Members’ corner

In this new section of International Gas we invite members to introduce themselves to readers and profile their activities and relationship with IGU. To begin the series we spoke to Dave McCurdy, the President & CEO of the American Gas Association, which was an observer at IGU’s founding Council meeting in June 1931 and joined the Union in 1932.

International Gas (IG) C ould you introduce AGA briefly to readers in terms of your membership and activities?

Dave McCurdy (DM) In 2018, the American Gas Association (AGA) is celebrating 100 years of representing local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of clean natural gas to homes and businesses across the country. AGA is committed to leveraging and utilising America’s abundant, domestic, affordable and clean natural gas to help meet the nation’s energy and environmental needs. Today, natural gas meets more

than one-fourth of the United States’ energy needs. Some 177 million Americans use natural gas in their homes or businesses and 94% of them receive their gas from AGA members.

Safety is our industry’s top priority. Natural gas utilities invest $700 every second, or $24 billion per year, to help

c AGA President & CEO, Dave McCurdy welcomes delegates at the opening ceremony of WGC 2018.

v AGA recently completed a full renovation of its headquarters in Washington DC.

The 2018 Chair of AGA’s Board of Directors is Kimberly J. Harris, President & CEO of Puget Sound Energy, who is seen here addressing WGC 2018.

enhance the safety and reliability of natural gas distribution and transmission systems. Safety is a joint effort – a partnership that engages customers, regulators and policymakers at every level. We are committed to proactively collaborating with federal and state regulators, public officials, emergency responders, excavators, consumers, safety advocates and the public to continue improving the industry’s longstanding record of providing natural gas service safely and effectively.

On issues from customer service to advancing new technologies, natural gas utilities help improve the quality of life for natural gas customers every day. AGA’s mission is to provide clear value to its membership and serve as the indispensable, leading voice and facilitator on its behalf in promoting the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses across the nation.

IG 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of AGA; could you give us a brief overview of the Association’s milestones?

DM Natural gas utilities have been around since the early 1800s but on June 6, 1918, two existing natural gas associations came together in New York to create the American Gas Association.

A year later, the first publication of American Gas Monthly was launched, which provided our member company employees and industry professionals with essential information to benefit the industry. Now called American Gas, the magazine covers all aspects of the natural gas industry, focusing on technological advancements, safety, emerging economic and regulatory trends and workforce development. American Gas produces 10 issues each year for its 11,000 subscribers who can also access it online at www.aga.org.

In 1970, AGA moved its headquarters to Rosslyn, Virginia as lobbying Congress and federal agencies from New York City was proving to be both impractical and costly. In 1999, AGA moved again to its current headquarters at 400 North Capitol Street, NW, just across from the United States Capitol, and within walking distance of most federal agencies. This year, we completed a full renovation of that space, creating a work environment with all of the modern amenities and the ability to continue to host important meetings.

Finally, AGA hosted the World Gas Conference for the first time in Washington DC 30 years ago with President Ronald Reagan speaking at the opening ceremony. In June 2018,

AGA first hosted the WGC in 1955 in New York followed by Washington DC in 1988. Pictured at the lectern is John Kean, IGU President 1985-1988, introducing US President Ronald Reagan as the guest of honour.

we had the honour of hosting the conference again – which attracted more than 10,000 attendees from over 90 different countries.

IG What do you see as the key messages from WGC 2018 for the industry?

DM I would first like to say that hosting the World Gas Conference in our nation’s capital for the second time was an accomplishment that AGA is proud of, but, most importantly, we provided an appropriate venue for critical conversations about the future of our industry.

Throughout the conference there was a focus on natural gas exports and innovations and advancements in technology that will continue to enhance the value of natural gas. Also, how we can use this progress to help ensure that carbon emissions continue to decline and prices remain affordable for customers at home and abroad. We are fortunate enough to have the resources to continue turning these ideas into reality and investing in our nation’s energy future. There was also a discussion on how the US is building relationships with other countries that are seeking clean energy sources. Although clean energy was a critical message during WGC 2018, other countries discussed health and security. Unfortunately, there are many countries around the globe that do not have access to basic energy needs. Countries are pursuing natural gas to help provide clean and affordable energy to their nations.

IG While the USA ’s Presidency of IGU has just ended, David Carroll will continue to be part of the IGU Management Team and John Heer of AGA member CenterPoint Energy is chairing the Storage Committee. How will representatives of other AGA members be supporting the IGU committees during the 2018- 2021 triennium?

DM AGA will continue to be engaged with IGU going forward. There are a number of critical topics that the IGU focuses on at a global level, and continuing discussions with our partners around the world can only help us continue to advance a clean, affordable and reliable energy future for our nation.

IG A GA is a longstanding IGU member, what do you see as the main benefits the Union offers its members?

DM Industry collaboration across the globe is extremely beneficial to all parties. From knowledge exchange to relationship and partnership building, sharing with and learning from others can help produce industry innovation and technology advancements and improvements across the board. We look forward to continued collaboration with our international counterparts.

IG T hank you.