Public power utilities across the U.S. were recently recognized by the American Public Gas Association through APGA's System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) program, which honors 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, APGA notes on its website.
The 2025 APGA SOAR awards were announced at the APGA Annual Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in July.
SOAR applicants are awarded a rating based on a total cumulative score of points achieved from the program criteria in system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development areas.
Utilities can receive one of three SOAR recognition levels: Bronze (80-89% of possible points), Silver (90-96% of possible points), and Gold (97-100% of possible points).
SOAR status continues for three years, at which point the utility may apply again to maintain recognition.
The 2025 SOAR Winners are as follows (public power utilities are bolded):
Gold
• Jackson Energy Authority, TN
Silver
• Citizens Energy Group, IN
• City of Mesa, AZ
• City Utilities of Springfield, MO
• Fountain Inn Natural Gas, SC
• Gibson County Utility District, TN
• Owatonna Public Utilities, MN
• Riviera Utilities, AL
• Scottsboro Water, Sewer & Gas Board, AL
Bronze
• City of Las Cruces, NM
• Colorado Springs Utilities, CO
• CPS Energy, TX
• Elk River Public Utility District, TN
• Hartselle Utilities, AL
• Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority, SC
• Laurens Commission of Public Works, SC
Other public power utilities have received SOAR awards in prior years. The awards for those years are posted on APGA’s website.
