San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has received an award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for conducting one of the largest safety enhancements of natural gas pipelines in the region’s history. The goal of this effort is to further enhance safety by testing and replacing older sections of natural gas transmission pipelines for the benefit of local customers. This will give San Diego a stronger, safer and more modern energy system, creating a lasting foundation for the community to grow and prosper.
APWA presented SDG&E with a Public Works Utility Project of the Year Award, honoring the project’s benefits to San Diego’s infrastructure and the close coordination by the project team with local governments, agencies and residents. The project team is made up of about 300 SDG&E workers and contractors, including field crews, who focus every day on making the natural gas system safe and delivering these important energy services to customers. The team is broken down into several construction crews working in different areas of the community and numerous support staff who keep residents informed, acquire material and help move the project forward.
The Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan is testing, replacing or taking out of service a total of 24 miles of large natural gas transmission pipelines, ranging from 10-20 inches in diameter. These pipelines deliver natural gas into local neighborhoods, where it then flows into smaller distribution lines and into customers’ homes. There it is used for core activities that make for a comfortable life, such as heating homes in winter, cooking meals, keeping water hot and operating dryers.
The project will enhance the safety and resiliency of the entire natural gas system. SDG&E operates approximately 250 miles of transmission and 8,400 miles of distribution pipelines throughout the San Diego and Southern Orange County region. SDG&E operates the natural gas system in accordance with all local, state and national regulatory requirements.