Essential Utilities Inc - WTRG STOCK NEWS

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has provided its 2021 financial guidance, emphasizing a commitment to operational excellence, environmental sustainability, and growth through municipal acquisitions. The firm plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035, equivalent to taking 76,000 cars off the road. Essential's growth includes five signed agreements for municipal acquisitions, adding approximately $420 million in rate base and serving 225,000 customers. For 2021, the expected income per diluted share ranges from $1.64 to $1.69, with substantial infrastructure investments planned.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has announced the acquisition of wastewater assets from New Garden Township, serving roughly 2,100 customer connections in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This acquisition aims to enhance wastewater infrastructure and improve service offerings. CEO Christopher Franklin emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, while Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater President Marc Lucca expresses excitement over integrating New Garden Township's customers. This marks the eighth acquisition since December 2019, contributing approximately 18,500 wastewater and 4,000 water connections.

Aqua reminds homeowners to prevent water pipes from freezing as colder weather approaches. Key recommendations include:

• Having heat tape, pipe insulation, a space heater, and a hair dryer available.
• Locating and marking the master water valve.
• Ensuring outdoor meter pit lids are intact.
• Shutting off and draining outdoor faucets.
• Preventing drafts in unheated areas.

These steps are crucial for avoiding costly repairs from frozen pipes, which can occur when temperatures drop below freezing.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has appointed Erin O’Donnell as the new communications director, overseeing both internal and external communications for the company. With over 18 years of utility-related communications experience, O'Donnell previously served as the interim communications director and has worked with Peoples for a decade. Her role will focus on maintaining transparency in corporate communications. Essential Utilities serves approximately 5 million people across 10 states, delivering essential water and natural gas services.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) plans to disclose its 2021 guidance on January 11, 2021, before market opening. The company will share insights on financial outlook, capital investments, and ESG objectives. A conference call for financial analysts is scheduled for 11 a.m. EST on the same day, with a live webcast available. The session will be archived on its Investor Relations site for 90 days. As one of the largest water, wastewater, and natural gas providers in the U.S., Essential serves around 5 million customers across 10 states.

Aqua Pennsylvania has secured a $3.9 million grant from the Pennsylvania state budget to construct a treatment facility at its North Hills well in Upper Dublin Township. This funding aims to eliminate Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which are part of the PFAS chemical family. The well has been offline since July 2018. The project is part of a broader commitment by Aqua's parent company, Essential Utilities, to address PFAS contamination across its service areas, impacting approximately 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has announced that Christopher Franklin, the chairman and CEO, has been appointed to the Allegheny Conference on Community Development’s Board of Directors. This underscores Franklin's commitment to regional improvement, particularly in infrastructure, as noted in the context of the post-COVID recovery. Essential Utilities, serving approximately 5 million customers across 10 states, acquired Peoples, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas distributor, in 2020, enhancing its service capabilities and community engagement.

Aqua reminds customers to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease during the holiday season to prevent wastewater system clogs. Key tips include:

• Do not pour cooking grease down drains.
• Dispose of grease in a metal can once cooled.
• Use strainers to catch solids.
• Throw food scraps in the trash.

Additionally, Aqua advises against flushing wipes, tissues, and napkins, which can cause plumbing backups. Aqua serves over 3 million people across various states and is part of Essential Utilities, enhancing infrastructure and service quality.

Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced that Colleen Arnold, president of its water and wastewater utilities, was honored as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction for 2020. Arnold, who is the first woman to lead Aqua’s water utilities since its inception in 1886, is recognized for her extensive experience and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has over 25 years in environmental engineering and has held various roles within Aqua, including deputy chief operating officer and director of water quality.