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Philadelphia Gas Works Celebrates 190th Service Anniversary

For nearly two centuries PGW has met the city’s evolving energy needs by providing safe, affordable and reliable energy, 24/7

 

PHILADELPHIA (February 18, 2026) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is celebrating 190 years of service to the city of Philadelphia this month. In 1836, PGW lit 46 lamps on Second Street using natural gas – 190 years later, PGW has grown to manage a distribution system of over 6,000 miles of natural gas mains and service pipes that supply approximately 500,000 customers across the city, expanded to embrace new and evolving energy technologies, and more.

 

PGW has kept homes warm, essential services running, and businesses operational through world wars, the Great Depression, and global pandemics in 1918 and 2020. It has heated Philly as the city endured frigid temperatures, including eight days since 1950 when the thermometer dipped below zero degrees and celebrated two Eagles Super Bowl and Phillies World Series wins. As the city prepares to welcome the world to its doorstep in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday and host both the MLB All Star Game and the FIFA World Cup, PGW is energized, proud, and prepared to meet the moment.

 

“Year after year, PGW has shown up for our valued customers by providing safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas,” said Seth Shapiro, President and CEO of PGW. “We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone this year as our city and country celebrates America’s Semiquincentennial. We look forward to focusing on infrastructure upgrades and advancements, technological innovations, comprehensive workforce training, and continuing to act with the highest level of safety and integrity, delivering world-class customer service as we fuel Philadelphia’s energy needs.”
 

Since 1836, PGW has had a vibrant history and today, remains the largest municipally owned natural gas utility in the U.S., continuing to be an essential part of Philadelphia, contributing to the city’s economic growth, participating in community service, and enhancing quality of life for its customers.

PGW is proud of the employees who dedicate themselves to serving Philadelphia 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The company continues to meet the needs of its customers today, in just the last year, PGW:

 

  • Assisted with LIHEAP, a federal program that thousands of PGW customers have relied on for 50 years. When it was delayed due to the federal shutdown, PGW’s employees were there for Philadelphia, stepping in to provide a vital safety net for customers through our Customer Responsibility Program that offers eligible customers bills they can better afford. 

 

  • Hosted employee-led food and clothing drives to help restock food pantries and support vulnerable populations in our region.

 

  • Brought together national thought leaders around energy innovation at the annual energy symposium at Temple University.

 

  • Invested $125M in federal grant funds secured from the US Department of Transportation to replace legacy infrastructure across Philadelphia, further improving safety and reliability, at no additional cost to customers.

 

 

 

 

  • Successfully managed a base rate adjustment request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission garnering unprecedented public input and agreement.  The approved request will help protect the safety and well-being of customers, their ability to afford their energy, and Philadelphia’s quality of life.

 

  • Received ‘A’ ratings for the first time in PGW’s history from the three most significant credit rating agencies in the world.  This huge achievement both saves our customers money by reducing the interest payments on our bonds and serves as a public acknowledgment of just how well we are doing as a team.

 

As PGW celebrates this milestone, the employees who power PGW every day and give back to the communities they serve will be honored with the launch of “People of PGW” on social media. Throughout the year, please look for their stories, their pride, and their impact on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

 

For more information about PGW and its history please visit pgworks.com/anniversary. PGW is dedicated to helping customers they’ve served for the last 190 years.


PGW Residential Customers Receive Bill Credits Totaling $11.2 Million and Rising

For the second consecutive year, Philadelphia natural gas customers receive Weather Normalization Adjustment (WNA) bill credits

 

PHILADELPHIA (February 11, 2026) – Energy affordability is a critical, growing concern in the U.S., with the average retail price of electricity rising faster than inflation since 2021. Although the low cost of American natural gas has saved residential customers approximately $125 billion in home energy costs in the last decade; all utility customers are experiencing higher costs to deliver utility service due to economic pressures like inflation.

 

One proactive measure put in place by Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) just two decades ago to tackle high energy costs in cold periods is the Weather Normalization Adjustment (WNA). The WNA is a component of rates that makes customer heating bills more predictable and stable year over year. Thanks to Mother Nature’s frigid forecast this winter, PGW customers have seen credits on their PGW bills - some as early as December depending on their billing cycle - because of the WNA.  

 

“Our sole focus is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to Philadelphia,” said Seth Shapiro, President & CEO of PGW. “As a municipally owned gas company, PGW does not have shareholders and doesn’t operate for profit, so our goal is to charge our customers exactly what it takes to meet their energy needs – no more and no less.” 

 

The WNA reduces volatility in billing as temperatures can vary during the home heating season year to year. While abnormally warm weather creates a WNA charge, abnormally cold weather provides credit.

“Year after year, natural gas remains the most affordable way to heat a home compared to other fuel sources like electricity, propane, or heating oil. Our commitment to continuing to prioritize affordability helps Philadelphia families manage energy costs as they heat their homes and cook meals,” Shapiro added.

 

The WNA provides customers relief during extremely cold winter weather and provides revenue stability to help with planning and scheduling system maintenance which contributes to operational quality and pipeline safety. The WNA allows PGW to cover the costs of maintaining systems even when gas use is lower than expected due to weather and helps delay base rate increases. To learn more about the WNA, visit https://www.pgworks.com/faq


PGW OFFICES WILL CLOSE ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

PHILADELPHIA (January 15, 2026) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 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, January 20, 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. For information, visit pgworks.com/customer-care/your-home/ways-to-pay. 


Philadelphia Gas Works recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a “day on” instead of a “day off”. Giving back to the City of Philadelphia is an opportunity to support the communities PGW takes great pride in serving. Interested in participating in service opportunities? Visit, https://mlkdayofservice.org/


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For Media help call our media hotline - Phone: (267) 249-7542 or Email: press@pgworks.com

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