PSE&G Proposes Third Phase of Gas System Modernization Program that Strengthens the State's Infrastructure and Sustains Thousands of Jobs

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Mar 01, 2023, 08:41 ET

Proposal includes plans for introducing renewable natural gas and hydrogen into PSE&G's gas system, supporting a balanced approach to decarbonization

NEWARK, N.J., March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G today filed for a three-year, $2.54 billion extension of its Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP) with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The proposal would continue the utility's work to update its existing infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by replacing aged pipes with modern ones, and sustaining the thousands of jobs and skilled workforce created under GSMP II with the prospect of creating more jobs.

In keeping with its continued efforts to improve reliability and reduce methane emissions, the program's replacement of old gas mains is estimated to reduce CO2e emissions by more than 145,000 metric tons. The proposal also would introduce non-fossil alternatives, renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen, into PSE&G's system. GSMP III would support Governor Murphy's recently announced executive orders to bolster climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, including accelerating the reduction of GHG emissions – especially in overburdened communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

GSMP III Highlights

A fast and effective way to curb emissions associated with aging natural gas infrastructure is to accelerate the work started in the first two phases of GSMP, notably:

exclusively focusing on modernizing existing infrastructure, using advanced management and construction processes to replace old, leaky cast iron pipes and unprotected steel mains with upgraded materials;
maintaining the infrastructure and system through better gas flow control and through upgraded equipment, with the aim of enhancing safety;
immediate reduction of leaks by installation of new pipes that can also deliver emerging lower-carbon alternatives, including RNG and hydrogen;
an estimated 310 miles, or 38%, of the low-pressure cast iron upgrades would be in municipalities that have a significant number of overburdened communities;
enabling higher efficiency appliances; and
ensuring our customers' power sources remain affordable and diversified.

Environmental Achievements

Continuing GSMP is essential to achieving our aim of reducing methane emissions by 58% from 2011 levels by 2030, and reflects U.S. EPA best management practices for reducing methane emissions from distribution mains and service lines.

Through the first two phases of its GSMP program, PSE&G already has reduced methane emissions by nearly a quarter of a million metric tons CO2e from its system compared to 2011 levels. PSE&G has about 3,000 miles of the oldest cast iron mains, with an average age of 91 years, in the country – more than any other American gas utility. GSMP III, which is planned to run from 2024 into 2027, expects to modernize about 860 miles of these cast iron pipes and about 200 miles of unprotected steel pipes.

"Investing in our infrastructure to enhance reliability, maintain our safety focus and achieve low carbon goals is a smart strategy and serves both the state's and our customers' interests," said Kim Hanemann, president and chief operating officer, PSE&G. "PSE&G supports a balanced approach to decarbonization while meeting today's energy demand – an approach that recognizes natural gas as a fuel to maintain affordability and reliability, as we continue to assess options including lower-carbon fuels and electrification. To date, this work has avoided methane emissions that equate to removing 54,000 cars from the road. Continuing GSMP, now with new RNG and hydrogen programs, helps keep us Powering Progress."

Renewable Natural Gas

A proposed RNG facility would inject processed landfill gas into PSE&G's gas distribution system. Compared to the natural gas supply chain, RNG is a less carbon-intense fuel. Our project is estimated to reduce GHG by approximately 27,000 to 36,000 metric tons of CO2e per year. The project would significantly improve regional air quality by reducing air pollutants annually, including tons of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. The inclusion of RNG is an important lower-carbon step in the transition to cleaner fuels.

"This innovative project builds on the Middlesex County Utilities Authority's continued success in reclaiming landfill gas, and could become a model for others working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said John Wiley, Esq., Middlesex County Utilities Authority chairman of the Board of Commissioners. "We are proud to enter into this phase of the project with PSE&G; partnerships like this one are consistent with the State of New Jersey's commitment to combat climate change."

Hydrogen

PSE&G's plan also includes a 1 MW-rated electrolyzer to supply 2% hydrogen to a part of the gas distribution system for the majority of the year. The electrolyzer would produce approximately 40 lbs/hr of hydrogen. The project would call for a flexible design in anticipation of increased blending in the future. It would reduce an estimated 1,000 metric tons of CO2e annually.

GSMP III represents an effective path to maintain and modernize our gas distribution system, reduce methane emissions, and introduce lower-carbon energy into the existing gas infrastructure to meet customer needs and state policies as part of our efforts toward a clean energy future. The RNG and hydrogen projects would help build expertise in the use of alternatives to natural gas. Investments in reliability and decarbonization enhance our customers' experience and help us meet their needs. Recently, customers ranked PSE&G first in the East among large utilities for both gas and electric utility residential customer satisfaction studies according to the J.D. Power 2022 Studies.

"We commend PSE&G for its continued commitment in maintaining the resiliency and reliability of the energy system while proactively reducing emissions from the aged pipes," said William T. Mullen, president of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trade Council. "This next phase of gas modernization program will continue the important work that will produce benefits to families and customers that are relying on the system for their daily needs, and, to the trades that are contributing to the lasting quality of the infrastructure with their skilled work."

Customer Need

Nearly two million PSE&G customers depend on natural gas for heat, hot water and cooking. Natural gas has been the most affordable heating option for customers for years. As our state and nation transition to clean energy, natural gas is expected to remain an affordable, reliable service energy source for many customers for decades to come. PSE&G's decarbonization strategy includes aggressively pursuing energy efficiency, exploring alternatives to decarbonize the fuel supply, supporting the electrification of transportation – the state's number one source of GHG emissions – and longer-term exploration of electrification where it makes sense.

PSE&G residential gas bills are now approximately 32 percent lower than in 2008, including Feb. 1 and March 1 decreases reflecting lower natural gas supply costs. If implemented as proposed, the program is forecasted to increase a typical residential gas customer bill by about 3 percent or $3 per month for each year of the three-year program.

PSE&G

Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey's oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation's largest utilities. PSE&G is the 2022 Edison Award recipient from the Edison Electric Institute. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne^® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 21 consecutive years. PSE&G received the 2022 ENERGY STAR^® "Partner of the Year" award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category, and J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction for both Residential Electric and Natural Gas Service in the East among Large Utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 15 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

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Forward-Looking Statement

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements made by us herein are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and available on our website: https://investor.pseg.com. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and we cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by management will be realized or even if realized, will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements in making any investment decision. Forward-looking statements made in this press release apply only as of the date hereof. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements from time to time, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even in light of new information or future events, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws.

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