Peoples Gas plan to replace pipes passes costs to consumers, leaves too many at risk

Peoples Gas customers in Chicago are already paying an average of $75 per year to replace natural gas pipes throughout the city. A new report finds they could be paying 10 times that by 2040.

Peoples Gas customers in Chicago are already paying an average of $75 per year to replace natural gas pipes throughout the city. A new report finds they could be paying 10 times that by 2040.

In addition to costs running rampant, some customers are being left at risk. Illinois PIRG Education Fund’s “Tragedy of Errors,” a report covered on June 23 by the Chicago Sun-Times, revealed that gas leaks haven’t declined in proportion to the billions spent on the multi-decade project because Peoples Gas is prioritizing upgrading the entire system over replacing the most at-risk pipes first.

“Peoples Gas is failing to prioritize public safety with its poorly executed pipe replacement program,” said Illinois PIRG Education Fund Director and report co-author Abe Scarr. “Instead, it is overhauling its entire system, busting its budget, and leaving customers with the bill.”

Illinois PIRG is joining AARP Illinois, CUB Illinois and others to call for action to protect Chicago gas customers.

Read the full report.

Caption: The Chicago Sun-Times covered Illinois PIRG Education Fund’s findings that Peoples Gas’ pipe replacement program is over budget and leaving customers at risk. Credit: Chicago Sun-Times