Virginia Natural Gas announces approval of Phase 4 of SAVE Plan for pipeline modernization

New phase continues commitment to safety, reliability and sustainability with additional $380.5 million investment

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – June 24, 2024 – Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) announced the approval of Phase 4 of its Steps to Advance Virginia’s Energy (SAVE) Plan. This milestone highlights VNG’s commitment to enhancing the safety, reliability and environmental sustainability of its natural gas infrastructure. Phase 4 will continue the SAVE Plan's efforts to bolster the system’s ability to withstand and recover from disruptions, helping ensure resiliency and delivering consistent, dependable service to customers.

Building on the success of previous phases that have seen infrastructure improvements across Chesapeake, Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk and Virginia Beach, SAVE Phase 4 spans from 2025 to 2029 with an expected investment of $355 million. An additional $25.5 million is also allocated across the next five years for the implementation of a new Advanced Leak Detection and Repair program, deploying cutting-edge technologies to identify and address leaks more efficiently. This fourth phase continues VNG’s proactive pipeline modernization efforts, focusing on replacing aging materials and integrating advanced technologies. By proactively addressing risks such as customer outages, corrosion and natural forces, Virginia Natural Gas remains dedicated to enhancing system reliability and prioritizing safety. Additionally, these investments position our customers and communities for economic growth and prosperity, playing a significant role in Virginia's recent and sixth recognition as America’s top state for business by CNBC.

Launched in 2012, Virginia Natural Gas’ SAVE Plan has already invested nearly $480 million into the successful modernization of more than 575 miles of pipeline across southeastern Virginia. Additionally, 100% of the system’s known cast iron and copper pipe have been retired, marking the successful completion of a substantial multi-year effort.

Rus Hayslett Jr., Vice President of Operations for VNG, highlighted the significance of this phase, stating, "Phase 4 of our SAVE Plan builds on over a decade of dedicated efforts to ensure pipeline safety, enhance reliability and keep pace with Virginia’s growing energy needs. These initiatives underscore our commitment to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable natural gas service, while also providing significant environmental benefits now and in the future through improved resiliency and substantial leak reduction."

Since the launch of the SAVE Plan, Virginia Natural Gas has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its distribution system by 35%. The company continues to work toward its goal of achieving net zero direct greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050.

For more details about current and completed SAVE projects, visit Virginia Natural Gas.

 

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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Named a Top Workplace in 2023, Virginia Natural Gas also has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com