READING, PA – UGI Utilities will spend more than $170 million in fiscal year 2017 to replace natural gas mains and complete a variety of system enhancement projects.
“UGI remains committed to enhancing the safety and reliability of our infrastructure,” Hans Bell, UGI vice president of engineering, said. “These infrastructure projects ensure our system provides safe and reliable service for UGI customers, and for the many communities we serve.”
Approximately 64 miles of cast iron and bare steel mains are targeted for replacement in UGI’s current fiscal year plan. The new mains will be constructed of contemporary materials such as high density plastic or protected steel. These infrastructure replacement projects are complemented by a number of UGI capital projects such as pressure reinforcements to improve system reliability, service line and meter replacements, and regulator station improvements.
UGI’s infrastructure replacement plan prioritizes projects based on a variety of factors. Since 2011, UGI has retired more than 350 miles of non-contemporary pipelines.
Communities where these projects will occur will receive advanced notification of UGI’s construction schedules. UGI also will replace service lines to customer homes as needed as part of the natural gas main betterment initiative. When replacing service lines, UGI personnel will need to gain access to customer residences.
UGI reminds residents in affected communities that projects may cause temporary parking restrictions and traffic congestion. UGI works collaboratively with municipal officials to minimize traffic and parking impacts disruptions associated with these projects, and to provide specific information to local residents and commuters using affected roads of detours and lane restrictions.
UGI’s infrastructure replacement and betterment projects also provide an opportunity for homes and businesses in the affected areas to convert to natural gas. UGI encourages customers along project routes to contact the company at 800-276-2722 (or 800-652-0550 in UGI Central Penn Gas service area) if they are interested in converting to natural gas during construction.
Listed below are key infrastructure projects that will replace at least one-quarter mile of non-contemporary natural gas mains. The listed projects are either scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2017 or are already under construction. The project list is subject to change based on a number of factors including, but not limited to inclement weather, and municipal roadwork schedules.
In addition to the projects listed in this release, UGI has already completed approximately 40 projects, each of more than one-quarter mile in length, in fiscal year 2017. A number of projects covering smaller distances have also been completed and will continue throughout the year. UGI’s fiscal year begins October 1.
Customers and community residents interested in additional information can view a complete list of scheduled infrastructure projects, along with their status, on UGI’s website at www.ugi.com/construction. This site is regularly updated. The site also includes a list of projects that have been completed in the past six months.
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