CPW Natural Gas Division Earns National APGA SOAR Award for Operational Excellence

The Laurens Commission of Public Works was recently presented with the American Public Gas Association’s (APGA) System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) award. This program honors those public natural gas systems that have achieved excellence in the operation of their natural gas utility.

Attaining the APGA national SOAR award shows board members, community leaders, service providers and customers the utility’s commitment to operational excellence. Applications are reviewed by a team of experts from the APGA Operations & Safety Committee and were awarded a rating based on a total cumulative score of points achieved from the program criteria in each of the four areas. The four primary areas remain:

1. The System Integrity section reviews a system’s dedication to operating a safe system through their capital improvement projects, the integrity management of their assets, and their operations & maintenance activities
2. The System Improvement section reviews a system’s dedication to continuous improvement. This is evaluated through the system’s use of innovative tools and technologies, participation in industry voluntary initiatives, and implementation of industry best practices.
3. The Employee Safety section reviews a system’s dedication to ensuring the safety of your employees. This includes training, procedures and policies, programs, tools and equipment.
4. The Workforce Development section reviews a system’s efforts related to the recruitment, retention, growth, and satisfaction of their employees.

CPW General Manager John Young commented that, “this award demonstrates the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of all our employees, especially those in our Natural Gas Division. Our commissioners and management team are very fortunate to work with such a fine group of people.”