Written by Amy Spiller, state president of Duke Energy Ohio and Duke Energy Kentucky
March 18 marked the ninth annual Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day, when energy companies encourage the communities they serve to recognize the workers who keep natural gas service safely and reliably flowing to millions of homes and businesses across the nation.
As president of Duke Energy Ohio and Duke Energy Kentucky, I’m witness to the courage and expertise of our pipeline technicians, engineers and maintenance crews in keeping customers and businesses, safe, warm and connected 365 days a year. These incredible men and women form the backbone of our natural gas operations.
At Duke Energy, our employees are willing to go above and beyond to provide quality service to our customers. These workers have missed holidays, family events and major milestones to keep businesses running and homes heated. Their work in maintaining, expanding and modernizing our natural gas delivery system not only helps us meet the growing service needs of our customers and growing communities, but also provides a robust foundation for economic growth in the region.
Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day is celebrated each year on March 18 in honor of a 1937 incident in New London, Texas, that led to an increased emphasis on safety, including the widespread use of mercaptan, an additive that gives natural gas its noticeable “rotten egg” smell. Safety is the top priority for Duke Energy and for all our employees. It is through our workers’ dedication and commitment that millions of Ohioans and Kentuckians can live, work and play and do business with peace of mind.
I’m proud to support more than 350 natural gas employees and countless contractors responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of over 14,000 miles of natural gas infrastructure in our Ohio and Kentucky service territories. Please join me in showing appreciation for these hardworking men and women in honor of Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day.