Clearwater, Fla. — Clearwater Gas System (CGS) will join the nationwide observance of Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day on March 18 with a week-long salute honoring both its employees and the work that gas crews perform each week to provide reliable, safe natural gas service to the community.
“This national observance is a time when utilities such as ours recognize our employees, who provide one of our most valuable energy sources to our customers in a safe and reliable manner,” says Assistant Director Brian Langille.
Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day is a nationwide event that builds public awareness about the hard work of natural gas utility employees. March 18 was selected for the national recognition in remembrance of the 1937 New London, Texas, school explosion that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas; the event increased the national emphasis on safety. Natural gas systems, including CGS, make it part of their mission to educate residents and natural gas customers about the environmental, safety and cost benefits of using clean, reliable and affordable natural gas.
“Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution, and, as our records show, CGS employees daily commit to delivering natural gas as safe as possible,” says Langille. “Many times, natural gas crews work in risky conditions while in deep trenches, weld active gas lines to seal connections or make repairs and operate heavy equipment. It is their safe work ethic and dedication to quality service that we celebrate this week.”
Currently, CGS has 87 full-time employees, and the majority of our team works as field gas technicians. CGS field technicians include staff that is part of the gas maintenance crews. “Combined, our team supports more than 21,000 natural and propane gas customers throughout north Pinellas County and western and central Pasco County,” he adds.
“Our gas system was built in 1923, and since that time our customers recognize the need for reliable, affordable and safe energy, and they depend on CGS’s gas employees to deliver the best service possible,” says Langille. “For the past several years, we have extended many miles of natural gas lines further into Pasco County to enhance service reliability and to provide an alternative energy source to local residents.”
CGS currently maintains approximately 915 miles of underground gas main and handles the supply and distribution of both natural and propane (LP) gas throughout northern Pinellas County and western and central Pasco County.
Natural gas remains one of the safest forms of energy used in homes and businesses. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas can help us achieve energy security and build a more competitive economy. With the recent decrease in natural gas pricing locally, it is also one of the most economical energy choices. Natural gas is 100% efficient, which in today’s market makes it a premiere choice for energy resources.