Operations & Safety Resources

APGA represents America's publicly- and community-owned natural gas utilities. The safety of their systems, communities, and customers is our members' top priority.

APGA organizes member sharing events and develops programs with a specific goal to improve the reliability, operational efficiency, and regulatory environment in which public gas systems operate.

APGA is a good source of information, especially for small gas systems. 

Comment from 2025 Membership Satisfaction Survey 

Operations Tools & Resources

APGA has various operations focused tools and programs such as the APGA GOAL Tool, PSMS Planning Tool, SOAR, and more to help members improve their operations. 

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Benchmarking Program

The APGA Benchmarking Program is now available for APGA members.

View Benchmark Program

APGA Goal Tool

APGA GOAL (Gas Overall Awareness Level) Tool is your solution for measuring safety-awareness effectiveness as required by Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

View GOAL Tool

Mutual Aid Program

APGA has created the Mutual Aid Program to allow utilities to more easily facilitate the sharing of aid between system participants from around the country in the event of a disaster or emergency situation – a critical component during a scenario requiring an urgent response.

View Mutual Aid Program

Natural Gas Safety Page

Publicly-owned and community-owned gas systems take great pride in their ability to deliver natural gas safely to over 5 million customers in the United States. Safety is our members' top priority.

View Natural Gas Safety Page

PSMS Planning Tool

The APGA PSMS Working Group and EWN have collaborated to provide the PSMS Planning / Gap Analysis Tool for Small Operators. This is a self-assessment tool intended to introduce users to the elements of the PSMS industry standard,, while helping identify potential areas for improvement. 

PSMS Planning Tool

Public Awareness Materials

To assist our members with public awareness requirements, APGA has developed some sample materials for reference.

View Public Awareness Materials

APGA SOAR

APGA's System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) program honors those public natural gas systems that have achieved excellence in the operation of their natural gas utility. Attaining the APGA SOAR shows board members, community leaders, service providers and customers the utility's commitment to operational excellence.

View SOAR webpage

PHMSA NGDISM Grant

APGA has put together this page to help utilities navigate Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program.

View APGA NGDISM Page

Security Self-Assessment Tool

The Security Self-Assessment Tool is a voluntary, self-guided assessment created by APGA and EverLine.

Security Self-Assessment Tool

Operations Events

APGA members engage in operations and safety information sharing at virtual and in-person conferences.

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Operations Conference 

APGA holds an Operations Conference in the Fall that focuses on utility operations and safety topics. 

View Operations Conference

Virtual Events

APGA holds roundtables and webinars on a variety of topics from subject matter experts throughout the year. 

View Virtual Events

Operations Committees

APGA's most important work is performed through committees, subcommittees, and task groups comprised of volunteer APGA members.  Below are committees that specifically focus on operations and safety topics.

Interested in joining an APGA committee? We encourage any interested APGA members to join our committees! Members can login to view more information.

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Members Only 

Please login to view more information on how to get involved!

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Operations Recognition & Awards

Each year, APGA presents awards to recognize recognize individuals and public gas systems  within our organization who have gone above and beyond to represent the interests of APGA and public gas. Below are some of our operations and safety focused awards. 

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Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award

This award recognizes an APGA public gas system member that demonstrates excellence in their commitment to environmental stewardship. 

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Safety Contest Award

Recognizes APGA members based on the systems' overall incident (lost work time) rate. 

Safety Management Excellence Award

Recognizes an APGA member system that consistently operates at the highest safety levels and has demonstrated a dedication to implementing impactful employee safety programs. The winning system clearly demonstrates excellence in the field of Safety Management.

System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Program

Recognizes public gas system that have achieved excellence in the operation of their natural gas utility.

More Resources

APGA has more resources for its members!

Association Materials and Resources 

APGA creates resources for our members with a specific goal to support and help the public gas industry. 

View Association Materials and Resources

Members Only Resources

APGA has created resources for our members such as directories, publications, and more! Please log in to view the full list.

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Get Involved

There are many opportunities for all APGA members (System, Associate, and Agency) to get involved from participating in our committees, engaging in advocacy, and more! 

Conferences and Webinars

APGA holds four conferences a year, including an Operations Conference, along with webinars that feature speakers and panels of experts on operations and safety topics.

View Events

Members Only 

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Highlighted Organization

APGA Security and Integrity Foundation

The APGA Security and Integrity Foundation (SIF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, is dedicated to promoting the security, operational integrity, and safety of natural gas distribution and utilization facilities. The SIF focuses its resources on enhancing the ability of gas utility operators to prevent, mitigate, and repair damage to the nation’s small gas distribution infrastructure.

Learn More

a shield with the letters SIF in it for the APGA Security and Integrity Foundation