Berkshire Gas, CNG, SCG Surpass Company Record of 338,000 Hours Without a Lost Time Accident

Key investments in the safety of frontline workers have prevented injuries, strengthened job-site productivity


ORANGE, Conn. — May 6, 2024 — Berkshire Gas Company (BGC), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid (NYSE: AGR), today announced that in a new record for the companies, the Logistics Department has exceeded 338,000 consecutive work hours without a Lost Time Accident (LTA), the equivalent of 4,745 days or 13 years. Across all operations, the companies did not record any incident that injured or harmed personnel that resulted in needed time off or loss of productive work. The achievement builds on the companies' core value of safety as they deliver reliable natural gas service to 430,000 customers in Western Massachusetts, greater Hartford, Greenwich, greater New Haven, and greater Bridgeport.

"Working in the natural gas industry can be hazardous, which is why we've prioritized focusing on safety awareness among all levels of management, supervisors, and employees regardless of the work performed,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of CNG and SCG, and CEO of Berkshire Gas. "We want to ensure our frontline workers go home safely to their loved ones at the end of every workday. The safety measures we've implemented are not just about meeting regulations but about caring for employees’ well-being. I look forward to building on this impressive milestone and continuing to invest in safety for our invaluable workforce year-round.”

“At Berkshire Gas, our workforce is our most valuable resource and asset, and I am very proud of the work we have put in to ensure our entire team is kept safe as we provide reliable natural gas service to all our customers,” said Sue Kristjansson, President and COO of Berkshire Gas. “At the end of the day, safety is the result of a strong partnership between every single person in a company, and at Berkshire Gas, that partnership has been on full display for many, many years. Today, we see the exemplary results of our team’s commitment to safety, and I am glad to celebrate this record-breaking achievement.”

The companies maintain and operate 5,465 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Connecticut companies maintain three Natural Gas Operation Centers in East Hartford, Stamford, and Orange, each staffed by five employees. Berkshire Gas has one facility in Pittsfield, MA, with three on-site personnel. Staff at the facilities are available during emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with regular hours Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at BGC, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CNG, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SCG (with two shifts); Saturday activities are also often frequently supported. During peak periods, the business brings in support from flexible workers, contractors, and temporary staff, ensuring that everyone who enters the facilities understands and adopts the safety principles at the gas operation centers.

"Congratulations to the entire team for this remarkable safety milestone," said Al Langland, Vice President of Engineering and Operations at BGC, CNG, and SCG. “Safety is integral to our culture and is at the forefront of everything we do. We take pride in fostering a working environment where employees are encouraged to voice their concerns and observations, and this open dialogue has allowed us to implement safeguards and address issues before they escalate. We will continue to prioritize safety and strive for even more significant achievements in 2024 and beyond."

The companies are dedicated to providing employees with a safe workplace, which is why personnel are required to complete several safety courses and attend recurring training annually, such as Forklift Training, Knife Safety, Trips and Falls, and Warehouse Safety. Gas facility operators are also required to maintain a neat and organized warehouse, use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), seek assistance when lifting heavy/bulky items, perform daily power lift checklists, conduct safety observations, implement corrective actions promptly, and maintain and promote an atmosphere of safety awareness. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of the companies’ employees and the public.

To help further engage employees in creating a safety-first culture, the companies have implemented an awareness program called the Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) Excellence Awards. The program started in 2021 and highlights employees' proactive and exemplary safety behaviors. It encourages them to identify and mitigate any workplace condition that may otherwise have caused harm, allowing hazards to be corrected before injuries occur. To date, BCG, SCG, and CNG have received 31 Good Catch awards. 

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