Vectren Partnering in EPA Program

Vectren and other Indiana utilties are offering financial assistance for customers.

Evansville-based Vectren Corp. (NYSE: VVC) is committing to reduce methane emissions through a new partnership. The company will serve as a founding partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program.

As part of the program, the EPA has identified best practices from which a company could participate. Vectren says it is committing to replacing cast iron and unprotected steel natural gas mains at a rate of about 42 miles per year as well as taking care of excavation damages.

"Each year, we consistently invest in our gas infrastructure to ensure we maintain a safe, reliable system," said Carl Chapman, chairman, president and CEO of Vectren. "Over the next decade, this labor-intensive work will increase as federal regulations raise safety standards even higher ensuring the natural gas industry continues its excellent safety track record. In addition to ensuring the continued delivery of safe and reliable service, an added benefit from these efforts is the reduction of methane emissions, which is a win for customers and the environment."

Vectren is one of 33 gas utilities throughout the country that have signed on to be a founding partner in the initiative. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), which has Indiana operations based in Plainfield, and Merrillville-based NiSource (NYSE: NI) are also among the partners.