Chicago — On this day exactly 175 years ago, Peoples Gas became Chicago’s first utility. It was Sept. 4, 1850 when the company delivered its very first flow of energy, sending gas beneath Lake Street. The fuel powered gas lamps along the road.

The City of Chicago was just 13 years old that day. Peoples Gas employees were known as “lamplighters.” They traveled throughout the growing city, manually lighting each gas lamp to illuminate Chicago with the new technology.

Today, Peoples Gas delivers energy across Chicago’s 77 distinct neighborhoods. It has more than 1,200 employees. And its new technologies include:

  • Carbon-negative renewable natural gas.
  • Zero-carbon hydrogen.
  • Pipes made of high-tech materials.
  • Ultraefficient gas heat pumps.

“A whole lot is different after 175 years. Two things at Peoples Gas, though, remain unchanged,” said Maria Bocanegra, president — Peoples Gas. “Every day, we keep providing safe and reliable service to Chicagoans. And we are always focused on the future.”

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce marked the 175th anniversary at a ceremony honoring Peoples Gas, presenting the company with a commemorative plaque.

“For 175 years and counting, service from Peoples Gas is something Chicagoans can always depend on,” says Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jack Lavin. “Peoples Gas’ ongoing commitment to safety and service reliability keeps families warm, and continues to be crucial to Chicago’s ability to attract businesses and jobs.”

The recent removal of a 164-year-old pipe from beneath Wabash Avenue is an example of Peoples Gas’ forward-looking perspective. It is part of an ongoing effort to modernize all of Chicago’s aging, iron natural gas mains that are nearing the end of their useful lives. In their place, modern pipeline made of high-tech materials that better weather Chicago’s freeze-and-thaw cycles, and are less prone to leaks, are being installed. These new pipes will serve homes and businesses for generations to come.

Peoples Gas also now has energy that is decarbonized, including:

  • Carbon-negative renewable natural gas is in the Peoples Gas system right now.
  • Peoples Gas recently successfully tested hydrogen at its training facility. Hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide when used for heat, cooking and industrial processes.

 Additionally, Peoples Gas recently unveiled a gas heat pump system for homes. The system can immediately reduce a home’s carbon emissions by 50%. In addition to boosting the environment, reduced energy use translates to lower heating bills.

Perhaps most importantly, Peoples Gas’ future-oriented focus is on the people of Chicago. The company’s service to Chicagoans requires hardworking, talented people. Peoples Gas is looking for, and finding them, in its own communities. It is training them for good-paying jobs and life-long careers through programs such as:

  • “Bright Futures U” is a partnership with Chicago Public Schools through which Peoples Gas just hired nine high school graduates and plans to hire six more this year. The program also had 31 paid interns this summer.
  • The “Project Worker to Utility Worker” program is an intensive 12-week training regimen that upskills seasonal workers into full-time, union employees.
  • The “Utility Worker Military Assistance Program” prepares veterans for career-track, union jobs.

“Peoples Gas is honored to have served Chicagoans for 175 years and counting,” said Bocanegra. “We are proud of our past and — for our customers and community —focused on the future.”