Natural Gas Utility Earns High Marks During Safety Evaluation

March 31, 2023

The City of Tallahassee’s Natural Gas Utility recently received a violation-free audit for the 14th consecutive year by the Florida Public Service Commission during its annual Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Evaluation. This two-week evaluation included extensive review of the Gas Utility’s programs, documentation, operational procedures and field work.

“Performing at the highest professional levels as assessed by third-party auditors unequivocally demonstrates the skill, tenacity and dedication of our Natural Gas Utility employees. They are truly leaders in the industry,” City Manager Reese Goad said.

As part of the evaluation, the auditors reviewed multiple Gas Utility plans, including the Operation and Maintenance Plan, Emergency Operations Plan, Damage Prevention Plan and Public Awareness Plan, among others. Additionally, field evaluations were completed for many of the utility’s programs, such as the Critical Valve Maintenance Program, Leak Survey Program and Construction Program, among others.

This recognition continues the Natural Gas Utility’s commitment to excellence, which has garnered many accolades over the years, including the American Public Gas Association’s Gold Level System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR). The City’s Natural Gas Utility is the only natural gas system in the United States to obtain consecutive gold level recognitions.

For more than 60 years, the City’s Natural Gas Utility has provided clean, safe, economical and reliable natural gas to residents and businesses in a growing service area. Natural gas energy is safely provided through 975 miles of underground gas mains, serving over 35,000 customers in the Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla areas. The highly trained staff works around the clock to ensure the integrity and dependability of the distribution system and to assist customers with energy conservation and cost savings through natural gas use. The results of this evaluation validate the hard work and skill demonstrated daily by Natural Gas Utility employees.

To learn more about the City’s Natural Gas Utility, visit Talgov.com/YOU.