The natural gas department at Greer Commission of Public Works (Greer CPW) recently received the System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) silver level award. Chairman of the Greer CPW board, Perry J. Williams attended the Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona to receive the award.
“I am honored to accept this prestigious national award on behalf of our team of dedicated natural gas professionals who are committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment,” said Perry J. Williams, Chairman, Greer CPW.
The SOAR award is presented by the American Public Gas Association (APGA) and recognizes publicly owned utilities for system integrity, system improvement, employee safety and workforce development. Utilities can receive one of three recognition levels: bronze, silver and gold and the recognition lasts for three years. Greer CPW has received various levels of the SOAR award since 2015.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our operations. The most current effort is our meter upgrades for all natural gas customers. This will greatly improve efficiency and give customers better control of their usage,” said Rob Rhodes, Greer CPW Natural Gas Manager.
Out of 158 possible points, Greer CPW received 150.5 from APGA and received acknowledgements including having plans to update old infrastructure, participation in damage prevention groups, using new technology when upgrading or abandoning lines by capturing the gas instead of blowing methane gases back into the environment and having a health and wellness program. These efforts plus others greatly impact receiving the SOAR award each year.
[PHOTO: Chairman Perry J. Williams (right) accepting the award at the APGA Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona]
