Chicago — Work crews, next week, will begin active construction to retire old energy pipes from Chicago’s heating system. The iron pipes in the current system are approaching the end of their useful lives. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) directed Peoples Gas to do the work to ensure ongoing safety and reliability in the city’s heating system.

 Between Feb. 23 and the following five weeks, construction is scheduled to begin on a rolling basis in parts of 10 neighborhoods:

  • Budlong Woods
  • Chatham
  • Cragin
  • Garfield Ridge
  • Irving Woods
  • Marquette Park
  • Old Irving Park
  • Rosemoor
  • Schorsch Village
  • West Englewood

The construction will include excavation to access old energy pipes beneath streets, sidewalks and parkways — and install new pipes where necessary. Digging on customers’ lawns will be more limited, as crews connect each building to the modernized system.

Pre-construction crews have been out in these neighborhoods over the past few months, preparing for the work ahead and talking with residents and businesses about it. Peoples Gas has also debriefed local alderpeople on the work plans, so the elected officials know what to expect and can help keep their constituents informed.

The ICC has directed Peoples Gas to retire more than 1,000 miles of old pipes by the end of 2034.

Ensuring safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable heat

Modernizing Chicago’s heating system brings significant safety, performance and environmental benefits, including:

  • Stronger material: New high-tech plastic pipes better withstand Chicago’s freeze-and-thaw cycles, and resist corrosion.
  • Emergency shut-off access: Valves are immediately accessible to first responders in case of an emergency.
  • Stopping leaks: Modern pipes reduce methane emissions and improve air quality.
  • Decarbonized energy: Modern pipes position Chicago to continue using renewable natural gas, and carbon-free hydrogen in the future.

Similar critical work will occur in more Chicago neighborhoods later this year and in coming years, as old pipes nearing the end of their useful lives exist across the city. Peoples Gas will use a thorough risk assessment of all pipes in the system to ensure the ones most at risk are removed from use as quickly as possible.

For more information and to ask questions about the work, Chicagoans can go to the Pipe Retirement Program page on the Peoples Gas website.