Emergency management and response are of vital importance for any natural gas company. Learn how the industry handles some of the unique challenges with regards to planning, preparation, and partnerships as well as innovative initiatives. Topics may include natural disaster and civil disturbance preparedness and response, response procedures for large scale disaster, cyber/physical security, and major event planning.
Meet the Program Development Team for this track. Learn more about the Operations Conference.
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Emergency Response – Preparing for the Worst, Responding as the Best
Facilitator: Jordan McLean, Supervisor – Gas First Response, Puget Sound Energy
Speakers: Aaron Coates, Senior Director, System Ops and Maintenance, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Brandon Cole, Safety Programs Manager, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Gas operators are some of the first responders to any gas emergency. It’s imperative they are a coaligned force with day-to-day local first responders. In this session, PG&E will demonstrate how they have overcome challenges, created programming, and implemented training with their local agencies so that every gas emergency is handled swiftly, safely, and effectively. Together we can take their practices to our organizations and cultivate stronger response-ready teams.
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Emergency Survival: How to Keep Your Cool When Chaos Rules
Facilitator: Toby Oswalt, Technical Training Supervisor, NW Natural
Speakers: Ben McCarthy, Operations Manager – VI & Sunshine Coast, FortisBC
Brian Burdette, Emergency Operations Center Supervisor, Southern California Gas Company
Kallie Rodgers Bell, Emergency Management, Southern California Gas Company
This workshop provides valuable insights into the complex challenges posed by natural gas pipeline damage, focusing on the impact it has on communities and the responses required from emergency management personnel. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the potential chaos that can arise in such situations and learn effective strategies for mitigation and response.
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
What Now? Navigating Utility Gas Emergencies in the Aftermath of an Incident
Facilitator: Pinkey Moody, EOC Watch Desk Specialist, Southern California Gas Company
Speakers: Mona Freels, Emergency Operations Services Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Brian Sauerhage, Emergency Readiness Program Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Neil Jenest, Manager, Transmission Pipeline Engineering and Design Gas System Operations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
This seminar investigates the actions and reporting utilities take after an emergent gas incident. We will explore the multifaceted aspects of responding to gas-related emergencies, emphasizing their impact on communities and internal process improvement. We will draw from real-life experiences, lesson learned, and corrective actions. This seminar will feature presentations from industry leaders, interactive discussions and opportunity to network with professions in the gas emergent field. Don’t miss this crucial conversation! Join us and be part of the solution.