PGW Uses Open Data to Develop Interactive Infrastructure Upgrade Map

Mobile-friendly, accessible by text and social tags, the new online
pipeline upgrade map shares worksite information at the neighborhood
level

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, PGW is launching its new, mobile-friendly Pipeline Improvement
map. Available simply by texting the word WORK to the phone
number 75308 the interactive mapping tool harnesses open city
data to share up-to-date, street-level information on planned
infrastructure projects, block by block. Residents and businesses can
search by address or ZIP code to locate infrastructure upgrade projects
that are ongoing, or which are scheduled within the next three months.
In addition to locating project sites, the map will also tell users
which phase of work the project is at, and what the projected timeframe
for completion is. The new tool is housed on PGWÔÇÖs website at pgworks.com/worksites
and will also be distributed on Twitter, Facebook and Nextdoor.

PGW is currently upgrading over 30 miles of its underground pipeline
each year as part of its long-term infrastructure improvement program
(LTIIP). The new mobile-ready Pipeline Improvement map has been
developed because of the scale of this program, and because of its
potential to impact the daily activities of residents and local
businesses.

ÔÇ£PGW is committed to improving the way it communicates, and this new
mapping tool is a key part of that initiative,ÔÇØ said PGW Director of
Public Affairs Melanie McCottry. ÔÇ£We recognize that infrastructure
projects can lead to a lot of questions. By making better use of
available data and todayÔÇÖs online, interactive tools, PGWÔÇÖs Pipeline
Improvement map can answer many of those questions quickly, efficiently
and on-the-go.ÔÇØ

The new Pipeline Improvement map allows people to better prepare for PGW
projects that might interrupt their daily routine. It also facilitates
better coordination. PGWÔÇÖs infrastructure program often takes place at
the same time and place as work from other utilities, city-wide street
paving projects and PhiladelphiaÔÇÖs continuing neighborhood development
projects. This map allows users to identify which projects belong to PGW
and who to contact with questions.

In conjunction with the map, residents can also use the hashtag
#Conewatch on Twitter to receive worksite updates and follow the steps
of a PGW infrastructure improvement project in real-time.

ÔÇ£People increasingly want self-service options that they can access
instantly, without taking too much time out of their busy schedules,ÔÇØ
said McCottry. ÔÇ£This innovative solution brings important information
and actionable insight to customers, the broader utility industry, civic
thinkers and policy makers.ÔÇØ

By making data easily accessible, PGW hopes to encourage residents and
businesses to become more familiar with how their utility is performing,
engage with their crews and contractors, and build tools and resources
that ultimately make Philadelphia an even better place to live and work.
Explore the map at pgworks.com/worksites.

About PGW:

Founded in 1836, The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is owned by the
City of Philadelphia and is the largest municipally owned gas utility in
the country. It manages a distribution system of approximately 6,000
miles of gas mains and service pipes supplying approximately 500,000
customers. PGW's operations are managed by a non-profit corporation, the
Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation (PFMC). More information
about the company is available at www.pgworks.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS: PGW Twitter: @MyPGW
~ PGW Facebook: facebook.com/MyPGW
~ PGW YouTube: PhillyGasWorks
~ Nextdoor: nextdoor.com/MyPGW

Contacts

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)
Barry OÔÇÖSullivan, 215-684-6624
[email protected]