PGW Awarded for Excellence in Operations by The American Public Gas Association
Posted on: Jun 13, 2023PHILADELPHIA– Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) will receive the American Public Gas Association’s (APGA) prestigious System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) award for excellence in its operations. The award recognizes natural gas utilities that strive to improve operating capabilities, overcome challenges, and adapt to a changing environment.
“We’re grateful to receive the SOAR award and for APGA to recognize our dedication to safety, operational efficiency, and supporting our workforce while serving Philadelphia’s evolving energy needs,” said Kerry Hummel, PGW’s Director of Employee Relations, Development, and Supervisor Services.
PGW was selected from among 750 APGA members, earning a silver-level distinction by receiving 148 of a possible 158 points in SOAR’s award criteria.
Employees across several departments collaborated on the award submission, providing data, anecdotes, and information to illustrate how PGW performed in each of SOAR’s four categories outlined below.
System Integrity
Through its Pipeline Infrastructure Improvement Program, PGW has accelerated the yearly pace of installing modern natural gas lines, from 18 miles a decade ago to more than 30 miles presently. New natural gas infrastructure increases safety and service reliability and for each new mile of main installed methane emissions are reduced to zero.
PGW also responds to more than 80,000 calls to Pennsylvania’s “One Call” system, which requires utilities to mark the location of their underground lines before any contractor or resident begins an excavation project. Calling 811 (the One Call hotline) prevents potential injury to residents and contractors and reduces the risk of damaging natural gas infrastructure or other underground utility lines.
System Improvement
In addition to upgrading the system with new natural gas mains and services, PGW uses advanced technology to locate leaks in the distribution system.
PGW has an advanced leak detection program that identifies leaking pipes and potential methane escape, assists in prioritizing which natural gas mains need repair or replacement, and is essential for achieving the company’s 2050 goal of reducing methane emissions by 80 percent.
Employee Safety
PGW’s “stop work authority” empowers employees to halt any work where unsafe conditions are present. Once the work stops, safety procedures are evaluated, reinforced, and updated to protect the health of employees and the integrity of property. With safety as its priority, PGW also trains employees on potential scenarios of when to use the “stop work authority.”
Workforce Development
Approaching its 190th year in the energy industry, PGW ensures employees build upon their knowledge by encouraging participation in community events, attendance at trade association events and conferences, and pursuit of professional education opportunities. By investing in employee development, customers can be confident that PGW technicians are experienced, well-trained, and happy to serve.
APGA President and CEO Dave Schryver remarked, “PGW was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. PGW consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing natural gas safely and efficiently to all those in their community and as such, serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country.”
PGW will receive the SOAR award in July at the 2023 APGA Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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