UGI Utilities Announces 2013 Infrastructure Replacement and Betterment Projects for Greater Reading Area

READING, PA, – UGI Utilities will spend approximately $71.1 million in fiscal year 2013 to replace natural gas mains and complete a variety of system enhancement projects.

Approximately 63 miles of cast iron and bare steel mains are targeted for replacement by mains constructed of contemporary materials such as high density plastic or cathodically protected steel as part of the UGI infrastructure betterment program. These infrastructure betterment projects are complemented by a number of regular UGI capital projects such as pressure reinforcements to accommodate system growth, service line and meter replacements, and regulator station work.


“Safety is always UGI’s first priority,” Robert F. Beard, President and CEO, UGI Utilities, Inc., said. “These infrastructure projects continue our commitment to ensure our system provides safe, reliable service for our customers, and for the many communities we serve.”


UGI expects to spend $1.2 billion to replace all pipelines made of non-contemporary material over the next 30 years. The replacement schedule is guided by an infrastructure plan that prioritizes projects based on risk assessment and other factors. Currently, more than 85 percent of UGI’s 12,000 miles of gas pipelines are constructed of contemporary materials.



Residents and elected and appointed municipal officials living in communities where these projects will occur will be notified of the construction schedule in advance. Whenever appropriate, UGI will replace service lines leading to homes during the main replacement project and, in some cases, will need to gain access to residences. In addition, these projects will cause temporary traffic and parking congestion. UGI will work with municipal officials to minimize these disruptions.


These construction projects also provide an opportunity for homes and businesses without natural gas service in the affected areas to convert to natural gas. Homeowners who convert can save up to $1,500 per year in energy bills. UGI encourages customers along the project route to contact the company at (800) 276-2722 if they are interested in converting to natural gas during construction.


Key infrastructure betterment projects scheduled for completion in the Greater Reading area in fiscal year 2013 that will replace at least one-quarter mile of non-contemporary natural gas mains are listed below. The project list may change based on municipal and state road construction projects, the impact of weather, changes in prioritization and other factors.


Greater Reading Area

City of Reading

1400 – 1500 blocks of College Avenue – 2,860 feet
1700 -2400 blocks of Fairview Street – 5,000 feet
900 – 1300 blocks of Moss Street – 2,500 feet

UGI is a natural gas and electric utility company that serves approximately 648,000 customers. Additional information about UGI Utilities is available at www.ugi.com. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ugiutilities or Twitter: www.twitter.com/ugi_utilities.