American Public Gas Association

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving! As the only national organization for community-owned systems, APGA is thankful for each and every one of our members and the communities they serve.

11/17/2022

Publication Announcement for PSMS Contractor Guide

'Pipeline SMS: A Contractor’s Guide' is now out! A helpful tool for anyone interested in learning more about scaling PSMS. Read: https://www.apga.org/blogs/erin-kurilla/2022/11/17/industry-publishes-psms-guidance-for-contractors?CommunityKey=afced765-a1f9-4f76-8eb9-2900888c9ba5

Wednesday, November 16, 2022 – As a free complement to API Recommended Practice (RP) 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Pipeline SMS Industry Team published Pipeline SMS: A Contractor’s Guide to give pipeline contractors and service pro...

11/03/2022

Erin Carmichael Kurilla, APGA's Vice President of Operations & Safety and APGA Security and Integrity Foundation's (SIF) Chief Operating Officer, gave a regulatory update today at the 2022 South Carolina Pipeline Safety Seminar. The South Carolina Pipeline Safety Seminar is an annual event the SIF hosts with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff where attendees can hear the latest federal and state regulatory updates. Learn more at http://apgasif.org/2022-south-carolina-pipeline-safety-seminar/

10/20/2022

New Pipeline Safety Regulatory Requirements in Effect

As of October 6, 2022, all pipeline operators, including distribution operators, must meet the requirements of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Valve and Rupture Detection Rule. While most of the rule impacts only new or replaced gas transmission lines, there are two aspects that impact gas distribution pipeline operators. Read about them here:

10/18/2022

Last week's Operations Conference was one of APGA's best yet! A special thanks to the 2022 Operations Conference sponsors Convergint, EverLine (www.everlineus.com), Energy Worldnet, Inc., and Ingevity. Make sure to mark October 24-26, 2023, on your calendars so you can join us in Louisville, KY, for the 2023 Operations Conference! Photo credit: Amanda Tomczyk-Kemp // Huntsville Utilities

10/17/2022

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Here are 4 things you can do to protect yourself online: enable Multi-Factor Authentication, use strong passwords, recognize/report phishing, & update your software! Follow Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Twitter at for more!

10/12/2022

Our 2022 Operations Conference is in full swing! Today features an entire day of sessions in three concurrent tracks on Operations & Engineering, Environmental, and Safety & Compliance topics. Learn more about our conference at https://www.apga.org/fallevent/conference

10/10/2022

Stop Ransomware | CISA

During this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, be sure you are taking steps to stop possible attacks. The FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have a great website to protect against this threat. Check it out at http://stopransomware.gov/

TIPS & GUIDANCE Ransomware incidents can severely impact business processes and leave organizations without the data they need to operate and deliver mission-critical services. The economic and reputational impacts of ransomware incidents, throughout the initial disruption and, at times, extended re...

10/04/2022

The Benefits of Public Natural Gas Utilities

It's 2022 Public Natural Gas Week and here's why local control of your utility is important https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXGR0NgeqE

Public natural gas utility employees explain why local control of utilities is important."We provide revenues to our city that would otherwise go to stockhol...

10/03/2022

We love seeing all the 2022 Public Natural Gas Week celebrations this week! Make sure to use the hashtag and keep those posts coming!

10/02/2022

Today is start of Public Natural Gas Week (October 2-8)! is a nationwide observance to honor the work and importance of publicly-owned systems. Some APGA systems and their communities have been hit hard this past week by Hurricane Ian and we would like to acknowledge not only their hardship but also commend their resiliency and hard work. These systems have the support of their fellow public natural gas utilities around the country.

09/30/2022

Next week (Oct 2-8) is Public Natural Gas Week, a nationwide observance that offers the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your publicly-owned system. Visit https://www.apga.org/events/pngw for ideas and resources on how to celebrate!

09/28/2022

As Hurricane Ian is anticipated to begin to hit the coast of Florida shortly, APGA’s thoughts and prayers are with our members, their communities and all those in the path of the hurricane. APGA has been communicating with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA) and we will continue to coordinate with them in regard to storm preparation and response efforts. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep members apprised of any developments as needed.

09/23/2022

APGA Presents to State Pipeline Safety Regulators

This week, Erin Carmichael Kurilla, APGA’s Vice President of Operations & Safety, presented at the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) National Meeting in Charleston, W.V. Attendees of this meeting include the state pipeline safety representative in each of the 48 states that carry out pipeline safety regulatory oversight for gas distribution operators.

09/22/2022

Carolinas Public Gas Association Celebrates Anniversary

Congratulations to the Carolinas Public Gas Association (CPGA) on their 10 Year Anniversary at their Annual Conference in Greenville, S.C., this week! Erin Carmichael Kurilla, APGA’s Vice President of Operations & Safety, presented a federal legislative and regulatory update to the annual conference attendees.

09/19/2022

APGA's 2022 Operations Conference this October 11-13 in Savannah, GA, is less than one month away! Visit the APGA Operations Conference website at www.apga.org/fallevent/conference to view the agenda, registration information, sponsorship & exhibitor opportunities, and more. This event supports utility , , and professionals in their quest to keep bettering themselves and their utility for their community.

09/12/2022

While in Georgia last week, APGA staff got the opportunity to tour our associate member Rinnai's facility where they make tankless water heaters. Thank you for hosting us, Rinnai!

09/09/2022

What a great way to wrap up our 2022 Member Tour with stops visiting our Georgia members in Warner Robins and Buford this week! Thank you to the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia for hosting our last two events where APGA's President & CEO Dave Schryver, Vice President of Operations & Safety Erin Carmichael Kurilla, and Vice President of Government Relations Stuart Saulters updated attendees on federal regulatory and legislative utility industry activities.

09/07/2022

APGA kicked off its fall 2022 Member Tour stops today at Huntsville Utilities! APGA President & CEO Dave Schryver, Vice President of Operations & Safety Erin Carmichael Kurilla, and APGA Vice President of Government Relations Stuart Saulters are visiting members in Alabama and Georgia this week to provide updates on federal regulatory and legislative activities for the publicly-owned and community-owned utility industry. Thank you HU for being great hosts!

08/23/2022

August is ! Nine out of ten households include a person vulnerable to temperature extremes because of age or disability. Want to support the effort to ? Follow the on Twitter and visit their website for more tools on how to help at https://neuac.org/advocacy/liheap-advocacy/

08/18/2022

The program for the 2022 APGA Operations Conference this October 11-13 in Savannah, GA, is now online! This year's sessions feature presentations from Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) staff on their Pipeline Safety & Modernization Grant Program and priorities, best practices from community-owned gas utilities, and three concurrent topic tracks on Operations & Engineering, Environmental, and Safety & Compliance offering ten breakout sessions each. View the program and more at https://www.apga.org/fallevent/conference

08/11/2022

Happy 8/11 Day! Contacting 811 before digging is the easiest way to avoid costly – and potentially deadly – damages to buried . For every project, every time, Call 811 Before You Dig a few days in advance to have underground utilities marked. Stay safe!

08/10/2022

Tomorrow is 8/11 Day (Aug. 11, or 8-1-1 on the calendar) — a great reminder to always Call 811 Before You Dig to ensure you don’t damage underground . Whether you’re a professional or a homeowner, contact 811 if your summer plans involve digging!

08/09/2022

Recent News & Blogs - American Public Gas Association

Registration for the APGA Fall Board & Committee Meetings and 2022 Operations Conference this October 9-13 in Savannah, GA, is now open! Attendees will hear from speakers and panels of experts on topics such as pipeline safety regulations, PHMSA's Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program, methane emission mitigation strategies, case studies from community-owned utilities, and more. View program, registration, location, and more at https://www.apga.org/fallevent/home

07/27/2022

Congratulations to our 2022 APGA Award Winners once again, and APGA was thrilled to recognize some of our winners and volunteers at our 2022 Annual Conference last week. To view a list of all the winners, please go to https://www.apga.org/annualconference/2022awards

07/27/2022

Photos from American Public Gas Association's post

07/22/2022

Earlier this week at APGA's Annual Conference, our Operations & Safety breakout session featured a panel on methane emission mitigation strategies to enhance both pipeline safety and environmental sustainability featuring Heather Smercina of Onboard Dynamics, Jay Lippert of Sensit, Sean Epps of Heath Consultants Inc., and Bob Morris of GTI Energy. Our Government Relations breakout session featured a presentation on Renewable Thermal Certificate market by Ben Ge**er of M-RETS.

07/21/2022

American Public Gas Association members are working to implement Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) practices. “Working together, we are focused on improving industry’s pipeline safety performance through universal SMS implementation,” said outgoing Pipeline SMS Industry Team Chair and Black Hills Energy Vice President of Natural Gas System Safety John Hill. View the 2021 Industry PSMS Annual Report:http://pipelinesms.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2021-Pipeline-SMS-Annual-Report.pdf

07/20/2022

This morning, our now Past Chairman, Alonzo Weaver of Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), handed off the gavel to our now Chairman of the APGA Board, John Olshefski of Huntsville Utilities. Thank you for a great year, Alonzo, and APGA looks forward to an exciting year with John!

07/19/2022

Congratulations to all 31 winners of the 2022 APGA Safety Contest! These public natural gas systems highlight the dedication of APGA members to maintaining the highest safety standard within their system and their communities. Among the winning systems, Greenville Utilities Commission, NC will be receiving an award for meeting the criteria to win the safety contest five years in a row. In addition, the City of Mesa, Arizona Government will be receiving an award for meeting the criteria 10 years in a row, and C**n Rapids Municipal Utilities will receive an award for meeting the criteria 15 years in a row. View winners: https://www.apga.org/programs/awards/safetycontest

GROUP B WINNING SYSTEMS (8,001 – 18,000 HOURS)
City of Vernon - California
City of Fort Morgan, CO
City of Americus Natural Gas Department, GA
City of Orange City, IA
City of Sioux Center Gas Utility
City of Ellensburg, WA Government

GROUP C WINNING SYSTEMS (18,001 – 38,000 HOURS)
Scottsboro Water, Sewer, and Gas Board
Winder Natural Gas Department, GA
C**n Rapids Municipal Utilities (15 Years)
Owatonna Public Utilities
Borough of Chambersburg, PA

GROUP D WINNING SYSTEMS (38,001 – 70,000 HOURS)
Decatur Utilities, Decatur Alabama
City of Tallahassee Gas Utility, FL
Wilson Energy - City of Wilson, NC - Government
Chester County Natural Gas Authority
Paris Henry County Public Utility District
City of Boerne Utilities, TX

GROUP E WINNING SYSTEMS (OVER 70,001 HOURS)
Huntsville Utilities
City of Mesa, AZ (10 Years)
Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
City of Lawrenceville
Midwest Energy, Inc.
City Utilities of Springfield, MO
City of Las Cruces Government
Greenville Utilities Commission (5 Years)
City of Hamilton, OH
Harriman Utility Board, TN
Jackson Energy Authority, TN
Jefferson Cocke County Utility District
Knoxville Utilities Board
Oak Ridge Utility District

07/19/2022

Congratulations to Town of Smyrna, TN - Local Government Natural Gas on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/G9Kl30snHX5

07/19/2022

Congratulations to Scottsboro Water, Sewer, and Gas Board, AL, on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/UxbI30snHX4

07/19/2022

Congratulations to Richmond Va Department of Public Utilities, VA, on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/QQMC30snHX3

07/19/2022

Congratulations to City of Fountain Inn Municipality - Government Natural Gas, SC, on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/IUTm30snHX2

07/19/2022

Congratulations to Decatur Utilities, Decatur Alabama, AL, on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/huTR30snHX1

07/19/2022

Congratulations to Greenwood CPW, SC, on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/RP0P30snHX0

07/19/2022

Congratulations to CPS Energy, TX, on their 2022 APGA BRONZE System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve bronze status, a system must get 80-89% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/UeHi30snHWY

07/19/2022

Congratulations to Watertown Municipal Utilities, SD, on their 2022 APGA SILVER System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award win! To achieve silver status, a system must get 90-96% of all possible points. More about SOAR: http://ow.ly/hBl130snHWX