TPi November 2017

business & market news

Five-year programme to continue natural gas infrastructure upgrades

PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas Company), the largest utility in New Jersey, USA, has unveiled a proposal for the second phase of its natural gas infrastructure modernisation pro- gramme. If approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), the programme will enable PSE&G to continue to accelerate the replacement of its ageing cast-iron and unprotected steel gas pipes, installing 1,250 miles of new gas mains over a five-year period. The proposed cost is approximately $540mn per year, or $2.7bn in total. “Through the success of our current modernisation programme, we’ve demonstrated we can manage a larger- scale, longer-duration programme safely and cost-effectively,” said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G president and COO. “Today’s proposal would give us the ability to replace more ageing gas pipes at an accelerated pace, ensuring we can continue to provide customers with safe, reliable natural gas service now, and for many years to come. The filing is also in line with the BPU’s proposed rules on supporting longer- term infrastructure programmes.” PSE&G has almost 4,000 miles of cast- iron gas pipes – more than any other utility in the USA. At the pace proposed, the utility can replace in 20 years its cast-iron and unprotected steel pipes with modern plastic pipes. Pipes installed before 1960 are the most leak-prone. They make up 25 per cent Iran Wire 2017 Iran Wire will be held in Tehran from 6 to 9 December 2017, as the only exhibition in Iran mapping the entire spectrum of wires, cables, tubes, pipes, profiles and related industries. International companies from the respective industries that want to showcase and sell their products will find a unique platform at Iran Wire as an entry point into the emerging

The proposed programme will enable PSE&G to accelerate the replacement of its ageing cast-iron and unprotected steel gas pipes

much of the utility’s cast-iron and unprotected steel gas pipes are located. Enhanced safety is an important benefit of the work. When lines are replaced, gas meters located inside the home or business are moved outside. This allows PSE&G and other first-responders to shut off gas more quickly in the event of an emergency. It also facilitates routine safety inspections and provides easier access for meter readings. Excess flow valves, installed in the individual lines that run from the mains to customers, will automatically shut off gas if a service line is damaged.

of PSE&G’s network, yet account for 65 per cent of leaks, excluding third-party damage. The five-year pipe replacement programme would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 43,000 vehicles off the road. The new proposal is a continuation of work the utility is performing under its Gas System Modernization Program, which is replacing 510 miles of gas mains over three years. Since January 2016, PSE&G has replaced 286 miles of pipes. The upgrades will take place across PSE&G’s service territory in 11 counties, concentrating on urban areas established in the early 1900s, where

PSE&G – USA www.pseg.com

handling of international exhibitors. Messe Düsseldorf will also serve in a wide range of organisational areas, including international exhibitor registration, stand design and on-site operations at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground. Messe Düsseldorf GmbH – Germany info@messe-duesseldorf.de www.iranwire-expo.com

Iranian market. Around 200 exhibitors are expected to present their technical products in the areas of wires, cables, tubes, pipes and profiles. The four-day trade fair is organised by the Iranian Aria Group Conference and Exhibition Development Company in Tehran. Messe Düsseldorf is the exclusive overseas associate, and will be responsible for the canvassing and

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November 2017 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL