebrates the hard work and dedication of every individual who contributes to the safe delivery of natural gas services across Philadelphia. As the Labor Day holiday weekend unofficially marks the final days of summer, PGW reminds customers, employees, and residents of Philadelphia to celebrate the long weekend safely.

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