WEC · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Illinois Gas Infrastructure Replacement

WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC. · 2026-10-30 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42 · In source text

In February 2025, the Illinois Commerce Commission directed PGL to focus on retiring all cast- and ductile-iron pipes under 36 inches in diameter by January 1, 2035, and said failure to comply could subject the company to civil penalties. PGL is addressing the directive through its pipe-replacement program, whose costs will be reviewed for prudency in future rate cases and overseen by an ICC-hired safety monitor. PGL filed a general rate case in January 2026, which WEC expects will provide further regulatory clarity before significantly increasing program spending.

Key facts

• PGL's annual investment in pipe replacement is expected to ramp up to approach $500 million in 2028. source
• PGL is directed to retire all cast and ductile iron pipes under 36 inches in diameter by January 1, 2035. source
• The ICC directed PGL to focus on retiring all cast and ductile iron pipes under 36 inches in diameter by January 1, 2035; failure to comply could subject WEC Energy Group to civil penalties under Illinois statute. source
• The ICC directed PGL to retire all cast- and ductile-iron pipes smaller than 36 inches in diameter by January 1, 2035. source
• PGL initiated a general rate case in January 2026, which WEC Energy Group anticipates will provide further regulatory clarity before significantly increasing PRP spending. source
• Illinois natural gas distribution and maintenance costs decreased $3.2 million, primarily related to maintaining natural gas infrastructure. source
• Illinois capital expenditures increased due to higher payments related to PGL's natural gas delivery system upgrade. source

Impact estimates