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Get Ready to SOAR in 2018

By John Erickson posted 12-21-2017 12:25 PM

  
Operating a safe and efficient distribution system is at the core of every APGA member’s mission. Every year APGA will recognize public natural gas systems that epitomize operational excellence through the System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) program. Systems are evaluated on four criteria that exemplify a utility’s commitment to operational achievement:

System Integrity, defined as the state in which a natural gas distribution system is 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, as in 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 technology integration and a commitment to system improvement programs.

Employee Safety, in which employee injury prevention and employee safety education are core components of a safety program and safety is evident in all aspects of utility operations.

Workforce Development, focusing on creative recruitment, training, education and development practices that provides an return on investment through increased employee loyalty, motivation, safety and productivity

13 members were recognized in 2017, joining the 13 previous winners. SOAR recognition is for three years. All APGA members that meet the criteria will be recognized. Based on the degree to which a utility meets the criteria for recognition, it will receive recognition as Bronze (80-89 percent), Silver (90-96 percent) or Gold (97-100 percent) level achievers. Winners will be recognized at the APGA Annual meeting in Portland, Ore., July 23 and receive a plaque signifying their commitment to operational excellence.

SOAR applications will be open on January 2, 2018 and applications must be completed by March 2, 2018. Details on the application process and the SOAR criteria are available at www.apga.org/programs/soar. For questions on this article, please contact John Erickson of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-0834 or by email at jerickson@apga.org.

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