PSC to conduct natural gas safety training for city officials

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Kentucky Gas Association (KGA) are joining forces to conduct a one-day training session for officials of the 49 Kentucky cities that operate their own natural gas distribution systems.

The Sept. 19 event, at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington, will cover all aspects of operating a natural gas distribution system, with a focus on safety.

“Although the PSC does not regulate the rates or service of city gas systems, it is responsible for enforcing both state and federal safety standards,’ PSC Chairman Michael Schmitt said. “That responsibility entails regularly inspecting systems, investigating accidents and assessing penalties as appropriate.”

The training seminar for city officials is the first ever conducted by the PSC and is a significant safety initiative, Schmitt said. “Anyone with responsibility for municipal gas systems, from mayors on down, should try to attend,” he said.

The training seminar will cover not only the safety standards enforced by the PSC, but also issues such as maintaining and upgrading aging gas mains and other facilities, and how to keep city gas systems on a sound financial footing. PSC staff will make presentations on setting rates and compliance with safety regulations. Other presentations will focus on infrastructure investment and legal issues.

One of the PSC presenters will be Melissa Holbrook, a gas safety investigator who was recently honored for her work by the KGA. Earlier this summer she received the Ernest Murphy Training for Excellence Award at the KGA’s annual meeting.

“I am honored that the KGA chose to recognize my efforts to improve the operations and safety of natural gas systems in Kentucky,” Holbrook said. “Nothing that we do at the PSC is more important than protecting the safety of the public and utility workers.”

A conference brochure and mail-in registration form can be found here:

http://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/training/Gas_101RegistrationAndAgenda.pdf

Online registration is available on the KGA website here:

http://kygas.org/event_registration/1497639096

The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 75 employees.