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UGI Connection

a blog from UGI Utilities, Inc.

UGI Touts Natural Gas Growth Impact at Two Energy Forums

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

UGI’s Director of Business Development Don Brominski represented UGI as it co-hosted the 11th installment in the statewide “Think About Energy” Briefing series. The latest session was held at Misericordia University on May 24 and continued the event’s history of bringing together local natural gas producers, “midstream” companies, utilities and energy users to discuss the many economic and environmental opportunities afforded by Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas reserves.

UGI PA Firstline June 2017 6 19 17 final 247x300 - UGI Touts Natural Gas Growth Impact at Two Energy Forums“Since 2008, UGI has had record growth in residential and commercial customers,” Brominski said. He answered questions from an audience of nearly a hundred on topics ranging from UGI’s GET Gas program to natural gas vehicles, and from customer savings to combined heat and power (CHP) applications.

Also in May, Joseph Swope, UGI’s manager of Media Relations and Special Projects, spoke at the 2017 Energy Briefing held in McAdoo, Luzerne County, by the Keystone Energy Forum. He described the current natural gas market and outlined successes achieved by UGI, which serves more than 690,000 natural gas and electric customers throughout Pennsylvania.

“More than 90 percent of the natural gas we deliver to our customers is produced in the Marcellus Shale region,” Swope said. “Thanks to Marcellus Shale, the average bill for UGI natural gas customers is 40 percent lower than nine years ago. With an investment over five years of more than $790 million in new, contemporary pipeline infrastructure, UGI is well positioned for continued growth,” he said.

For more information about bring natural gas to you area, visit www.ugi.com/getgas.

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Stay Summer Safe: Prevent Heat Stress

Posted on by Will Templeton

Summer is the best time of year for fun in the sun. As the days become longer and the temperatures rise, many people head outdoors. Unfortunately, when the sun is accompanied by extreme heat, too much sun can become dangerous.

As you enjoy your time in the sun this summer, UGI reminds residents to be aware of the dangers of extreme heat and sun exposure. Dehydration and heat stress are serious conditions caused by exposure to excessive heat.

What are dehydration and heat stress?

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it intakes. While anyone may become dehydrated, it is especially dangerous for young children and older adults. Heat stress is caused by rising body temperatures due to extended heat exposure, dehydration, and Heat Stroke occurs when your body endures prolonged exposure to extreme heat and stress. ,

Beach 300x200 - Stay Summer Safe: Prevent Heat StressUGI recommends the following guidelines to stay safe in the heat:

  • Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
  • Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and this helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool.
  • Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that more difficult.
  • Older adults and people with chronic health problems should stay indoors and in the coolest available place.

For weekly safety tips, follow UGI on Facebook and Twitter and to learn more about safety in all seasons, visit www.ugi.com/safety.

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UGI Contribution Bolsters Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

UGI contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross last month to continue its support of the Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign. The funds were presented to Red Cross officials during separate press conferences at the Western Berks Fire Department in Wernersville, Berks County, and at Harrisburg Area Community College’s Public Safety Center in Dauphin County.

“UGI is pleased to support the Red Cross in their efforts to prevent home fires, which take such a toll on families across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Robert F. Beard, UGI president and CEO.

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Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Region CEO Jeri Sims talks about her organization’s Home Fire Campaign.

This is the third year that UGI made a contribution of this size and was recognized as a Red Cross Community Partner. UGI’s donation supports the Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign is aimed at reducing the number of home fire-related deaths and injuries by 25 percent nationally. As part of the campaign, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarm installations and works with families to create escape plans.

“UGI has been a longstanding partner with the American Red Cross,” said Judge Renée Cardwell Hughes (Ret.), CEO, American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania Region. “The support of UGI allows the Red Cross to bring to life its promise to always help in times of need. The generous gift of UGI makes possible this initiative to install smoke alarms and train families on escape plans which will save lives. UGI understands that a safe community is a strong community and a better place for its employees and its customers. The American Red Cross is proud to stand with UGI to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.”

“Our partnership and support from UGI Utilities allows us to make communities safer one home at a time,” said Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Region CEO Jeri Sims. “Having working smoke alarms can double a person’s chance of surviving a home fire, and an escape plan increases it even more.”

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge to communities and is made possible by voluntary donations of time and money. Visit www.redcross.org or call
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more.

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June Little Reader Pick: I Love My Daddy

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

June I Love My Daddy 222x300 - June Little Reader Pick: I Love My DaddyJune 18 celebrates Father’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the wonderful qualities of fathers everywhere. In recognition of the hard work and love our fathers share with us, UGI has chosen I Love My Daddy as this month’s Little Reader Pick.

Written and illustrated by Sebastien Braun, I Love My Daddy tells the story of a little bear cub who loves his daddy very much. Each page details the many different ways little bear experiences the love and warmth of his daddy bear. Whether it’s splashing together in the babbling brook or eating together under the stars, I Love My Daddy shares some of the many ways fathers love their children.

From the publisher: Sometimes daddies are loud and playful. Other times they are quiet and compassionate. And they are always loving. Sebastien Braun’s appealing text and charming illustrations follow a day in the life of a bear and his bear cub in this celebration of the bond between father and child.

Little Reader Icon 300x299 - June Little Reader Pick: I Love My Daddy

At UGI Utilities, we are deeply committed to children’s literacy.  Studies have shown that children who are not reading at grade level by third grade will experience significant difficulties throughout their lives. Today’s students will be tomorrow’s business and government leaders, employees and customers.

Check back each month for new Little Reader picks and follow @UGIReads on Twitter for more book selections, author quotes, and tips and tricks to help your own little reader. Have a suggestion for a Little Reader Pick? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Reading!

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Steer Clear of Your Gas Meter

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

Planning to landscape or dig this summer? UGI reminds customers to protect meters and associated equipment from potential damage when working around your home this season.

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To ensure your safety and proper functioning of your meter, UGI personnel must have easy access to your meter to perform meter readings, periodic safety checks, and routine maintenance.

Follow these tips to keep your meter operating properly this summer:

  • Keep your meter clear of any landscaping that obstructs access or visibility. Shrubs and plants should be trimmed regularly.
  • Keep power landscaping tools and equipment clear of your meter.
  • Do not build decking or fencing that blocks access to the meter.
  • Instruct children not to climb on, or play near, a meter.811 Logo 300x297 - Steer Clear of Your Gas Meter
  • Do not tamper with your meter, or attempt to service or maintain the meter yourself.
  • Always call 8-1-1 to have your utility lines marked at least three business days prior to digging on your property.
  • If your meter is indoors, do not build walls or paneling that obstructs access to the meter. Also, keep the area surrounding the meter clear of boxes, furniture, shelves, and other obstacles.

For more information about natural gas and meter safety, visit www.ugi.com/safety.

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June Featured Community Organization: Junior Achievement

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

FCO JA Logo 300x88 - June Featured Community Organization: Junior AchievementAs students begin their well-deserved summer break after a year of hard word, UGI would like to recognize and thank the many educators, volunteers, and organizations committed to helping these students learn and grow. This month, UGI is pleased to spotlight one of these organizations, Junior Achievement (JA), for their efforts to develop career awareness and readiness skills with programs for students of all ages.

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UGI’s Denise Yost assists students during the Math Challenge session of the Junior Achievement Summit last December.

Junior Achievement was established in 1919 by Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph; Horace Moses, president of Strathmore Paper Co.; and Senator Murray Crane of Massachusetts. JA was initially offered as an after-school program for high school students to learn about business and entrepreneurship.

Today, JA’s programs provide students in grades K-12 with the training, materials, and support necessary for economic success. Programs focus on the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy with the intent to ignite the spark to realize their full potential in the 21st century.

Junior Achievement chapters in Pennsylvania include:

To learn more about Junior Achievement, visit www.juniorachievement.org.

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Save Smart with an Energy Smart Kitchen

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

Full Kitchen 300x211 - Save Smart with an Energy Smart Kitchen

Cut costs on your utility bills (check out our gas savings calculator) while saving energy in your commercial kitchen with UGI.

UGI’s Save Smart energy efficiency and conservation program offers restaurant owners a variety of energy saving appliance rebates and programs to help turn your commercial kitchen into an energy smart kitchen.

Kitchen Washer 300x242 - Save Smart with an Energy Smart Kitchen

Available Commercial Kitchen Rebates:

  • Receive up to $1,900 in rebates when you install an ENERGY STAR® rated fryer in your kitchen.
  • Install an ENERGY STAR® rated steam cooker in your kitchen and get a $600 rebate.
  • Get a $50 rebate when you install a WaterSense rated pre-rinse spray valve in your dishwashing area.

Kitchen Stove 300x167 - Save Smart with an Energy Smart Kitchen

For full program details and to apply for available commercial rebates, visit www.ugi.com/commgasrebates. Have a question about UGI’s Save Smart program? Email us at savesmart@ugi.com.

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May is Electrical Safety Month

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

AdobeStock 64350030 300x225 - May is Electrical Safety Month

Did you know an average of 51,000 electrical home fires occur each year in the United States?

To help raise awareness about electrical safety, the month of May has been designated as Electrical Safety Month.

UGI is committed to providing safe and reliable electric service to our customers and we encourage our customers to follow safe practices whenever you use an electrical source.

Celebrate Electrical Safety Month with UGI by following these safety tips:

  • Use a surge protector with all electronics
  • Do not overload outlets or power strips
  • Never use power tools near live electrical wires or water sources
  • Always wear appropriate protective wear when working with power tools
  • Remember to look up and live when working around power lines

To learn more about electrical safety, as well as find information about electrical power outages, visit www.ugi.com/safety.

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Juniata College’s ROAR Program Receives $3,000 from UGI

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

UGI continues its commitment to early education with a $3,000 grant to support Juniata College’s ROAR (Rural Outreach and Reading) program. This grant will go towards improving student literacy rates as well as provide additional teacher education and training in elementary schools throughout the Huntingdon Area School District in Huntingdon County.

UGI Junita College Check Presentation for ROAR 300x200 - Juniata College's ROAR Program Receives $3,000 from UGI

UGI’s Tammie Lowry, Community Relations Manager-West Region, presents $3,000 to Juniata College’s ROAR program.

Established in 2012 as a collaborative effort between Juniata College and a rural elementary school district with more than 50% of students living in low socio-economic status, ROAR aims to improve literacy achievement as well as to improve pre-service teachers’ training to work with struggling readers, so that they can better identify students with reading disabilities and create effective learning opportunities.

To participate in ROAR, students in grades one through four who meet enrollment requirements are nominated by their teachers. Parents also have the option to nominate their children for program participation. Participants receive approximately 75 hours intensive remedial instruction in literacy and communication skills throughout the school year.

UGI believes early childhood education literacy is the first step in economic and workforce development. In 2016, UGI donated more than $1 million in education grants to education agencies and programs across Pennsylvania to improve literary and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning for students throughout the UGI service territory. By supporting programs such as Juniata College’s ROAR program, UGI is helping to build the next generation of innovators, educators, employees, and customers.

For more information about UGI’s involvement in the communities we serve, visit www.ugi.com/community and to learn more about Juniata College, visit www.juniata.edu.

 

 

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UGI Helps Nardone Brothers Expand Pizza Operation

Posted on by Sidney Purnell

The eastern United States’ largest commercial pizza manufacturer, located in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, is about to get a lot bigger. UGI is making sure Nardone Brothers Baking Company and its 300 employees have the natural gas and electric power they need to make their expansion an extra-large success.

More than a year ago, one of Nardone Brothers’ two locations, a bakery in Wilkes-Barre, was destroyed by an accidental fire. The Nardones decided restoring and renovating the bakery would not meet the company’s growing customer demand as expeditiously as building a 50,000-square-foot expansion at the company’s Hanover Township location. This facility originally “topped” pizza shells baked in Wilkes-Barre and then shipped them throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

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UGI employees Larry Sipsky, Tim Adams, and Joe Bauman inspect the upgraded gas metering facilities.

“We always wanted to do it,” said co-owner Thomas Nardone, speaking of the expansion, “but the longer we waited the bigger (our needs) got. From something catastrophic, we found a way to move forward.”

From UGI’s perspective, the Nardone Brothers’ expansion presents an interesting challenge. The expanded facility requires a diversified electric load, ranging from freezers to ovens and conveyors. Because there will be greater need for electric power, UGI added a second 2000kv electric service to the plant and installed a new electric meter – on a Sunday so as not to disrupt the plant’s production. In addition, UGI added facilities to accommodate the increased gas flow.

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Nardone Brothers’ new facility has been upgraded to include expanded electric and gas power for its operations.

The Nardone family has been in the pizza business since 1942. Thanks to clean and affordable natural gas fueling their continued growth, they look forward to their next 75 years of operation so future generations will continue to “taste the tradition.”

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