Pipe Replacement Program
Our commitment to safe, reliable service
Safety is always our top priority. For more than 175 years, we’ve maintained a strong safety record—and our Pipe Replacement Program plays a key role in continuing that tradition.
We’re replacing aging cast-iron and ductile-iron pipes with modern, durable plastic piping. About 25% of our natural gas delivery system still needs to be updated. Plastic pipes offer greater flexibility, are more resistant to corrosion, and better withstand Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles. These upgrades reduce service interruptions, minimize repairs, and strengthen the overall reliability of our system.
Our commitment to Chicago communities
Job creation
The Pipe Replacement Program supports hundreds of good-paying, skilled union jobs across Illinois. Our in-house union—the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 18007—works around the clock to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure for the benefit of over 850,000 customers in Chicago.
We also partner with other key unions to complete this essential work, including:
- International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, AFL-CIO
- Laborers' International Union of North America, Chicago Laborers’ District Council
- United Association Pipefitters Union, Local 597
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters Joint Council No. 25
Beyond current projects, we're investing in the workforce of the future. More than 700 military veterans have been hired through our Utility Workers Military Assistance Program. And through Bright Futures U partnership with Chicago Public Schools, our vocational training program prepares high school students for natural gas and energy industry careers—offering after-school courses, summer internships, and hands-on training.
Economic development
This work supports economic growth throughout the city. We actively engage with local businesses—providing opportunities to compete for contracts, supply materials, and deliver services. As the program expands, so does the need for employees, contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
Interested in working with us? Learn more and enroll as a vendor.
Reducing emissions for a cleaner future
Replacing outdated pipes improves system safety and reliability, and also lowers methane emissions. New plastic pipes reduce the risk of leaks and allow for fuel flexibility in the future, supporting the use of cleaner energy sources, such as renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen.
A comprehensive strategy and plan are being developed to complete this vital infrastructure work. Since 2012, we have reduced methane emissions by nearly 3,400 metric tons through voluntary actions in Chicago, which includes our participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Methane Challenge Program — a voluntary initiative encouraging utilities to reduce and report methane emissions from 2016-2022. Through these efforts, we significantly reduced methane emissions by updating our infrastructure, upgrading older pipes and implementing best practices to minimize leaks.
Although the U.S. EPA’s Methane Challenge program has now concluded, our commitment to emissions reduction continues. We’re focused on building a cleaner energy future by investing in resilient infrastructure, exploring low-carbon technologies, and supporting sustainability throughout our operations.
Through our Pipe Replacement Program, we are modernizing our system and publishing emissions reports and neighborhood progress maps to show the impact of this work. After a pipeline has been replaced, there is a greater than 95% reduction in methane emissions over the lifetime of that pipeline.
South Shore leak map
Stay informed
Keeping you informed is key to your satisfaction and our success. If you have questions and/or need additional information, email us at
customerservice@peoplesgasdelivery.com or call us at 866-556-6001.
