Summit Utilities Wins Southern Gas Association Emergency Management Award for 2023 Little Rock Tornado, Colorado Wildfires Response

Little Rock, Arkansas (August 13, 2024) – Summit Utilities, Inc., the parent company of Summit Utilities Arkansas and Colorado Natural Gas (CNG), has been recognized with Southern Gas Association’s (SGA) 2024 Emergency Management Award for its outstanding response to recent natural disasters in Arkansas and Colorado. In Arkansas, Summit's swift action following the March 31, 2023, Little Rock tornado secured public safety and the integrity of the gas system. Meanwhile, in Colorado, CNG acted quickly to protect critical infrastructure as forest fires threatened residential areas.

"Receiving this award highlights the exceptional dedication and resilience of our team," said BJ Proctor, Senior Manager of Technical Training at Summit. "It validates the hard work and effectiveness of our emergency management program and underscores the importance of the rigorous training we implement. I am immensely proud of our team's preparedness, their collaborative spirit, and their unwavering commitment to safety and community support."

After the Arkansas tornado, over 150 Summit team members and contractors responded to more than 500 work orders, clearing debris and conducting additional leak surveys to ensure system safety. The use of Picarro technology was instrumental in verifying the safety of the gas system, highlighting Summit’s focus on innovative solutions during crises. 

In Colorado, as forest fires threatened residential areas, the CNG team quickly established an incident command center, isolated sections of the gas system, and coordinated with fire services to protect critical areas like Sanborn Ranch.

In both situations, the team’s swift and decisive emergency response actions were completed without any injuries. These responses underscore the crucial role companies like Summit Utilities, Inc. play in disaster resilience, demonstrating the power of innovative technology, strategic planning, and community engagement in overcoming the challenges posed by natural disasters.

To learn more about Southern Gas Association’s annual awards, visit: southerngas.org/sga-awards.