CNG, SCG Host Annual Emergency Response Exercise to Enhance Teamwork, Communication, and Operational Procedures
Simulated scenarios provided team members the opportunity to test, refine, and strengthen response procedures in a controlled setting
ORANGE, Conn. — December 16, 2024 — Ahead of the 2025 winter storm season, Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), conducted their annual emergency response tabletop exercise. The drill was designed to test and refine the companies' emergency response procedures, focusing on the Incident Command Structure (ICS) outlined in the companies’ Unified Gas Emergency Plan (UGEP).
“Ensuring the safety of our communities, customers, and employees is our top priority,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of CNG and SCG. “These annual exercises allow us to continually improve our emergency response processes, ensuring we are ready to respond to any crisis—whether it’s a natural disaster or a man-made event. We remain committed to enhancing our training and protocols to provide safe, reliable service to our customers, especially during emergencies.”
More than 45 employees, all trained and assigned to specific roles within the ICS, participated in the exercise. Led by Avangrid’s Emergency Management department and in partnership with the Utility Response Training Association (URTA), the event involved employees divided into three key sections: Incident Command Staff, Operations, and Planning.
“The unpredictable nature of emergencies requires us to be fully prepared,” said Al Langland, Vice President of Gas Operations and Engineering at CNG and SCG. “This exercise provided an opportunity to practice our response in a controlled environment, helping to improve communication, identify gaps, and refine our procedures. It’s crucial that we work together to ensure a quick, coordinated response when the need arises.”
The tabletop exercise included three scenarios: initial notification, incident management, and recovery/business continuity. Each scenario began with a multimedia update, followed by discussions where employees evaluated response strategies, identified key issues, and considered ways to improve coordination, resource allocation, and external agency collaboration.
“We aimed to simulate realistic situations, such as gas leaks and pipeline ruptures, to provide our team with a practical, real-world experience,” said Jennifer Pearce, Vice President of Reliability Assurance and Emergency Management at Avangrid. “The exercise focused on critical aspects like communication, evacuation procedures, and ensuring a swift, safe response. We are proud of the commitment and dedication of our employees in fulfilling their roles during emergencies.”
Evaluators were assigned to each group to observe discussions, document feedback, and assist in the development of an After-Action Report (AAR) and Improvement Plan (IP). The exercise also included employee input on areas for improvement, helping to refine the companies’ emergency response strategies.
Similar tabletop exercises were held across Avangrid’s operating companies in Maine, Massachusetts and New York, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency response capabilities and ensuring employees are well-prepared for any emergency situation.
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Marina Bach
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