It is reported that TECO Peoples Gas accelerated its program to replace all cast iron and bare steel distribution pipes.

According to a statement, the company will invest about USD 8 million a year in the 10 year program, set to begin in January 2012.

The Florida Public Service Commission approved the program on August 14th 2012. It will cost the average residential natural gas customer about 5 cents a month in 2013.

Cast iron and bare steel pipes to distribute natural gas were installed widely nationwide until the 1970s. Current standards call for pipe made of polyethylene, a high-density plastic, or coated steel, which resists corrosion.

Peoples Gas will replace about 150 miles of cast iron pipe and about 400 miles of bare steel pipe that together comprise about 4 percent of the company's system.

Peoples Gas is a core business of TECO Energy Inc, an energy related holding company headquartered in Tampa.

Source - Tampa Bay Business Journal

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