Unitil is joining utility companies across the nation as they recognize the work of natural gas employees on March 18, which has been designated as National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day.
The special day acknowledges the commitment of these workers as they strive to deliver natural gas safely and reliably to more than 189 million Americans and 5.6 million businesses that rely on gas for heating, cooking and other essential daily functions.
“Our dedicated employees play a vital role in keeping our natural gas system running smoothly to meet the energy needs of customers around the clock and we’re pleased to honor their hard work and accomplishments,” Unitil External Affairs Director Alec O’Meara said. “Sometimes their work involves routine maintenance and equipment upgrades while other times they must take proactive steps to ensure safety, as they did when surveying for any leaks following an earthquake that hit the region in January and checking gas meters for potential damage after significant flooding along the coast last year.”
National Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day is held on March 18 because it marks the day when an explosion occurred at a school in New London, Texas, in 1937 that resulted in the odorization of natural gas to make leaks more detectable and prevent future incidents.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the natural gas distribution workforce in the United States totaled just over 112,000 as of May 2023. At Unitil, which is a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, there are approximately 190 employees on the gas side of the business. They hold a variety of jobs ranging from distribution and service technicians to engineers and project leaders.
Service technician Alex Morin joined Unitil two years ago after previously working as an electrical apprentice. At the suggestion of his father, who worked in the pipeline industry, Morin decided to pursue a career at Unitil.
“As a young man in the gas utility industry, I’m very fortunate to be entering a field that has a long history of providing essential services to communities while also being involved in new technologies and challenges that are always popping up,” he said. “I definitely get a real strong sense of responsibility doing this work and I take it very seriously. The industry does play a crucial role in powering homes, businesses and industries so it’s always important that we stay ahead of the curve while also keeping safety and efficiency at the forefront of things.”
A native of Maine, Morin said he never considered working in the trades while growing up, but that changed after graduating from high school in 2020.
“It was definitely one of the better decisions I made. I really enjoy working with my hands and I think a lot of younger people definitely should also look into getting involved in the trades because we need more of them,” said Morin, who is based in Maine.
Harley Eisan, a systems operations technician in New Hampshire, celebrated his first year with the company this month, but has worked in the gas industry for 10 years. He comes from a family of natural gas workers, which includes his brother, father and grandfather.
“It’s been a great career and I’ve been learning a lot. The gas industry is a great field to be in. The work is always going to be here and you can have a long and prosperous career,” Eisan said.
Distribution technician Tom Gross, who grew up in Maine, recently completed his second year at Unitil. Prior to joining the company, he worked for the Portland Water District.
“We’ve got a good group of guys that we work with every day and they’re more than willing to teach you, which is nice. I’ve learned a lot. It’s a whole different product from the water world. It’s not just pipe in the ground like you would think,” said Gross, whose job involves checking for leaks, maintaining valves, meter protection and other responsibilities.
While it has been growing its younger generation of natural gas workers, Unitil also has veteran employees like Norm Cormier, who began his career 36 years ago repairing appliances for the company. He is now responsible, along with his coworkers, for maintaining 271 miles of natural gas pipeline.
The Templeton, Mass. resident received certification for appliance repairs before transitioning to the distribution department eight years later that manages the natural gas operations. To advance in the company, his first step was to secure a commercial driver’s license for the vehicles used in the field. His progress was further supported by a combination of on-the-job training, numerous classes, and valuable experience, ultimately leading to his current position as a utility lead worker.
Cormier is the lead for his crew of three, who along with seven others in the department oversee the maintenance and safety of 16,000 active meters. During the summer, he and his crew focus on service upgrades and maintenance, while inspections are conducted during the winter.
This summer, his team is set to install a gas main extension and service to a Home Depot warehouse distribution center in Westminster, Mass., as well as replace the gas lines on two bridges for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on River Street and Water Street over the Nashua River. In addition, contracted crews will replace over six miles of pipeline and 600 service connections through their Gas System Enhancement Plan pipe replacement program.
“Maintaining a natural gas system is a significant responsibility that we take great pride in,” Cormier said.
Photo Captions:
- Front article photo: Harley Eisan, a systems operations technician in New Hampshire
- Top Photo: Distribution technician Tom Gross, left, and service technician Alex Morin
- Inline photo: Norm Cormier, utility lead worker
