VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Nov. 19, 2018 – Virginia Natural Gas is the recipient of three Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy Awards from the Virginia Oil and Gas Association (VOGA), including Local Distribution Company (LDC) of the Year for the third consecutive year. The company’s Longleaf Pine Restoration Project received a Safety/Environmental/Quality Award and Virginia Natural Gas, Tidewater Community College and the Virginia Gas Operators Association were recognized for Partnership in the Veterans Natural Gas Training Program.
The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy’s Division of Gas and Oil and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association (VOGA) created the annual award program to recognize outstanding achievements by members of the gas and oil industry in Virginia.
Recognized for its innovative projects, strategic partnerships and public awareness program, Virginia Natural Gas has been named LDC of the Year for the third consecutive year. According to the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy’s Division of Gas and Oil and VOGA, “the company continues to distinguish itself as an industry leader for its dedication to environmental stewardship, commitment to customer service and operation of the safest and most reliable natural gas distribution system in the state.”
Among other things, Virginia Natural Gas was praised for its Virginia State Corporation Commission approved five-year plan to enhance the reliability of natural gas delivery systems by accelerating the replacement of pipeline infrastructure. To date, these projects have been critical in replacing more than 240 miles of aging pipeline, with state-of-the-art corrosion resistant pipes.
Virginia Natural Gas is also the recipient a Safety/Environmental/Quality Award for its Longleaf Pine Restoration Project. Last year, volunteers from Virginia Natural Gas, along with Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation and Virginia Department of Forestry, joined The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to restore a key piece of southeastern Virginia’s environmental and cultural heritage. More than 150 longleaf pine trees were planted in one day at the Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area and Mt. Trashmore Park.
The is the second recognition for the environmental effort. Earlier this year, Virginia Natural Gas received Southern Gas Association’s 2018 Community Service Award for the Longleaf Pine Restoration Project.
Virginia Natural Gas also earned the Partnership Award for its collaboration with Tidewater Community College and the Virginia Gas Operators Association in the Veterans Natural Gas Training Program. The one-week intensive training program is offered to former and transitioning military service members and focuses on the critical components of natural gas pipeline operations and safety. Led by experienced utility professionals, program participants learn how they can apply their skills against the industry needs and help prepare them for future employment in the natural gas industry.
This is also the second recognition for the veteran’s training program – just a month earlier Virginia Natural Gas was awarded the 2018 Innovator Award from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (formerly Opportunity Inc.).
In total, 18 VOGA awards were presented to 15 businesses and individuals for excellence in the oil and gas industry throughout 2017. For more information about the Industry Excellence awards, visit vaoilandgas.com/virginia-oil-and-gas-awards.
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to nearly 300,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Virginia Natural Gas has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers, and is consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. In 2018, Virginia Natural Gas was named Local Distribution Company of the Year by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association for the third consecutive year. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with 774,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit Southern Company Gas at southerncompanygas.com.
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Jennifer Golz
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