The American Public Gas Association (APGA) will recognize the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Gas Section with a SOARing award this summer in Vermont. LCU was chosen for a Bronze Level System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award for its commitment to system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.
“I’m proud that our LCU Gas team has been recognized for their work amongst their peers,” said Lucio M. Garcia, LCU deputy director Gas. “Our entire team strives to excel in providing safe gas to the City of Las Cruces, and this shows that the team’s high ranking within industry standards as well.”
APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly‐owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems across the nation 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.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, LCU was selected for a SOAR award by peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The selection was based on demonstrated excellence in four areas:
- 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.
- System safety exhibits excellence in protecting employees by adopting a safety program that includes policies and procedures for education involvement and accountability for all employees, as well as tracking safety performance.
- 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.
LCU will be one of 18 SOAR recipients recognized at the national APGA Annual Conference in Stowe, Vermont, on July 28, 2019.
You can reach Las Cruces Utilities at 528-3500 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Las Cruces Utilities provides GAS – WATER – WASTEWATER – SOLID WASTE services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.