Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas announced on March 17 that they are recognizing Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day on March 18, celebrating the employees who deliver natural gas service to homes and businesses across the country.
The recognition highlights the important role natural gas utility workers play in ensuring safe and reliable energy for millions of Americans. These employees are often first responders during natural gas emergencies and contribute to modernizing infrastructure, which supports growing communities and helps transition away from higher-carbon fuels.
According to Duke Energy, more than 189 million Americans depend on natural gas service. The company reports that over 3,000 Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and contract workers operate and maintain nearly 37,000 miles of transmission and distribution infrastructure across Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Brian Weisker, Duke Energy senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business, said: “Our Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas teams show up every day with safety and service at the center of everything they do. Their dedication to customers and the communities they serve is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Amy Spiller, Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky state president, said: “Our employees step up when it matters most – supporting customers by keeping homes warm and businesses running on even the coldest days of the year. We’re proud to recognize our natural gas workers and the critical role they play across our region.”
Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day was established by the American Public Gas Association in 2015 to raise awareness about the work performed by utility employees as well as safety measures following a significant incident in New London, Texas in 1937. This event led to widespread odorization of natural gas for improved safety.
Piedmont Natural Gas distributes natural gas to more than 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky provides electric service to 910,000 customers in a 3,000-square-mile area as well as natural gas service to another 560,000 customers. Overall, Duke Energy serves millions through its electric utilities in several states while its natural gas utilities reach approximately 1.7 million customers.
