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APGA Congratulates Memphis Light, Gas and Water for Operational Excellence
May 12, 2020
American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) 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.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, MLGW was selected for a Bronze SOAR award 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 Dave Schryver remarked, “MLGW was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. MLGW 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 MLGW and is confident in their continued success.”
J.T. Young, President and CEO of MLGW said, “I want to thank our gas employees for their hard work and due diligence to efficiently and safely serve our customers. We appreciate them for all that they do. Not only is this honor well deserved, it was earned by going above and beyond the call of duty.”
MLGW was one of twenty-five SOAR recipients recognized in 2020, joining the 39 previous SOAR award recipients. The system also received a plaque signifying MLGW’s commitment to and achievement in excellence in operating a natural gas utility system.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, MLGW was selected for a Bronze SOAR award 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 Dave Schryver remarked, “MLGW was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. MLGW 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 MLGW and is confident in their continued success.”
J.T. Young, President and CEO of MLGW said, “I want to thank our gas employees for their hard work and due diligence to efficiently and safely serve our customers. We appreciate them for all that they do. Not only is this honor well deserved, it was earned by going above and beyond the call of duty.”
MLGW was one of twenty-five SOAR recipients recognized in 2020, joining the 39 previous SOAR award recipients. The system also received a plaque signifying MLGW’s commitment to and achievement in excellence in operating a natural gas utility system.
MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.
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.
Memphis, TN 38103