Vice President, Capital Programs & Engineering / Quality
Jeff Willman
Vice President, Water Operations
Craig Jackson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Sabine Karner
Vice President and Controller
Joseph M. Perkins, Jr.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Joe Sutherland
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Jodi Whitney
Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer
Mike Strohl
Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer
John Lucas
Vice President, Information Technology
Curtis Popp
Vice President, Customer Operations
COMPANY VISION:
Enhance the well-being of our customers, communities, and employees by providing unparalleled service now and for generations to come.
COMPANY MISSION:
We fulfill the Promise of the Trust to provide essential utility services for our customers and communities, maintain the lowest possible rates with sound financial management, and create the greatest long-term benefit through a unique business structure.
ENGAUGE
Engauge is published by Citizens Energy Group, Corporate and Public Affairs Department, under the direction of Shannon Stahley, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs. It is distributed to the company’s employees and retirees, and to other interested parties upon request. The Corporate and Public Affairs Department welcomes any ideas, comments, or suggestions from readers on how this publication might better serve you. Please email the Corporate and Public Affairs Department at alowe@citizensenergygroup.com or call 317.927.4336.
Editor: Adam Lowe
Contributors:
Ben Easley
Susan Harris
Terri Zaichek
Graphic Arts: Wayne Stohs
Joel Bustamante
Engineers Without Borders – 2024 Kickball Tournament
A team from Citizens Energy Group participated in the 2024 Kickball Tournament Fundraiser for the Indianapolis Chapter of Engineers without Borders. The event raised almost $5,000 which will help support an upcoming trip to Laurel Gompuene, Ecuador to implement improvements to the community’s water distribution system.
The Citizens team took second place in the tournament overall, but was the top fundraiser with $910!
The Citizens team consisted of Chris Kennedy, Jamie Schultz, Rich Newell, Brad Hostetler, John Trypus, Payton Staman, Allison Walker, Jon Michael Lukens, Ed Bukovac, and Brandon Carter.
Volunteering as umpires for the tournament were Derek Sutton (GIS lead on the Laurel Gompuene project) and Susan Harris (Vice President of the Indianapolis Chapter). To learn more about the organization or the project, please visit the website: https://www.ewb-indianapolis-chapter.org/
On the Cover
Students from UIndy’s Summer Success Camp visit the White River Treatment Plant as part of their summer experience exploring STEM careers.
Community Resource Day
Saturday, October 5
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Citizens Energy Group General Office
Many members of our community lack access to essential resources, services, and information. We’re excited to host Community Resource Day, featuring community organizations, local businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions and many more.
We will have free food, fun activities for kids, and free resources for families in need, including backpacks with school supplies, hats and gloves, hygiene kits, and gently used clothes.
Employees are encouraged to share event information with customers. If you would like to volunteer or participate, please email Kenya McMillin at kmcmillin@citizensenergygroup.com.
Citizens Energy Group Health and Wellness Fair
Tuesday, October 22 (General Office) and Wednesday, October 23 (Langsdale)
Employees, spouses and retirees are invited to attend Citizens Energy Group’s second annual Health & Wellness Fair!
VETERANS
Employee Veteran Celebration Luncheon
Wednesday, November 6
Where: American Legion Post 64, 601 S. Holt Rd
Employees who are veterans are invited to a special celebration luncheon. Each attendee is encouraged (but not required) to bring a jar of peanut butter to help fill the Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF) Food Pantry.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Veteran Volunteer Event
October
17
Employees who are veterans are invited to take part in a special service project in partnership with Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF). Morning and afternoon shifts will be available, with morning shifts focusing on beautification projects, and afternoon shifts working on the HVAF food pantry. Contact Shannon Frederick at sfrederick@citizensenergygroup.com for more information.
Benefits Open Enrollment
Monday, October 28 through Friday, November 8
Where: Trust-wide
Employees are invited to make elections or changes to their benefits during our annual open enrollment period.
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Saturday,
November 9
Where: General Office
Citizens Energy Group is once again sponsoring the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Saturday, November 9, and employees can get involved!
The course for both the half marathon and the full marathon will pass by our General Office at 2020 N. Meridian St. starting at 10:00 am on race day. We want to put together the best cheer squad the marathon has ever seen, so employees are invited to bring their families and help us turn the route into celebration central! If cheering isn’t your thing, help quench runners’ thirst by volunteering at our H2O to Go trailer. Signup information is available on iTrust.
We hope you can join us as we show Monumental Marathon runners what it means to be Citizens!
Benefits Corner
Citizens Hosts Second Annual Health and Wellness Fair
Employees, spouses, and retirees are invited to attend Citizens Energy Group’s second annual Health & Wellness Fair! You will have a chance to talk with and ask questions of several benefit vendors also, including Anthem, Delta Dental, Guardian, Fidelity and Northwind before the Open Enrollment period begins. You will have the opportunity to get your annual flu shot and Prostate Specific Antigen Screening (PSA) for men over 40, and participate in the Blood Drive (Corporate only).
When: October 22 from 11am-2pm
Where: Corporate Office
2020 N. Meridian Street
When: October 23 from 7:30-10:30am
Where: Langsdale 1B
2150 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Not able to attend? Don’t worry, we will also have the option to attend virtually through Citizens Connect! You will receive a notification when the virtual fair opens on October 21, and it will remain open until November 8. If you are not currently using Citizens Connect, be sure to scan the QR code at the bottom.
Employees can earn Well Points for the following:
• 50 Well Points: Participate in the in-person or virtual Health & Wellness Fair
• 50 Well Points: Participate in the blood drive (Corporate only) – Sign up using the QR code below.
• 75 Well Points: Get your annual flu shot
• 100 Well Points: Men over 40, get your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening – Sign up using the QR code below.
When: Monday, October 28 through Friday, November 8
Employees MUST elect benefits. Current elections will not automatically rollover to 2025. Beginning on October 28, employees may log into bswift at ceg.bswift.com and elect benefits. All elections made during Open Enrollment will be in effect for the 2025 Plan Year. Please reach out to your HR Team if you have any questions.
Employees and spouses can stay up to date on benefit changes, deadlines, and more with Citizens Connect. Scan the QR code to create your own account. Go to settings to add your phone number or email address to get started.
Cheryl Carlson Honored
Cheryl Carlson, Manager Environmental Compliance Programs, was awarded the John M. Craddock Award at the Indiana Water Environment Association’s annual conference on August 14. The award recognizes any industrial employee, university student or professor, consulting engineer, governmental personnel or any other individual or facility deemed to have made an outstanding contribution in the field of industrial wastewater treatment or pretreatment program administration by IWEA’s Pretreatment Committee, which has enhanced and improved the quality of the environment and/or the health and safety of the public.
Jeff Guinn, Supervisor Technical Lead Pretreatment Programs, said in his nomination, “Cheryl has been an instrumental figure with the implementation of the delegated Industrial Pretreatment Program for the city of Indianapolis for many years while employed with the city of Indianapolis and now Citizens Energy Group. Cheryl was integral in securing the delegation of the Industrial Pretreatment Program following the 2011 acquisition of the wastewater system by Citizens. Her knowledge of the program and its underlying requirements has added immeasurable value, with her involvement in program activities ranging from providing support for agency audits of the Industrial Pretreatment Program or revisions to the sewer use ordinance to respond to changes in federal policy and regulation. Cheryl’s experiences and knowledge of the program have supported training for staff new to the Pretreatment Program and allowed her to engage in critically needed knowledge management activities to document processes and protect program implementation when planning for the retirement of experienced staff with institutional knowledge. Cheryl’s impact has been vital in the protection of the environment for central Indiana through her contributions in pretreatment and all the other compliance activities she’s supported throughout her career.”
General Office Employee Entrance Gets Refresh
Last year’s updates to Citizens vision, mission, and values continue to be reflected throughout the Trust, with a major redesign of the employee entrance at Citizens main office being the latest project showcasing the changes. The process reached across multiple teams within the Trust, led by contributions from the Internal Branding Committee, comprised of employees from HR, Corporate & Public Affairs, and Capital Programs & Engineering. The overhaul features new wall art for the vision, mission, and values, designed by Joel Bustamante, Graphic and Multimedia Designer, as well as new furnishings, and floor, ceiling and wall treatments designed by consultant Mitsch Design. The process was overseen by Crit Crabtree, Manager Engineering. Even the furnishings within the redesigned space have a purposeful backstory. Tables were supplied by Purposeful Design, a firm helping men experiencing challenges with addiction, homelessness, incarceration and other obstacles, and empowering them with invaluable work skills. Not only are the men learning marketable job traits, they are also building a foundation necessary for successful employment and living: discipline, trustworthiness, and relationship skills. Sale of the furniture made by Purposeful Design creates a revenue stream to further support the mission of rebuilding lives.
Meet Human Resources’ Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management Department
In November 2022, Citizens’ Diversity and Inclusion and Organizational Development teams merged to become the Diversity, Inclusion, and Talent Management Department. The department’s mission is to promote a continuous learning culture that encourages individual growth and leadership development through quality training programs, diversity education and inclusive collaborations which enhance employee engagement. Diversity and inclusion go hand-in-hand with talent management, and this partnership is designed to upskill the workforce with essential competencies, ensure employees feel a sense of belonging during their career, and have the resources needed to perform at their fullest potential in their current roles. A small team with a big impact, the department is led by Tamiko Kendrick, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management. The team includes Zoya Barker, Culture and Inclusion Specialist, Tony Cunningham, Manager Organizational Development and Training, Breanne Fite, LMS Administrator, and Alyvion Campbell, Intern.
1. What do you think is important for employees to know about the training department?
Tony shares “We are focused on continuous improvement, fostering a positive work culture, and aligning the organization’s goals with individual growth. Regardless of your desire to grow vertically or horizontally. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of the Trust.” Zoya recognizes the diversity of personal and professional backgrounds in the team, “Each team member truly brings a unique skillset that allows us to challenge each other and find creative solutions to problems.”
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
Work at Citizens can be fast paced, and for many, days never look the same. Tamiko shares “Every day is different and there is never a dull moment when you have the opportunity to collaborate with employees who bring different perspectives and ideas.” Tony dedicates his focus to “analyzing and reviewing learning and development research, trying to make sure our department’s strategic plan is aligned or even ahead of the industry trends when it comes to skills and performance growth,” while Breanne is often “responding to CSA related inquiries, prepping for upcoming training sessions, and working with departments across the Trust to integrate their training initiatives into CSA.” The team isn’t just dedicated to helping others grow but ensuring team members grow as well. As an intern, Alyvion shares “working as an intern has given me the opportunity to be a part of a learning organization that not only allows me to grow my skills and knowledge but enables me to contribute to the success of my team and department.”
3. What should fellow employees know about the work that the Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management Department does for the organization?
Zoya: “I am truly a resource for employees. My job is to ensure that all employees feel safe to bring as much or as little of themselves to work as they feel comfortable doing. I entered this line of work because of my love for people and passion for humanity.” Tony highlights Citizens unique approach to learning management and skills development, “(My goal) is to guide the growth of our employees’ leadership tool kits, grow their professional skills, coach them through their leadership and do it all while being innovative. (This) allows for each employee to develop transferrable skills. In my discussions with colleagues, it sounds like what we are rolling out has never been done specifically in the utility industry.”
4. People are more than just their jobs; what do you like to do outside of work?
Tamiko: “Family is everything to me! Social gatherings with family and friends, especially our grandchildren are top priority, so I spend a lot of time cooking, grilling, playing board and outdoor games, along with traveling to beach destinations. When I am not spending time with our biological family, I’m fellowshipping with my bonus church family where husband is Senior Pastor. ”
Zoya: “My family means more than anything to me. I have two much younger sisters who are still in high school who I love to support as much as possible. While being a big sister is my favorite hobby, you can frequently find me crafting or working on a DIY project. I love anything that allows me to be creative. I spend most weeknights walking my 3-year-old Great Pyrenees, Cilantro.”
Tony: “Outside of Citizens, I am a dad of three kids – two girls and a boy. Now that my kids are 15, 19, and 22, I’ve started traveling more and look forward to more international travel.” Additionally, Tony spends time coaching arena football, going to the movies, and collecting comics. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at Martin University and plans to pursue his doctorate.
Breanne: “I love to spend time with my family! I’m a mom of three, one bio and two bonus. When I’m not on mom duty, I love to go thrifting, hang out in a hammock, or work at my haunted house - Yes, a Halloween attraction. It’s a year-round hobby when you throw in set-up, tear-down, and off-season events!”
Alyvion: “I enjoy being a mother to my three kids, online video gaming, shopping, volunteering, and working on arts and crafts projects.”
Best Places to Work Survey – We Heard You!
Thank you to those who participated in the Best Places to Work engagement survey. Your feedback is essential to maintaining an inclusive culture and improving employee engagement. Directors received score breakdowns and trends specific to their department. They were tasked with creating an action plan based on those results. In upcoming months, you can expect more communications about improvements that will be made within departments and across the Trust. Some improvement areas identified so far include all-employee communications, employee recognition, and work-life balance.
Left to right: Tamiko Kendrick, Zoya Barker, Alvion Campbell, Breanne Fite, and Tony Cunningham,
Citizens Employees Complete Three Service Projects
Citizens employees recently completed a third service project in collaboration with SAWs (Servants at Work, Inc.), a volunteer organization specializing in building accessibility ramps for low-income, permanently disabled individuals. Citizens provides financial support to the organization, and this year, more than 30 employees took part in ramp builds at three households. Citizens believes in enhancing the quality of life for all our residents, including our low-income neighbors with permanent disabilities. Access to a wheelchair ramp often opens the door to freedom and allows individuals to reconnect to the outside world.
Becky Schaefer, Director for Supply Chain, shared “I’m grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with my team and others around the Trust at a SAWs build. I was excited to help provide someone freedom to leave their house safely. Upon arriving, I felt even more motivated due to the emotional connection after learning the homeowner’s story. It was energizing to work on a safe wheelchair ramp with other volunteers. It was well organized by Citizens and the SAWs volunteers. I left feeling like we made a meaningful difference in our community.”
Citizens volunteer initiative, Citizens for Good, was adopted to recognize the efforts of both Citizens as a company, and the many individual employees working here, to make Central Indiana a better place to live, work, and play. The mission of Citizens for Good is to offer a wide variety of volunteering, service, and giving opportunities that encourage employee contributions, while meeting their interests and capacities for involvement. We celebrate and recognize volunteerism and service to the community, and support employees in their personal volunteer efforts.
Meet Zoya Barker, Culture and Inclusion Specialist
Zoya Barker joined the Citizens Energy Group team in March 2022. Having graduated from Butler University in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, it was a difficult time to get started in a new career. Zoya went on to pursue a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and during her two years at IU Indianapolis, she worked as a graduate assistant at IU Health Foundation with the donor experience team.
1. What attracted you to Citizens?
Both of my parents have worked in the energy/utility industry for most of their careers. I never expected to follow in their footsteps, but when I came across this job, it seemed like my dream job. It was solidified when I learned how long many employees have been with Citizens. It’s rare for people to stay one place for so long, especially today.
2. What do you appreciate about working at Citizens?
I have felt extremely supported as a young professional. While I genuinely love my work, the people in my corner make all the difference. Since day one I have been encouraged to ask questions, challenge the process, and challenge myself. I’ve soaked up so much knowledge just by being in the same space as so many seasoned employees and subject matter experts. There is something special about an environment where you can feel safe making mistakes, especially as you are learning who you want to be as a professional.
3. What are some challenges you face in your job?
There is a lot of change and ambiguity in the diversity and inclusion space. Language is constantly changing and there is rarely a clear-cut answer. While I find beauty in this, working in so much uncertainty can prove difficult. Because of this, committing to diversity and inclusion means committing to continuous learning. A term or phrase may be accurate one day and obsolete the next.
4. If you could instill a single diversity and inclusion lesson into everyone at Citizens, what would it be, and why?
Do not let the fear of failure stop you from trying. I know these topics can feel extremely daunting. You may be nervous that you’ll say the wrong thing, ask the wrong question, or be judged or labeled. That feeling is completely normal. You will make mistakes along the way, but that’s ok. In fact, it’s encouraged. I cannot convey the number of times I’ve tripped over my own words or had my perspective challenged. It is in those moments that I have learned the most. The best thing you can do is check your ego at the door. Sometimes we are wrong. Sometimes we make mistakes. It’s how we choose to respond to those mistakes that matters.
5. What is your favorite place to travel?
For me, the most important thing about traveling is the company you take. I’ve been privileged to travel to some incredible places with friends and family. Some of my favorite memories have been trips to Mexico and the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. This month my cousin and I are taking our grandparents to New York City for the first time!
CITIZENS FOR GOOD: VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Our volunteer spotlight is a chance to meet a Citizens Energy Group employee who is making a big impact in the community outside of their job. Citizens employees are encouraged to volunteer at Citizens-sponsored events, or at community organizations of their choice.
Meet Tony Cunningham, Manager Organizational Development and Training
Tony Cunningham joined the Citizens team in January 2023 in his current role as Manager Organizational Development and Training. As Tony describes it, his role “is to enhance employee performance and organizational effectiveness by designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive training programs. I focus on identifying skills gaps and employee professional growth.”
Tony has been volunteering for more than 15 years as a resident of Lawrence Township through the YMCA and The Lawrence Township Football League youth sports group. In 2021 he formed the Lawrence Central Dads Club Organization.
Why is it important to you to volunteer?
I think it’s important to give back to the communities we live in to fill that void that some of us who are less fortunate or who are just unable to make ends meet, have a little less stress to deal with and a little more balance in their lives.
What sparked your interest in volunteering?
I have always been involved in volunteering in my community, however I saw a need to go beyond the reach of the YMCA and the youth league to touch on more serious topics.
What contribution or achievement are you most proud of?
The Lawrence Central Dads Club organization is the first of its kind. Since the formation of Lawrence Central in 1941, an 83-year historical run, and two high schools later there had never been a non-profit high school-based dads club.
Why do you feel volunteerism is important at Citizens Energy Group?
Volunteerism is one of the key aspects of company engagement. It’s crucial to Citizens new learning and development upskilling framework. It promotes community building, personal growth, social impact, positive health benefits and again corporate and professional development. You’ve volunteered for Citizens-sponsored events. What has been your favorite?
My favorite thing about volunteering at Citizens-sponsored events is the exposure to my fellow co-workers. Networking opportunities can be life changing at these events. You get the chance to sit down with all levels of management to discuss life aspirations.
About Lawrence Central Dads Club Organization
Lawrence Central Dads Club Organization 7973 Alamosa Lane Indianapolis, IN 46236
President/Founder Tony Cunningham lcbearsdadsclub@gmail.com 317-657-0333
The Lawrence Central Dads Club Organization is a partnership of parents, teachers, staff and community members focused on uplifting, educating, and strengthening the community. Like most organizations that are non-profit donations, grant opportunities and volunteers help keep the lights on and drive new initiatives. Volunteer positions that are available may include concession stand servers, conduct monitors and a limited number of board positions are available during the election periods.
Citizens and National Leaders Break Ground on 4.7 Miles of New Natural Gas Pipeline
On August 15, Citizens’ natural gas operations team hosted local and national leaders at a groundbreaking to mark the start of a multi-year project to upgrade more than four miles of legacy natural gas pipeline at key locations on the east side of Indianapolis. The upgrades are made possible by a $7.5 million federal grant. Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”, the grantmaker) alongside U.S. Congressman André Carson and local Indianapolis civic leaders provided remarks commending the impact that projects like this one can have on a community.
The site of the event was an open-cut trench near Millersville Road where newly installed, pipeline could be seen by attendees. Construction has now begun on a portion of this natural gas main in the Avondale Meadows neighborhood; it will continue generally along the Rural Street corridor between Fall Creek and 30th Street. The next two years will see additional construction along this same corridor south into the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood and at the site of a legacy natural gas main in the Far Eastside neighborhood installed more than 70 years ago. When the project is complete, the entirety of Citizens’ 4,000-mile system of natural gas mains will be composed of this safer style of pipeline. A special thank you to Paul Gruner, Construction Specialist III, for his leadership in the field during this project.
“PHMSA is proud to join Citizens Energy Group and Congressman Carson to break ground on this expedited effort to replace more than 4 miles of aged, leak-prone, cast iron pipe across Indianapolis,” said PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown. “Funding for this project was made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supporting this project to increase pipeline safety, reduce pollution, and save people money on their energy bills.”
Citizens was one of 37 recipients for this round of infrastructure funding via a Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by PHMSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will provide nearly $1 billion of funding exclusively for publicly- and community-owned gas utilities (including Indianapolis). Key goals of the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant include enhancing pipeline safety and preventing pipeline leaks, which can have impacts on the improvement of public safety and public health outcomes for neighborhoods in addition to reducing methane emissions from natural gas distribution pipes.
Also in attendance were Mr. Dave Schryver of the American Public Gas Association, Ms. Alma Trawick of the Keystone Millersville Neighborhood Association, and Mr. Barato Britt of the Edna Martin Christian Center.
For more information on the construction progress and phasing of this ongoing effort, please visit www.citizensnergygroup.com/ castironreplacement.
Quality Corner
CLASS STIP Metric Update
At the end of August, the Trust-wide project point total was 100. Our STIP levels for fiscal year 2024 are 80 project points for Threshold, 90 project points for Target, and 100 project points for Outstanding. Do you have an idea for an improvement project? Utilize the Project Pipeline on the Quality iTrust page or reach out to any member of the Quality team.
CLASS Project Benefits
The organization is realizing significant benefits from CLASS projects in FY24 with over 2,000 hours reduced and more than $2 million in financial benefits. Financial benefits are realized in three ways:
• Redirected savings are measured savings that are not taken directly from the operating budget. These dollars are re-directed to cover other costs.
• Direct savings are measured savings that are removed from the operating budget.
• Increased revenues are measured increases in revenue (typically billing). Hours that are reduced are tracked separately and not translated into financial savings (unless these are contractor or overtime hours that do impact budgeted costs). Benefits are reported in the year that the project is finished. There is a Benefits Dashboard on the Quality iTrust site that is kept tup to date with annual and historical totals.
CLASS Belt Certifications
YELLOW BELT
Absence Tracking
• Project Leader: Jared New (Water Distribution)
• Team Members: Madison England, Jim Allen and Mike Elliott
• Jared’s project created a process to track all time off (vacation, personal time, birthday usage, emergency day usage, occurrences, FMLA, etc.) for Water Distribution. Water Distribution was not tracking vacation balances and occurrence data as there was no process in place to calculate this data.
• The Water Distribution team would manually go through the steps to determine occurrences and vacation balances for each employee if they asked. This led to a lack of disciplinary action for attendance and employees going over their allotted vacation. The new process utilizes a centralized location for all employee absence data.
• Benefits: The new process was implemented in March. In the four months since implementation, vacation balances have been updated and the new process ensures that no employee goes over their allotted vacation time. The process has the supervisor review the form to ensure time is available for the employee to take. The Operations Coordinator enters and reviews all vacation/ tracked time and codes them as non-payment if vacation is not available. This is the same for occurrences. When an employee reaches disciplinary action, the supervisor is notified to issue discipline. The new process ensures that no employees get paid for vacation if they have no time available, and it also ensures discipline occurs for every occurrence over the threshold.
Water System Flushing Route Improvements
• Project Leader: Brandon Carter (Westfield Operations)
• Team Members: Jon Berry, Joe Snyder
• Brandon’s project analyzed the Westfield water system flushing process, conducted annually to ensure water quality in the system which includes more than 4,000 fire hydrants. During flushing it is not always known which direction the water is flowing; this can lead to the Field Service Representative spending up to 30 percent more time on a hydrant flush.
• By utilizing two pressure gauge monitoring devices, and flushing with the optimal flow of water, the time of flushing each hydrant is reduced. Exact hydrant flushing minutes were monitored and tracked using the hydrant flushing ESRI application that documented hydrant location, time duration, gallons of water utilized, and time/date stamp. Visual system mapping was also used to identify and document the order at which the hydrants were flushed throughout the entire system.
• Benefits: Each hydrant took 13.29 minutes in 2023, and this was reduced to 10.99 in 2024. This is a savings of 2.3 minutes per hydrant. Currently there are 2,670 hydrants (this increases every year in Westfield)
• 2,670 hydrants x 2.3 mins/hydrant = 6,141 mins = 102.35/hours
Estimating Natural Gas Volumes for Citizens Thermal
• Project Leader: Rosemary Meagher (Gas Supply)
• Rosemary’s project focused on the process of estimating the gas volume used at Citizens Thermal Perry K steam plant to fuel boilers and produce steam for its customer network. Accurate gas volume estimates are essential for successfully hedging the correct volume and mitigating the price risk that accompanies natural gas purchase activity. The estimates for Perry K’s gas usage frequently exceeded the contractual +/- 20% tolerance.
• An in-depth analysis of thermal production data and gas usage data from July 2020 – June 2024 was conducted. An exploratory data analysis was performed to inform a new estimation method, which is a combination of linear regression modelling techniques and progressive calculations.
• Benefits: The new estimation process is more explanatory and more predictive than the existing process. Using January to July 2024 in both models, the average improvement in the model accuracy was 50%.
Primary Solids Optimization
• Project Leader: Tim Perez (Wastewater Plant Operations)
• Team Members: Ted Folck
• Tim’s project analyzed the inconsistencies of the sludge solids content which can vary between 1% - 10% prior to entering the wet well for processing. The inconsistency of the sludge can cause increased usage of gas and polymer, inconsistent and volatile incinerator temperatures, and can disrupt the entire plant process as it creates inconsistencies in blend, recycle and off-balance inventory levels.
• An automated program was developed to control the primary pumping. The program makes sure that the process is constantly pumping solids—and not water—and it stays on thicker tanks longer.
• Benefits: Since the implementation of the automated program, the solids have not dropped below 4% and peak around 6.5% during normal flow. In addition, the goal of balanced levels in the primary pumping is being achieved.
ADVANCED YELLOW BELT
SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) Cycle Time
• Project Leader: Randy Higginbotham (Westfield)
• Team Members: Paul Stultz, Dallen Hedges
• Randy’s project created a standard process to optimize the cycle structures and times. Different operational flows and loadings have led to issues with the DO (dissolved oxygen) and also caused some effluent problems with DO, TSS (total suspended solids), CBOD (carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand), ammonias, and phosphorus limits. The solution was to change the aeration process. The old retrievable air diffusers were replaced with fixed disc membrane diffusers in each SBR (sequencing batch reactor) tank.
• Benefits: The new fixed membrane diffusers have significantly reduced electrical needs, leading to a reduction in electrical bills by $113,000 each year. These will be redirected as plant expansion will start to increase electrical costs.
Gas Meter Painting
• Project Leader: John Eddington (Gas Distribution & Transmission)
• Team Members: Steve Griffin, John Scott, Jason Dewey
• John’s project addressed the challenges of remaining in compliance with state and federal regulations pertaining to gas meter painting. Gas Distribution & Transmission is required to paint approximately 8,000 meters and piping in the next two years. Traditionally this work had been completed by Utility Service Specialists, but due to understaffing, there are limited resources to complete this task with higher priority work within gas, water, and wastewater.
• Based on the review of multiple factors and utilizing the bargaining unit, Utility Helper positions were determined to provide the best means to mitigate challenges from training/turnover. Meter painting jobs are assigned in KloudGin with report out tracking via a monthly compliance meeting.
• Benefits: Through the end of June 2024, 6,332 (79%) of the initial 8,000 gas meters have been painted.
Trust-wide Policy Review and Approval
• Project Leader: Mark Bender (Human Resources)
• Team Members: Alex Valle, Misty Douglas, Doug Buffington, Adrianne Bowers, Beth Smith, Ronda Woods
• Mark’s project created a process to facilitate the review of policies within the required three-year cycle, prevent non-policy-related documents from appearing when employees search from the Trust-wide Policy iTrust site and created a process to communicate new and updated policies to employees.
• Prior to the new process, Trust-wide policies were not being updated on the required three-year cycle by the Citizens Policy Review Team. In 2023, 15 policies were due to be reviewed. In addition, 41 were still due from 2022 and nine from 2021 or earlier.
• Benefits: The number of policies reviewed and approved have increased from 2021 (22) and 2022 (26) to (39) in 2023. For 2024, 16 have been approved to date and the team is on target to complete all scheduled reviews with the new meeting format and expectations. All policies received by the team are up to date within the two year cycle.
RECENTLY COMPLETED JUST DO IT (JDI) PROJECTS
Just Do It projects are a great way to continuously improve something where the solution is already known. This doesn’t mean it necessarily has to be a quick or simple project, it just doesn’t go through the DMAIC process. But Just Do It projects can make a big impact in efficiency and savings. All completed Just Do It projects can be found on Quality’s CI Activities and Completed Projects page.
• Skip/Trouble Code Revision – Paula Birdsong (Shared Field Services)
• Energy Labor Budget Model Redesign – Christina Clark (Accounting)
• Thermal New Customer Assumptions – Christina Clark (Accounting)
• Expense Type Clean-Up Shared Services – Nicole Keith (Accounting)
• Gas Leak Routing and Response Times – Gary Young (Shared Field Services)
• Next Generation Firewall – Kyle Watkins (Information Technology)
Utilities Unite for Customers
In recent years, Citizens Energy Group and AES Indiana have come together under the banner of “Utilities Unite for Customers” (UUC) to better provide Central Indiana residents the information they may need regarding potential financial assistance for utility bills. This information has generally been updated and redistributed in the fall ahead of colder weather and the programmatic period of the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to which customers of both utilities can apply. Citizens and AES Indiana each also have internal programs which can provide financial assistance to customers. The United Way of Central Indiana has become an additional partner in this endeavor with their broadly available Winter Assistance Fund.
“We realized that partnering to make information on all of these resources available in the same place was a better way to serve our community,” said Shannon Stahley, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs. “We’ve also worked to be very in tune with NEUAC [National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition] and regional collaborations of utility companies who focus on communicating about financial assistance programming. There are a lot of best practices that we will continue to implement as we work to provide the greatest value to our customers.”
The Corporate & Public Affairs team is currently in the process of updating key informational resources with the details of various programs for the 2024-2025 home-heating season. When complete, these will be translated into several key languages spoken in Central Indiana and made available via our Citizens web pages focused on financial assistance. These will also be distributed via partnerships (community centers, schools, businesses) across our service area as well as at Community Resource Day event on October 5.
If you are connected with a community organization (school, youth group, club, house of worship, volunteer organization, etc.) in Central Indiana which might benefit from a centralized informational resource regarding applying for financial assistance with utility bills, please get in contact for copies of the Utilities Unite for Customers flyer as they are updated: beasley@citizensenergygroup.com
New Employees
Tucker Embree Gas
George Cooper Water Antwoine Crawford Corporate Support Services
Kaleb Edwards Water
Ryan Francis Corporate Support Services
Jessica Franklin Corporate Support Services
Anissa Ingram Corporate Support Services
Shawn Remick Corporate Support Services
Steven Richmond Water
Justin Reed Corporate Support Services
Trevor Sizemore Water
Sophia Velikan Corporate Support Services
Jennifer Wallace Corporate Support Services
Angela Waters Corporate Support Services
Warren Chekaluk Corporate Support Services
Shahzad Baig Corporate Support Services
Aaron Beemer Water
Zachary Bennett Water
Joseph Berry Corporate Support Services
Chrissy Bruns Corporate Support Services Onkar Chavan Corporate Support Services
Joel Moore Wastewater
Alexxa Myers Corporate Support Services
Daniel Powers Water
Aiden Kosegi Corporate Support Services
Chelsea Merriman, Corporate Support Services
Benjamin Meyer Corporate Support Services
Trevon Molock Wastewater
Sally Wood Corporate Support Services
Chelsie Wilgenbusch Corporate Support Services D'Mon Williams Corporate Support Services
University of Indianapolis Summer Camp Visits Citizens
On June 18, more than 100 high school students, collegiate camp counselors, and support staff visited Citizens Energy Group facilities as part of a summer camp aimed at helping students learn how college can connect them with rewarding STEM careers.
The Summer Success Camp, provided by the University of Indianapolis and funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, brings low-income and prospective first-generation college students from Perry Township schools to UIndy’s campus for a weeklong collegiate experience. The students, many of whom qualify for free and reduced lunches and are 21st Century Scholars, live on campus, eat at the dining hall, and go on interactive field trips – which, this year, included Citizens’ Belmont Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as the White River Treatment Plant.
Rebecca Franks, UIndy Assistant Director for Arts and Sciences Careers, voiced her thanks for the team of Citizens employees who made the field trip possible. “I want to express my gratitude for your planning, organization, time, and execution for our visit. The tours were incredibly informative. The students, while quiet on site, had much to say about the processes and techniques once they were back on campus all together. We have never done a split field trip, and because of all your preparation, it was smooth and stress-free.”
A camp counselor who participated in the field trip shared “My campers and I found it really interesting to learn what happens to water after we use it and it leaves our homes. The sewer system is so much more intricate than any of us had imagined. I never thought about how extensive the cleaning/purification process was until this field trip. It was fascinating to learn how much water we use every day as a city and how fast our drinking water is replenished by Citizens. Now, every time I drink water, I think about all the time and steps it took to make it safe.”
A special thank you to the Citizens employees who collaborated on this experience:
Mark Cork
Tony Harvey
Dustin Abramson
Doug Buffington
Tamiko Kendrick
Mark Bender
Misty Douglas
Pete Corsaro
Montrice Young
Latrice Stafford
Ashley Banks
Jessica Small
Tony Cunningham
Joel Bustamante
Adam Lowe
Crit Crabtree
2020 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
In Memoriam
We are saddened to report the recent passing of three retirees.
James Alvis on August 1, 2024. James retired on April 1, 1999, after 32 years of service. Beverly Dean on August 5, 2024. Beverly retired on February 1, 1995, after 32 years of service. David Titara, on February 4th, 2024. .David started working for Indianapolis Water on June 30, 2008 and was part of the Indianapolis Water acquisition in 2011.
