US natural gas associations collaborate to expand national mutual aid program

A joint effort by the American Gas Association (AGA), American Public Gas Association (APGA), Northeast Gas Association (NGA), Southern Gas Association (SGA), and the MEA Energy Association will expand a National Mutual Aid Program to help regions weather disaster.

Several of these organizations previously had mutual assistance programs of their own, designed as voluntary offerings for those in need, since the need to restore service can often outpace the capacity of regional resources. These are the drivers behind the new, nationwide program, which would allow natural gas utilities from all participating associations to respond to regional emergencies quickly and with coordination.

“This Agreement will enhance the collaboration across the natural gas industry with the understanding that our combined resources can quickly restore comfort for communities that are hit by disasters, ensuring Americans have the energy they need and expect for comfortable homes, warm food and hot showers,” Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the AGA, said. “Our members are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and are proud to assist other utilities and communities in their time of need.”

The program could step in during natural disasters, equipment malfunctions, accidents, or other incidents causing widespread natural gas service disruption. As is, mutual utility aid has helped in a variety of incidents in recent years, such as the Merrimack Valley accident in 2018, when excessive pressure build up in natural gas lines led to a series of explosions and fires and the evacuations of thousands, or during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which slammed the U.S. northeast, killed 223 people in eight countries, and caused nearly $70 billion in damage along the way.

The National Mutual Aid Agreement will come into force at the beginning of next year and run through Dec. 31, 2025, superseding all previous agreements.