Program overview
The Vectren Pipeline Replacement Program is a 20-year program to replace more than 1,700 miles of aging bare steel and cast iron pipeline infrastructure throughout its service territories in Indiana and Ohio. To ensure the continued safety and reliability of Vectren’s pipeline systems, selected aging pipes are being replaced with plastic pipe.

Objectives
The two major goals of this replacement program are to increase reliability of Vectren's gas distribution system and to improve public safety and maintenance costs by reducing the number of leaks associated with the aging pipelines that will be replaced.

Compliance
All replacement work will be performed in compliance with Vectren policies and procedures as well as applicable codes and regulations. Vectren strives to maximize safety to the public, employees, and customers throughout the projects.

Process overview
Review phase
Pipeline leak and maintenance histories are reviewed to determine the highest risk segments of pipe. This allows Vectren to prioritize the sections of pipe to be replaced.

Design phase
Replacement pipelines are sized and designed to meet the needs of the community.

Construction phase
Construction begins by documenting site conditions in the job areas and by locating sewers and other infrastructure within the project area.

Gas main and service replacement
The gas main is replaced within the right-of-way, and then the service line serving residential and commercial customers is replaced.

Customer communication
Prior to service replacement, a Vectren representative will contact customers to schedule this portion of the work, which will involve a short service interruption. Additionally, the Vectren representative will need to schedule a time to relight any natural gas appliances.

Restoration
Typically, restoration of yards, sidewalks, and pavement is completed within two weeks of completing a project. Typical yard restoration involves grading and seeding.

Timeline
Times to complete the work vary based on the size of the project, weather, etc.  Please be assured that Vectren and its contractors take every effort to complete each project as quickly as possible.

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