In The News

PGW’S Third Annual Energy Innovation Symposium: Convening for A Clean Energy Future

More than 250 energy industry professionals, environmental experts, thought leaders, and business and governmental executives participated in Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) third annual Energy Innovation Symposium hosted at Temple University’s Howard Gittis Student Center this May.  

Throughout the day-long conference, public and private sector leaders and experts engaged in strategic dialogue and industry networking focused on the opportunities and real-world considerations shaping today’s energy landscape.  

“As a municipally owned gas utility, we have — in addition to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers — an obligation to be leaders in gathering diverse audiences, both expert and non-expert, to foster conversations,” explained Seth Shapiro, PGW President and Chief Executive Officer. “At this symposium, we are bringing people together to try and solve problems.  It was important that our conversation included actual national experts working in these fields who could share real world examples of solutions, obstacles, challenges and opportunities.” 

This year’s symposium featured four panels – comprised of national and local leaders representing key areas of impact that explored:  

Decarbonizing the Hard-to-Abates: Practical Approaches to Decarbonize Across Sectors 

Moderated by Rebecca Collins, Director of Sustainability at Temple University 

Featuring:  
Evan Campbell, Director of Business Development & Sustainability at Atlantic Aviation 
Hayden Roberts, Director of Business Development at TOTE Services 
Joseph Fedeyko, Business Development Manager at Johnson Matthey’s Clean Air Solutions Team 
Kenneth Hill, Managing Director at BioCarbon Strategies 

The panel lit up the room with a sense of possibility. The message was clear: real progress is happening now, and the importance of striking a balance between sustainability, affordability, reliability. The hard-to-abate industries covered included maritime, aviation, chemicals, and manufacturing. Referencing the maritime industry, Hayden Roberts mentioned that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a solution for at least the next 20-30 years, highlighting the immense reductions in emissions. "LNG by far is the most renewable technology for shipping, the second is methanol,” said Kenneth Hill, Managing Director at BioCarbon Strategies. A challenge in the Aviation space is that while a solution, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is available, it’s both scarce and expensive. Panelist Eric Campbell noted that while liquefied hydrogen can be a long-term solution, it requires new engine types, air frames, and ground infrastructure. Meanwhile, in the industrial space, Joeseph Fedeyko noted that most emissions come from power generation out of coal, so there is a focus on CO2 capture. One opportunity that’s right here in the Philadelphia region is the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) for developing a regional economy for producing and directing hydrogen to targeted hard-to-abate applications. 

Geothermal Case Studies: Geothermal Systems and Where They Make Sense

Moderated by Elizabeth Lankenau, Director of the Office of Sustainability for the City of Philadelphia  

Featuring: 
Andrew Feick, Associate Vice President for Sustainable Facilities Operations and Capital Planning at Swarthmore College 
Neal Babcock, Principal at Alderson Engineering 
Melissa Mauro, Principal Engineer of Gas Asset Management at National Grid 
Chris Gray, CEO at EcoSmart Solutions (ESS) 

This panel convened national experts representing a range of different geothermal project types, from large anchor institutions to private developers and energy utilities. The panelists’ excitement was palpable as they shared their experiences, lessons, and views on geothermal opportunities, while acknowledging the complexities and that every project is unique. National Grid is moving forward with geothermal network projects and highlighted the importance of state-wide legislation and regulations in states like New York and Massachusetts for providing clarity and direction regarding approvals, funding, rates, customer billing and participation. While that type of clear guidance does not yet exist in Pennsylvania and creates a challenge for pursuing projects, PGW is currently studying the feasibility of geothermal project in its service territory. PGW’s geothermal feasibility study in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia, is a critical first step. The panel also pointed to one local success story, Swarthmore College, where lessons learned are shaping best practices. Panelist Andrew Feick at Swarthmore underscored the complexity of the project, including addressing aging buildings, high costs, in-property retrofit work, existing HVAC equipment, etc. and highlighted how the college is using natural gas as interim solution to quickly get some of their buildings off an aging steam loop. Feick also noted the importance of practicality: a 90% solution that’s practical and feasible can be better than the perfect 100% solution.  

Energy as an Economic Engine: Leveraging Energy Infrastructure to Support Regional Growth

Moderated by Chris Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Essential Utilities, Inc. 

Featuring: 
Aron Patrick, Corporation Vice President, Research and Development, PPL Corporation 
Roberto Perez, CEO, HRP Group 
Holly Schroeder, Vice President, External Affairs, DrinkPAK 

This panel captured insights from top-level business executives on the importance of energy in driving economic growth, business attraction, site selection, and job creation. Holly Schroeder spotlighted how the speed to permitting helped DrinkPAK select Philadelphia for its next major project – and how fast approvals don’t just green-light projects, they create jobs. There was a consensus among panelists that Philadelphia’s fundamentals are strong, including available resources and sound policies, but should do better at telling its story. With a big factor like power costs varying dramatically throughout the country, that story matters more than ever. “Pennsylvania is getting attention now because it’s doing so much right,” said Aron Patrick at PPL Corporation, an energy company headquartered in Allentown, PA.  “We have people choosing to locate in Pennsylvania because of decisions that were made many decades ago in Pennsylvania to build nuclear power to have low carbon energy and reliable, fast energy services.” 

The panel also highlighted an environmental success story of nearly eradicating sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions since 1990, which is a testament to long-term policy innovation and collaboration. As Patrick emphasized, “We might hear lots of bad news about the environment, but the truth is our air has never been cleaner since the industrial revolution. Our air is much cleaner than the air our grandparents breathed.” He continued, "We as Americans, we’ve come together and set goals, and we achieved them.” 

Energizing Our Stadiums and Arenas: Powering Large-Scale Venues 

Moderated by Leigh Whitaker, Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, University of Pennsylvania 

Featuring: 
Mike Richter, President, Brightcore Energy 
Norman Vossschulte, Vice President of Fan Experience & Sustainability, Philadelphia Eagles 
Ryan Hemenway, Senior Director, Operations, Comcast Spectacor 
Scott Jenkins, General Manager, ABM Industries 

The final panel hit one home for the win, making one thing clear: sports teams can power their way into real climate impact and should partner with experts on energy solutions. Sport complexes have the ability to bring new technologies to greater, large-scale visibility. One major opportunity for sports facilities is the possibility of thermal districts, which could connect sports facilities and surrounding communities through shared heating and cooling. Imagine the potential of converting waste energy from ice rinks into hot water for nearby buildings or event supporting affordable house.   

Panelist Mike Richter celebrated what he called the “democratization of participation in sustainability.” Teams partnering with cities and communities could have the impact of attracting additional development to drive more economic activity. “When you involve communities, the waste heat becomes someone else’s product. It’s extraordinarily efficient, physically, but also most importantly, financially,” Richter continued.  

To further the dialogue, attendees had the opportunity to ask panelists questions. The candid insights shared by panelists underscored a unifying theme that energy and utility organizations are striving to frame and accelerate the next phase of progress.  

Guests enjoyed a networking lunch and Fireside Chat with Temple University President John Fry and PGW President & CEO Seth Shapiro. As Temple looks ahead to its 150th anniversary, President Fry acknowledged his aspiration to Temple to be known and recognized as “one of the nation’s great public urban research universities.” To do that, Fry recognized that in order to have a greater impact as an anchor institution in the city, Temple needs to make a generational commitment to improving public safety, public environment, public education, high-quality affordable housing, economic opportunity and mobility. Leaning in on public-public partnerships, Seth Shapiro noted PGW is the second-largest employer in the North Philadelphia neighborhood next to Temple and inquired about what PGW could do to help with that commitment. President Fry returned by asking “what is the next great innovation district going to be in Philadelphia?” Following the fireside chat, Shapiro remarked, “Innovation drives growth and I would love to see more growth and opportunity in North Philadelphia that could support and strengthen the existing community and bring new possibilities.” 

The PGW Energy Innovation Symposium is made possible thanks to support from Temple University, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the following sponsors: The Bellwether District, Concord Engineering, 61 Commodities, Steamfitters Local Union 420, Eckert Seamans Attorneys at Law, and Pennoni.  

PGW is among the leading voices in Philadelphia’s cleaner energy future.  

Elliott Gold, Vice President of Corporate Planning at PGW, remarked, “Our third annual Energy Innovation Symposium is a statement that the future of clean energy cannot be accomplished in silos. This evolving work requires collaboration and partnerships. It also requires acknowledging and objectively evaluating the many complexities and trade-offs involved. The good news is we’re seeing plenty of case studies we can learn from. By highlighting these successes and convening these conversations, our PGW Energy Innovation Symposium is a pipeline for progress.” 

To learn more about PGW’s energy advancements or help shape Philly’s clean energy future, please visit, https://www.pgworks.com/community-impact/sustainability.  

[

PGW Offices and Customer Call Center to Close for Memorial Day

PHILADELPHIA (May 21, 2026) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) offices and the Customer Call Center will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026. PGW’s 24-hour Emergency Hotline (215-235-1212) will remain open only for odor calls and gas-related emergencies.

PGW offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Customers who need to access account information or pay their bill online can log into their PGW My Account, pay by phone at 215-235-1000, or make cash payments in person at hundreds of local retailers, including Walmart, CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Walgreens. For information, visit pgworks.com/customer-care/your-home/ways-to-pay.  Additionally, customers can now manage their My Account from the PGW mobile app. The one-stop app is a convenient way to manage your account, monitor usage, make payments, and more! Customers can download the app for free on the Apple store or on Google Play. 

This Memorial Day, PGW honors the heroic service of men and women of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. As we observe the holiday and enjoy time outdoors with family and friends, PGW reminds all employees and customers to stay safe this weekend.

[

Last Call for LIHEAP: Apply Now to Receive Up to $1,000 for Home Heating

PGW customers can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until May 8, 2026 to help cover winter heating costs

PHILADELPHIA (April 28, 2026) – There is limited time for Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) income-eligible customers to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal grant to help cover winter heating bills. Eligible PGW customers can apply and receive up to $1,000 in free money, which does not need to be repaid, for their natural gas bills. Renters and homeowners need to apply before the May 8, 2026 deadline.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released $3.7 billion in LIHEAP funding to help lower energy bills for families. With the frigid temperatures experienced in Philadelphia during the 2025-2026 home heating season, LIHEAP could help cover a portion of a residential customer’s natural gas bills.

The application can be accessed on the PGW website at pgworks.com/liheap,  Compass PA website, or by texting the word “WARM” to 77037. Customers can also visit more than a dozen Neighborhood Energy Centers across the city to meet with PGW-trained energy counselors to apply for LIHEAP and have their questions answered.

To qualify for LIHEAP eligibility requirements, applicants must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

So far this LIHEAP season, more than 29,000 households in Philadelphia received close to $8 million in LIHEAP assistance toward their heating bills. Those without utility service or who have received a 10-day shut-off notice can apply for both Crisis Assistance and LIHEAP together. Crisis Assistance is an additional federal grant up to $1,000 that is awarded to income-eligible customers.

[

Page 1 of 84 pages.