Public Service Electric & Gas Company approved to begin next phase of gas system replacement plan
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) recently approved a multi-party settlement, enabling Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G) to begin the next phase of its Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP II).
PSE&G plans to invest $1.875 billion in replacing 875 miles of pipes and making other gas infrastructure improvements through 2023. The work, PSE&G said, will create approximately 3,200 jobs. The company expects to start neighborhood work related to GSMP II in early 2019.
“Our teams have already replaced hundreds of miles of aging gas infrastructure across the state, and with the approval of GSMP II, we can continue the momentum of our critical work to modernize our system, limit greenhouse gas emissions, maintain service reliability and create jobs and other economic benefits in New Jersey,” David Daly, PSE&G president and COO, said.
GSMP II will involve replacing 875 miles of cast iron and unprotected steel gas pipes with plastic piping and enabling the installation of excess flow valves which automatically shut off gas flow in the event of service line damage and support the use of high-efficiency appliances.
“This period of low natural gas prices also provides a perfect opportunity to upgrade our gas system with minimal cost impact on customers,” Daly said. “Since 2009, residential gas heating bills are down about 50 percent. We thank all of the parties involved for their thoughtful participation and review in this matter.”
