Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day 2024: Duke Energy & Piedmont Celebrate


04/02/2024


Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are commemorating the ninth annual Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day on March 18, 2024. This yearly event highlights the essential role played by natural gas workers in delivering safe, dependable, and cost-effective natural gas services to nearly 189 million Americans every day.
 
Across Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee, more than 2,800 dedicated employees, including both Duke Energy/Piedmont staff and contracted workers, are tasked with the construction, operation, and upkeep of over 35,000 miles of natural gas infrastructure. These technicians often serve as the first line of response during natural gas emergencies, and their efforts to expand and modernize the delivery system will meet the evolving needs of customers and communities while facilitating the transition away from higher-carbon fuels.
 
Sasha Weintraub, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business, emphasized the commitment of Duke Energy and Piedmont's employees to customer satisfaction and safety. He commended their willingness to go beyond expectations to serve communities and ensure their safety, whether by working extended hours during outages or actively participating in community support organizations.
 
Established by the American Public Gas Association in 2015, Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day serves to raise awareness about the tireless efforts of natural gas utility employees and to educate the public about the environmental, safety, and cost advantages of using clean and reliable natural gas. This day, observed on March 18, marks the anniversary of a significant incident in New London, Texas, in 1937, which prompted widespread odorization of natural gas and a renewed focus on safety measures.