Non-Pipeline Alternatives Initiative
Source: https://www.icc.illinois.gov/informal-processes/NPAI
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Non-Pipeline Alternatives Initiative
Home
Informal Processes
Non-Pipeline Alternatives Initiative
As a part of the ICC’s commitment to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable gas service under its regulatory jurisdiction., the agency is broadening its focus to evaluate Non-Pipeline Alternatives (NPAs). Following the ICC’s investigation into Peoples Gas pipeline replacement program, the Commission found that NPAs can offer valuable options for addressing aging gas infrastructure, particularly as it relates to leak-prone pipe retirement. A series of ICC NPA Workshops will be held for Peoples Gas in fall 2025.
What are non-pipeline alternatives?
NPAs are targeted solutions designed to reduce or defer the need for traditional gas infrastructure investments, such as pipeline replacements.
Workshop process
The ICC’s final order in
Docket No. 24-0081
directed Peoples Gas to work collaboratively with stakeholders to assess the feasibility of NPAs within its service territory. Read the final order
here
.
The Commission directed Staff to retain an independent, third-party facilitator to lead a structured NPA Workshop process for Peoples Gas. Workshops will be open to all interested stakeholders and must conclude within 120 days of the facilitator’s hiring – no later than December 19, 2025. Workshop discussions will inform whether and how NPAs can be integrated into Peoples Gas’ infrastructure planning and leak-prone pipe replacement.
Workshops will be facilitated by Celia Johnson Consulting. Reach out to the Facilitator with questions:
Celia Johnson (Celia@CeliaJohnsonConsulting.com)
Workshop Survey
Interested Workshop participants were invited to respond to a Workshop Survey. Survey responses were due September 17, 2025. Survey responses are posted below
Workshop Survey Responses
Advanced Energy United
Ameren Illinois
Climate Jobs Illinois
Energy Infrastructure Partners
Erthe Energy Solutions
Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)
IUOE Local 150 and III FFC
Nicor Gas
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
University of Illinois
Topics of Interest
At a minimum, Workshops will explore:
Gas asset risk and timeline;
Hydraulic feasibility;
The outlook for local electric capacity;
Types and numbers of customers;
Coordination with community-based organizations, local governments, and others
Customer propensity to opt-in to an NPA project; and
Equity in the locations of NPA projects and how NPAs could be included in future CI/DI pipe retirement efforts
Workshop Report
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Summary Report to the Commission (Final 2/11/26)
Appendix A: Pre-Workshop Survey Responses
Appendix B: Workshop Presentations
Appendix C: Stakeholder Non-Pipeline Alternative Proposals
Appendix D: Written Comments
Appendix E: Follow-up Information on NRDC Service Line NPA Proposal
Draft Report
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Summary Report to the Commission (Draft 1/21/26)
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Summary Report to the Commission (Final Redline 2/11/26)
City of Chicago Comments
Illinois PIRG and Groundwork Data Comments
Illinois PIRG and Groundwork Data Redline Edits
Nicor Gas Comments
Nicor Gas Redline Edits
NRDC Comments
Peoples Gas Comments
Peoples Gas Redline Edits
Schedule - (Tentative and Subject to Change)
Workshop 1: Monday, September 29, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Peoples Gas presentation for Workshop 1: Monday, September 29, 2025.
Facilitator Introduction for Workshop 1: Monday, September 29, 2025.
Facilitator Presentation: Introduction to ICC Non-Pipeline Alternatives Workshops for Peoples Gas
Workshop 1 Written Comment Template – Comments due Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Response to Workshop 1 Follow-up Items
Workshop 2: Monday, October 20 (9:00 – 12:00pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction for Workshop 2: Monday, October 20, 2025
RMI Presentation
Con Ed
Peoples Gas Presentation
Workshop Video
Workshop 2 Written Comment Template – Comments due Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 3: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 3: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
City of Chicago Presentation
NRDC Presentation
Groundwork Data Presentation
Workshop Video
Workshop 3 Written Comment Template – Comments due Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 4: Thursday, November 13, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 4: November 13, 2025
Elevate Presentation: Coordination on NPAs
Labor & Equity for Non-Pipeline Alternatives Presentation
Geothermal Well Drilling Operator Apprenticeship Presentation
Workshop 4 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, December 5, 2025
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 5: Thursday, November 20 (1:00 – 3:00) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 5: November 20, 2025
Workshop 5 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, December 5, 2025
Peoples Gas Presentation
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 6: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to December 3, 2025 Workshop
National Grid Presentation
Facilitator Presentation: Upcoming Workshops
NRDC Presentation: December 10 Workshop Preview
Workshop 6 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, January 9, 2026
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 7: An in-person Workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 10 (12:00 – 3:00 pm) at the ICC in Chicago. - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 7: December 10, 2025
Facilitator Overview of Workshop Process
Peoples Gas Presentation to Community Organizations
Facilitator Presentation: Coordination with Community Organizations
NRDC Presentation
Peoples Gas Workshop 7 Presentation
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 8: Tuesday, December 16 (1:00 – 3:00) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 8: December 16, 2025
NRDC Presentation
Peoples Gas Presentation
Facilitator Presentation: Topics Addressed during Dec. 10 Workshop
Facilitator Presentation: Workshop Conclusion
Workshop 8 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, January 9, 2026
Workshop Video
Switchbox Presentation
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Schedule (11-17-2025)
The Facilitation Team will hold virtual meetings with interested community organizations to report-out on NPA Workshop discussions and provide an opportunity for questions and input. Interested community organizations are invited to sign-up here:
https://form.jotform.com/252534816557161
Community organization meetings are planned on the following dates:
Community Organization Meeting 1: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm) – Virtual
Community Organization Meeting 2: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm) – In-person meeting at ICC – 160 N LaSalle St # C800, Chicago)
Community Organization Meeting 3: Thursday, December 11, 2025 (9:00 – 10:30 am) – Virtual
A virtual evening Workshop for members of the public was held on Thursday, December 18 (6:00 – 7:30 pm). Due to no participation from members of the public, the meeting was canceled. The following materials were prepared:
Facilitator Presentation
Peoples Gas Presentation
NPA Ideas
Interested stakeholders are invited to propose NPA ideas to Peoples Gas.
NPA ideas are due Wednesday, October 22.
NPA Ideas Template
City of Chicago: Thermal Energy Network Demonstration Pilot
NRDC: Service Line NPA
NRDC: Targeted Electrification NPA
IL PIRG and Groundwork Data: Targeted Electrification NPA Analysis
Workshop 1 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Advanced Energy United
City of Chicago
Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting and IUOE Local 150
Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)
National Consumer Law Center
Nicor Gas
Workshop 2 Comments
City of Chicago
Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and Groundwork Data
Nicor Gas
Ameren Illinois
Workshop 3 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Nicor Gas
Groundwork Data Response to Ameren Illinois Workshop 3 Comments
Workshop 4 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Climate Jobs Illinois
Nicor Gas
Workshop 5 Comments
Ameren Illinois
City of Chicago
Climate Jobs Illinois
Workshop 6 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Workshop 8 Comments
Ameren Illinois
City of Chicago
IL PIRG and Groundwork Data
IL PIRG and Groundwork Data Workshop Summary Memo
Nicor Gas
Get Involved
To join the Non-Pipelines Alternatives Workshop distribution list, complete the sign-up form.
Join The Distribution List
Home
Informal Processes
Non-Pipeline Alternatives Initiative
As a part of the ICC’s commitment to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable gas service under its regulatory jurisdiction., the agency is broadening its focus to evaluate Non-Pipeline Alternatives (NPAs). Following the ICC’s investigation into Peoples Gas pipeline replacement program, the Commission found that NPAs can offer valuable options for addressing aging gas infrastructure, particularly as it relates to leak-prone pipe retirement. A series of ICC NPA Workshops will be held for Peoples Gas in fall 2025.
What are non-pipeline alternatives?
NPAs are targeted solutions designed to reduce or defer the need for traditional gas infrastructure investments, such as pipeline replacements.
Workshop process
The ICC’s final order in
Docket No. 24-0081
directed Peoples Gas to work collaboratively with stakeholders to assess the feasibility of NPAs within its service territory. Read the final order
here
.
The Commission directed Staff to retain an independent, third-party facilitator to lead a structured NPA Workshop process for Peoples Gas. Workshops will be open to all interested stakeholders and must conclude within 120 days of the facilitator’s hiring – no later than December 19, 2025. Workshop discussions will inform whether and how NPAs can be integrated into Peoples Gas’ infrastructure planning and leak-prone pipe replacement.
Workshops will be facilitated by Celia Johnson Consulting. Reach out to the Facilitator with questions:
Celia Johnson (Celia@CeliaJohnsonConsulting.com)
Workshop Survey
Interested Workshop participants were invited to respond to a Workshop Survey. Survey responses were due September 17, 2025. Survey responses are posted below
Workshop Survey Responses
Advanced Energy United
Ameren Illinois
Climate Jobs Illinois
Energy Infrastructure Partners
Erthe Energy Solutions
Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)
IUOE Local 150 and III FFC
Nicor Gas
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
University of Illinois
Topics of Interest
At a minimum, Workshops will explore:
Gas asset risk and timeline;
Hydraulic feasibility;
The outlook for local electric capacity;
Types and numbers of customers;
Coordination with community-based organizations, local governments, and others
Customer propensity to opt-in to an NPA project; and
Equity in the locations of NPA projects and how NPAs could be included in future CI/DI pipe retirement efforts
Workshop Report
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Summary Report to the Commission (Final 2/11/26)
Appendix A: Pre-Workshop Survey Responses
Appendix B: Workshop Presentations
Appendix C: Stakeholder Non-Pipeline Alternative Proposals
Appendix D: Written Comments
Appendix E: Follow-up Information on NRDC Service Line NPA Proposal
Draft Report
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Summary Report to the Commission (Draft 1/21/26)
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Summary Report to the Commission (Final Redline 2/11/26)
City of Chicago Comments
Illinois PIRG and Groundwork Data Comments
Illinois PIRG and Groundwork Data Redline Edits
Nicor Gas Comments
Nicor Gas Redline Edits
NRDC Comments
Peoples Gas Comments
Peoples Gas Redline Edits
Schedule - (Tentative and Subject to Change)
Workshop 1: Monday, September 29, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Peoples Gas presentation for Workshop 1: Monday, September 29, 2025.
Facilitator Introduction for Workshop 1: Monday, September 29, 2025.
Facilitator Presentation: Introduction to ICC Non-Pipeline Alternatives Workshops for Peoples Gas
Workshop 1 Written Comment Template – Comments due Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Response to Workshop 1 Follow-up Items
Workshop 2: Monday, October 20 (9:00 – 12:00pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction for Workshop 2: Monday, October 20, 2025
RMI Presentation
Con Ed
Peoples Gas Presentation
Workshop Video
Workshop 2 Written Comment Template – Comments due Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 3: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 3: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
City of Chicago Presentation
NRDC Presentation
Groundwork Data Presentation
Workshop Video
Workshop 3 Written Comment Template – Comments due Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 4: Thursday, November 13, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 4: November 13, 2025
Elevate Presentation: Coordination on NPAs
Labor & Equity for Non-Pipeline Alternatives Presentation
Geothermal Well Drilling Operator Apprenticeship Presentation
Workshop 4 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, December 5, 2025
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 5: Thursday, November 20 (1:00 – 3:00) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 5: November 20, 2025
Workshop 5 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, December 5, 2025
Peoples Gas Presentation
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 6: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (1:00 – 3:00 pm) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to December 3, 2025 Workshop
National Grid Presentation
Facilitator Presentation: Upcoming Workshops
NRDC Presentation: December 10 Workshop Preview
Workshop 6 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, January 9, 2026
Workshop Video
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 7: An in-person Workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 10 (12:00 – 3:00 pm) at the ICC in Chicago. - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 7: December 10, 2025
Facilitator Overview of Workshop Process
Peoples Gas Presentation to Community Organizations
Facilitator Presentation: Coordination with Community Organizations
NRDC Presentation
Peoples Gas Workshop 7 Presentation
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
Workshop 8: Tuesday, December 16 (1:00 – 3:00) - Meeting Materials
Agenda
Facilitator Introduction to Workshop 8: December 16, 2025
NRDC Presentation
Peoples Gas Presentation
Facilitator Presentation: Topics Addressed during Dec. 10 Workshop
Facilitator Presentation: Workshop Conclusion
Workshop 8 Written Comment Template – Comments due Friday, January 9, 2026
Workshop Video
Switchbox Presentation
Attendee List
Meeting Notes
ICC NPA Workshops for Peoples Gas Schedule (11-17-2025)
The Facilitation Team will hold virtual meetings with interested community organizations to report-out on NPA Workshop discussions and provide an opportunity for questions and input. Interested community organizations are invited to sign-up here:
https://form.jotform.com/252534816557161
Community organization meetings are planned on the following dates:
Community Organization Meeting 1: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm) – Virtual
Community Organization Meeting 2: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm) – In-person meeting at ICC – 160 N LaSalle St # C800, Chicago)
Community Organization Meeting 3: Thursday, December 11, 2025 (9:00 – 10:30 am) – Virtual
A virtual evening Workshop for members of the public was held on Thursday, December 18 (6:00 – 7:30 pm). Due to no participation from members of the public, the meeting was canceled. The following materials were prepared:
Facilitator Presentation
Peoples Gas Presentation
NPA Ideas
Interested stakeholders are invited to propose NPA ideas to Peoples Gas.
NPA ideas are due Wednesday, October 22.
NPA Ideas Template
City of Chicago: Thermal Energy Network Demonstration Pilot
NRDC: Service Line NPA
NRDC: Targeted Electrification NPA
IL PIRG and Groundwork Data: Targeted Electrification NPA Analysis
Workshop 1 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Advanced Energy United
City of Chicago
Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting and IUOE Local 150
Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)
National Consumer Law Center
Nicor Gas
Workshop 2 Comments
City of Chicago
Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and Groundwork Data
Nicor Gas
Ameren Illinois
Workshop 3 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Nicor Gas
Groundwork Data Response to Ameren Illinois Workshop 3 Comments
Workshop 4 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Climate Jobs Illinois
Nicor Gas
Workshop 5 Comments
Ameren Illinois
City of Chicago
Climate Jobs Illinois
Workshop 6 Comments
Ameren Illinois
Workshop 8 Comments
Ameren Illinois
City of Chicago
IL PIRG and Groundwork Data
IL PIRG and Groundwork Data Workshop Summary Memo
Nicor Gas
Get Involved
To join the Non-Pipelines Alternatives Workshop distribution list, complete the sign-up form.
Join The Distribution List