April 27, 2026
The American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) with the APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) for excellence in operating its natural gas utility. Public natural gas systems are entrusted by their customers to deliver clean and affordable natural gas through a safe and reliable distribution pipeline system. To accomplish this mission, a forward-thinking natural gas utility constantly strives to improve its operating capabilities, overcome challenges and adapt to its changing environment.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, HG&E was selected for SOAR level GOLD by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The selection was based on demonstrated excellence in the four areas of system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.
APGA President and CEO Dave Schryver remarked, “HG&E was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. HG&E consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing natural gas safely and efficiently to all those in their community and as such, serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country. APGA is proud to recognize HG&E and is confident in their continued success.”
HG&E was one of twenty-one SOAR recipients recognized in 2026, joining the 77 previous SOAR award recipients. APGA looks forward to recognizing HG&E at its Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island in July.
About APGA: APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly‐owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 5 million customers. These public gas utilities are not‐for‐profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, HG&E was selected for SOAR level GOLD by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The selection was based on demonstrated excellence in the four areas of system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.
APGA President and CEO Dave Schryver remarked, “HG&E was highly rated in all four areas that are required of SOAR. HG&E consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing natural gas safely and efficiently to all those in their community and as such, serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country. APGA is proud to recognize HG&E and is confident in their continued success.”
HG&E was one of twenty-one SOAR recipients recognized in 2026, joining the 77 previous SOAR award recipients. APGA looks forward to recognizing HG&E at its Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island in July.
About APGA: APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly‐owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 5 million customers. These public gas utilities are not‐for‐profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.