bubble-tail pencil minus calc info-default zoom phone check-circle clock2 clock question-circle info wrench file-text quotes alert exclamation minus-circle plus-circle alert-circle close linkedin-square twitter facebook youtube-play instagram plus icon-business icon-community icon-environment icon-home icon-business-gradient icon-community-gradient icon-environment-gradient icon-home-gradient icon-grid-menu-gradient icon-grid-menu bracket-left bracket-right bracket-left-drop bracket-right-drop magnify peoples-bug arrow-right arrow-left play chevron-thin-down envelope check feed icon-savings icon-innovation umbrella icon-savings-gradient icon-innovation-gradient Flame Dollar Sign Fleet Car Fuel Station Gas Canister Greenhouse Gas Life Cycle Maintenance NG Molecule Refueling Refueling Car Winter construction cycle dollar flame-alt gas house pause pin pin-gas question-mark turbine wrench-alt logo-black
Emergency Hotline: 1.800.400.4271

24 hours a day / 7 days a week


What is an Emergency?

Gas leaks, an odor of gas, damaged lines, and carbon monoxide symptoms are all considered emergencies. If you have an emergency, call our emergency hotline at 1-800-400-4271 . Our personnel are ready to assist you 24/7. When in doubt, call us immediately. 

If you smell gas, do not attempt to locate the leak. Instead, leave the house or building right away. Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, appliances, or lights, as an electrical charge could create a spark. When you are in a safe place, call the Peoples emergency hotline.

Learn More
Close Alert
Jump to Footer

Essential Utilities Inc. Announces New General Counsel for Peoples


For release: June 16, 2020

BRYN MAWR, Pa. – Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced today the appointment of Mike Turzai as general counsel for Peoples. Peoples, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is the natural gas division of Essential Utilities.

Turzai spent ten terms serving the 28th Legislative District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, including his most recent three terms as Speaker of the House.  Throughout his career, Mike has focused on creating jobs across Pennsylvania industries. Families, education and benefits for workers have been ongoing priorities throughout his service to the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Throughout his career in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mike built a reputation for putting people first – family, constituents, fellow legislators and the general public. Mike cares about people,” said Essential Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin. “As general counsel for Peoples, he will be one of the key leaders of our natural gas business that plays a critical role in the everyday lives of families and individuals in more than 760,000 homes and businesses. Caring for those families and individuals we serve and the more than 1,500 Peoples employees that ensure the safe and reliable delivery of our natural gas, will be the cornerstones of his leadership. I’m excited for him to join the team and use his expertise as a key member of the Peoples leadership team.”

Turzai will report to Christopher Luning, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Essential Utilities.

“I look forward to working with Mike in his role as general counsel for Peoples. The 28th Legislative District is located in the heart of western Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. Mike is well aware of the opportunities and challenges of this growing industry. His background and expertise will benefit our customers and the communities we serve,” said Luning.

Turzai also expressed excitement for this next step in his career.

“Peoples has been providing natural gas service to families in western Pennsylvania for more than 130 years. As a native of western Pennsylvania, I am familiar with the company, the dedication of its employees and its commitment to our region. I am honored to join the Peoples team and help continue the company’s legacy as a strong, local employer, community partner and driver of economic development,” said Turzai.

Turzai was born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania and currently resides in Allegheny County with his wife, Lidia and their three sons, Andrew, Stephen and Matthew. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. In 1987, he earned a Juris Doctor from Duke University.  

About Essential

Essential is one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5 million people across 10 states under the Aqua and Peoples brands. Essential is committed to excellence in proactive infrastructure investment, regulatory expertise, operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. The company recognizes the importance water and natural gas play in everyday life and is proud to deliver safe, reliable services that contribute to the quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information, visit http://www.essential.co

# # #

WTRG (General)

You May Also Like: