Matthew Brady / Greer CPW
Some of the members of the award-winning CPW gas department crew are, left to right, Glenn Downey, Justin Stewart, Heath Pittman, Jonny Corley, Destin Granberry, Allen Bryans, Keith Almond, Rita Rector and Rob Rhodes (department manager). Not pictured are Reece Banks and Jonathan Bingham.
During the monthly CPW commissioners meeting, General Manager Jeff Tuttle espoused the work the gas department accomplished.
“Our gas department consistently exceeds operational standards nationally, and we’re glad to receive the SOAR award,” Tuttle said.
The American Public Gas Association (APGA) makes the award, about 20 nationally per year – bronze, silver and gold – to natural gas distribution utilities that demonstrate commitment to excellence in four areas, system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development. The award is valid for three years, in recognition of systems striving to operate safely and efficiently.
“We were not that far off from silver,” Rob Rhodes, natural gas department manager, said. Rhodes said CPW will reapply next year, seeking silver.
“I’m proud of how well we provide reliable and safe natural gas service to our customers every day,” Rhodes said. “I’m also especially proud of our team. They go out there every day, work hard, and make sure our customers get the product they deserve and pay for.”
“I have been extolling the virtues of our natural gas department for years,” Perry Williams, CPW commissioner, said. “Now, our industry peers nationally have recognized our endeavors.”
The gas department received top billing at the meeting.
Rhodes said a BMW project starting with 7,000-feet of 6-inch pipe, escalated to almost 13,000-14,000 feet along I-85 and Highway 101.
“We had 65 hours to put it in and we finished it in 46 hours,” said Rhodes.
CPW also operates a CNG fast fill station behind the utility.
July’s record month of 5,726 gasoline gallons equivalent were recorded, topping June’s 5,315 established benchmark.
CNG sells for $1.75 (GGE). Waste management trucks, AT&T and semis with new natural gas conversions make up the bulk of sales, according to CPW officials. The price is $1.75 per GGE and, pending if one or two vehicles are at the station the same time, it normally takes 15-20 minutes to fill a garbage truck.
CPW’s natural gas department, has 23 employees serving over 21,000 customers. The utility’s natural gas service area covers over 400 square miles, stretching from southern Spartanburg County to near the North Carolina border in Landrum.