With approximately 11,000 miles of gas mains, Peoples Gas serves more than 425,000 customers.
How it works
Natural gas is an environmentally friendly fossil fuel composed almost entirely of methane. It's found in deep underground reservoirs, and makes its journey from the wellhead to our customers by sometimes traveling thousands of miles through interstate pipelines.
The journey from the well to your home
These pipelines use pressure as a primary means to transport the gas. That's why compressor stations are often located right along the pipeline route – about every 50-60 miles. These stations exist to boost pressure lost through friction, allowing the gas to travel from one place to another. Along the route, natural gas may be stored underground in depleted oil and gas wells or other natural geological formations so that adequate supplies are always readily available.
How pipelines work
Interstate pipelines interconnect with other pipelines and other utility systems, offering system operators flexibility in moving the gas from one point to the next. Natural gas eventually reaches Peoples Gas through a gate station, where it's measured and injected with an odorant for safety. Then it's distributed to customers through our local distribution system of pipelines, mains and service lines.
Want to learn more?
See how natural gas is delivered throughout the United States. Courtesy of American Gas Association.