Washington, DC- (August 16, 2019) – At its 2019 Annual Conference, the American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented Easton Utilities with the prestigious APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) for excellence in operating its natural gas utility. Public natural gas systems are entrusted by their customers to deliver clean and affordable natural gas through a safe and reliable distribution pipeline system. To accomplish this mission, a forward thinking natural gas utility constantly strives to improve its operating capabilities, overcome challenges and adapt to its changing environment.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, Easton Utilities was selected for SOAR level Bronze by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The selection was based on demonstrated excellence in the four areas of system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.
APGA President and CEO Bert Kalisch remarked, “Easton Utilities was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. Easton Utilities 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. APGA is proud to recognize Easton Utilities and is confident in their continued success.”
Easton Utilities was one of eighteen SOAR recipients recognized at the APGA Annual Conference in Stowe, Vermont on July 28, 2019, joining the 35 previous SOAR award recipients. James P. Crowley, Gas Department Manager for Easton Utilities accepted the award honoring his team for their excellence in operating a natural gas utility system.
APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly‐owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 5 million customers. These public gas utilities are not‐for‐profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.