[The following is a paid advertisement.]

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a “Call to Action,” to actively engage all the state pipeline regulatory agencies, technical and subject matter experts, as well as pipeline operators to accelerate the repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of the highest risk gas and liquid pipeline infrastructure.

Peoples Gas believes in PHMSA’s directive and the agency’s recommendations – in 2011, the utility implemented an accelerated plan for upgrading its natural gas distribution system to replace all of the cast iron and ductile iron mains. This program is the right thing to do for our customers and our state, especially while natural gas supplies are abundant and wholesale costs are low.

State utility regulatory commissions have been advised by PHMSA that they should play a key role in reducing the amount of cast iron pipe by adjusting utility rates to incentivize replacement. However, Illinois’ regulatory environment has not changed in response to this federal priority and remains unpredictable, outdated and inefficient. Without the assurance and under the current regulatory system, Peoples Gas’ upgrades could take over 40 years to complete.

Senate Bill 1665/House Bill 2414 is necessary to get timely cost recovery in Illinois to give natural gas utilities the confidence to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades.

Members of the Illinois legislature: Vote YES on SB 1665/HB 2414. Click here to learn more: www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/legislation