BRYN MAWR, PA — Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) is celebrating its fifth anniversary as one of the nation’s leading regulated utilities. Formed through the 2020 merger of Aqua and Peoples, the company has spent the past five years leveraging its operational expertise, financial strength, and regulatory credibility to modernize infrastructure, improve environmental sustainability, and deliver reliable services to millions of customers.
Combining nearly 140 years of history from Aqua’s water services and Peoples’ natural gas operations, Essential Utilities has built a strong foundation for delivering life-sustaining resources to communities across the country.
Five Years of Transformative Investments
Since its formation, Essential Utilities has made significant investments in critical infrastructure to enhance reliability and sustainability. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than $5.4 billion in water, wastewater, and natural gas systems, modernizing approximately 2,100 miles of water mains and natural gas pipelines. These efforts have resulted in a 45% reduction in gas customer outages, underscoring the company’s commitment to reliability.
Essential’s environmental sustainability initiatives have also been impressive, spotlighting its leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. The company has prioritized renewable energy use, achieving nearly 100% renewable electricity usage in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois, while exploring innovative technologies such as hydrogen, fuel cells, and renewable natural gas to further reduce emissions.
Beyond operational improvements, Essential Utilities has consistently surpassed drinking water quality standards, with nearly 100% compliance in 2024, ensuring safe and reliable service for its customers.
Supporting Communities Through Investment and Service
Essential Utilities’ contributions extend beyond infrastructure improvements. The company has invested more than $20 million through the Essential Foundation and supported communities through over 15,000 volunteer hours. These efforts reflect the company’s mission to enrich the lives of its customers and create lasting positive impacts within its service areas.
“Our success over the past five years underscores the strength of our integrated utility model,” said Essential Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin. “By combining the operational excellence and deep industry knowledge of Aqua and Peoples, we have created a stronger, more resilient company. Looking ahead, we remain focused on our mission to enrich the communities we serve for future generations, while delivering long-term value for all stakeholders through sustainable investments and responsible growth.”
A Vision for the Future
Essential Utilities continues to implement a forward-thinking strategy, emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service. The company plans to address critical industry challenges, such as replacing aging lead service lines and managing PFAS contamination, while maintaining disciplined growth through strategic water and wastewater acquisitions.
By aligning sustainability initiatives with operational goals, Essential Utilities is positioned to remain at the forefront of the utility sector, offering reliable service while championing environmental stewardship and community well-being.
As it commemorates this significant milestone, Essential Utilities reinforces its commitment to investing in infrastructure, advancing sustainability, and building stronger communities for years to come.
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