Evansville, Ind. – June 4, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy is continuing its multi-year effort to replace aging bare steel and cast-iron natural gas pipelines throughout southwestern Indiana. For more than 16 years, the utility has invested in its southwestern Indiana natural gas infrastructure to maintain safe delivery and further contribute to reducing operational emissions.
“Bare steel and cast-iron pipes can be susceptible to performance issues,” said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. “This aging infrastructure will be replaced with new industry-grade pipes that meet all current industry and federal requirements. Ongoing investments in our natural gas system remain a top priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe, reliable system to deliver dependable natural gas to Indiana homes and businesses.”
The replacement of natural gas mains under streets and sidewalks will be prioritized, followed by service lines that run directly to homes and businesses. Affected sidewalks, yards and streets will be restored as weather conditions allow. Timelines for each project will vary based on the scope of the project and weather and soil conditions. Crews will work as safely and quickly as possible to minimize impact on customers and surrounding areas.
Customers are urged to keep a safe distance away from any work sites. Additionally, if you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, avoid anything that could spark a flame and immediately leave on foot to a safe location. Once at a safe location, call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376.
With only one year remaining in the bare-steel cast iron replacement program, investments over the past 16 years have totaled more than $186 million, which has led to a reduction in leak calls and natural gas emissions from the distribution system.
CenterPoint Energy will be completing work in Boonville, Evansville, Fort Branch, Francisco, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Oakland City, Princeton, Vincennes and Washington.
For an interactive map of current projects and more information about CenterPoint Energy’s gas infrastructure modernization program, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PipelineReplacement.
