Greer CPW Soars in Natural Gas Utility Operations at its 2016 Annual Meeting, the American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented Greer Commission of Public Works with the prestigious ‘Silver-level’ 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 over 700 APGA members, Greer Commission of Public Works is one of 34 selected for SOAR 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.
System integrity refers to the natural gas distribution system performing its overall intended function safely, efficiently and effectively—distributing energy to all customers without being degraded or impaired by its internal or external environment. System improvement refers to keeping the natural gas system well maintained and up-to-date through a self-improvement program that includes both an eye on the future through research and development, technology integration and a commitment to system improvement programs. Systems that exhibit excellence in employee safety include adopting a safety program that includes policies and procedures for education involvement and accountability for all employees, as well as tracking safety performance. Lastly, workforce development focuses on creative recruitment, training, education and development practices that provide a return on investment through increased employee loyalty, motivation, safety and productivity.
APGA President and CEO Bert Kalisch remarked, “Greer Commission of Public Works was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. Greer Commission of Public Works 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 Greer Commission of Public Works and is confident in their continued success.”
Greer Commission of Public Works was one of 11 SOAR recipients recognized at the APGA Annual Meeting in Newport, R.I., on July 26, joining the 23 previous SOAR recipients. Greer CPW was first recognized in 2015 with the ‘bronze-level’ award. “We are committed to giving our customers highly reliable and safe natural gas service,” stated Rob Rhodes, Greer CPW Gas Operations Manager.