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The APGA 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 at any level shows board members, community leaders, service providers and customers the utility's commitment to operational excellence. Since 2014, over 75 systems have been recognized.

There are four sections covered when applying for SOAR that will assess your system’s operations. These include employee safety, system improvement, system integrity, and workforce development. Each section has a list of questions that are scored based on your response. Points are awarded by showing that your utility is meeting or exceeding the industry standard in these four areas of operation. 

SOAR is a great way for you to see what others in the industry are doing to improve their operational standards, and to learn about the areas you can improve at your own utility.

The 2025 enrollment period opens on January 2, with all applications due to APGA by March 7. A panel of experts from the APGA Operations and Safety Committee will review the SOAR applications. Utilities can receive one of three SOAR recognition levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Your total cumulative score will determine which level you are awarded. SOAR continues for three years, at which point the utility may apply again to maintain recognition. A utility may also resubmit at any point for consideration to be recognized at a higher level of SOAR.

All systems that meet the criteria will be recognized at the 2025 APGA Annual Conference in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

There is a $250 non-refundable fee to apply for SOAR. This fee supports SOAR Program-related activities and materials. APGA has recently used part of these proceeds to improve the SOAR application process by utilizing a new platform to track applications and streamline the review process.

A webinar has been scheduled for February 5 at 1 pm ET where ther APGA SOAR Task Group will be available to answer your questions on the application survey. APGA members can register here.

For questions about SOAR, please contact Simon Cook at scook@apga.org.