(NEWARK, N.J. – February 19, 2019) Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, recently launched the second phase of its Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP) to continue the accelerated replacement of aging gas pipes, supporting a safe, clean and reliable gas system. The work, which began last month, will create jobs, replace up to 875 miles of pipes and make other gas infrastructure improvements through 2023.

GSMP II started with detailed planning, soil sampling and meetings with municipal officials whose towns will be the first to experience site work. GSMP II work already has begun in multiple towns across the state; details are available on www.pseg.com/gaswork.

“GSMP II is a $1.9 billion, five-year investment that continues our momentum to modernize our gas infrastructure and improve safety, reliability and service for our customers,” said Joseph Forline, PSE&G vice president - gas operations. “Under the first phase of GSMP, we safely replaced approximately 450 miles of aging pipes, reducing the possibility of leaks and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Gas Construction Senior Director Michael Gaffney said, “We communicate about the program as extensively as possible because we know customers and communities may have concerns about traffic and construction. We work with each community to minimize any disruptions while we work to make the necessary infrastructure improvements.”

PSE&G is committed to keeping customers informed about where and when the work will take place. Residents will be notified when GSMP II work begins in their area by mail, door hangers and social media. Customers can find more information, including a list of streets and video of how the work is performed, at www.pseg.com/gaswork.

GSMPII is part of PSEG’s vision for the future of energy, Powering Progress. The infrastructure upgrades under GSMP II will:

• Replace up to 875 miles of aging cast iron and unprotected steel gas pipes with strong, durable plastic piping, which is much less likely to have leaks and release methane gas; 
• Enable the installation of excess flow valves that automatically shut off gas flow if a service line is damaged, and better support the use of high-efficiency appliances;
• Create about 3,000 full time jobs per year for the duration of the program;
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and,
• Keep customer bills low, with the average annual bill impact for a typical residential customer expected to be less than a 2 percent increase, or about $17, per year during the five years. 

PSE&G has about 3,600 miles of cast-iron gas pipes, which is more than any other utility in the nation. At this new pace, the utility estimates that it can replace its cast-iron and unprotected steel pipes with modern ones in 25 years. Pipes installed before 1960 are the most leak-prone. They make up 25 percent of PSE&G’s network, yet account for 65 percent of leaks, excluding third-party damages.