Virginia Natural Gas equips educators to teach an all‑of‑the‑above energy future
Continuing energy workshop for teachers offers free training across natural gas, solar, electric, wind and more
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – March 5, 2026 –– Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), in partnership with The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, will host the 2026 Virginia Energy Workshop for Teachers at the company’s new state‑of‑the‑art training facility in New Kent, Virginia. Supported through the Virginia Natural Gas Foundation, the workshop is offered at no cost and equips educators with tools to teach a broad spectrum of fuel and clean energy topics.
Teachers from communities across New Kent County, Williamsburg and James City County, King and Queen County, York County, Hampton, Charles City County and Quinton will attend the full‑day program.
Designed to strengthen classroom instruction on today’s evolving energy landscape, the workshop introduces teachers to VNG’s all‑of‑the‑above approach, which includes natural gas, next‑generation natural gas, renewable natural gas, solar, hydrogen, wind and other emerging technologies. Educators will rotate through hands‑on learning stations that highlight how these resources work together to support reliability and resiliency while helping communities reduce emissions.
Sessions will feature demonstrations of fuel technologies, real‑world applications and classroom‑ready activities that make complex concepts accessible for students. The goal is to help teachers build confidence in teaching how fuel systems operate, how renewable resources integrate into existing infrastructure and how the industry is advancing toward a cleaner future.
Shannon O. Pierce, president and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, said preparing teachers with a broader understanding of the energy landscape is essential to supporting the next generation.
“At Virginia Natural Gas, we know the future depends on a diverse mix of fuels and technologies working together. When teachers understand the full picture of where our fuel comes from, how it moves and how renewables and emerging technologies fit into that system, they can guide students to think critically about energy and the opportunities ahead. Providing this training at no cost is one of the most important ways we can support educators and strengthen our communities,” Pierce said.
The teacher workshop is part of VNG’s ongoing commitment to energy education that helps students and teachers gain a deeper understanding of fuel systems, efficiency and the innovation shaping the industry.
###
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, the company celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Virginia Natural Gas is committed to resilient and sustainable fuel solutions that meet the growing needs of customers, communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also invests in interstate pipelines, provides asset management for natural gas wholesale customers, and owns and operates natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html