PHILADELPHIA  – PECO will spend approximately $1.1 million on eight projects to expand natural gas availability and improve service for customers in the City of Coatesville – work that began last month and will continue through June, a PECO news release said.

The projects include the replacement of existing natural gas main and bare steel natural gas service lines with new plastic pipe, which enhances safety, is more durable, and improves service. Work will be completed on Third, Fifth, Sixth, Rosemont, Virginia and Woodland Avenues and Walnut Street between First Avenue and White Alley, the release said.

The projects are part of nearly $90 million in capital investments that PECO is making to its natural gas system this year. This includes inspecting equipment, completing necessary repairs or replacements, performing preventative maintenance work, and installing additional natural gas main and service lines to bring natural gas service to new customers, the release said.

“Each year, we review system performance and identify areas to meet the growing needs of our customers,” said Ron Bradley, PECO vice president of gas operations. “This work ensures we can continue to provide safe, reliable natural gas service to our customers.”

Residents and business owners will be notified as work is scheduled to begin on their street.  PECO, which serves about 75,000 natural gas customers in Chester County, also will coordinate the replacement of service lines with customers, according to the release.