GAS CONTROL CENTER

By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer — Gas Operations

The Energy Cooperative’s Gas Control Center (Gas Control) is critical to ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of natural gas from our pipeline system to our members. Gas control acts as the nerve center of our gas distribution network, managing the flow of gas through pipelines and storage facilities, monitoring system integrity, and responding to emergencies.

REAL-TIME MONITORING

At the core of gas control operations is real-time monitoring. Dispatchers utilize an advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to oversee the entire gas storage and pipeline network. This system provides real-time data on pressure and flow rates, enabling dispatchers to quickly make informed decisions. This continuous monitoring is essential for maintaining the balance between gas supply and demand; and preventing potential disruptions in service.

SAFETY

Safety is paramount in our gas control operations. With the use of our SCADA system, we can detect abnormal pressure changes and flows. In the event of an anomaly, these systems alert our dispatchers, who can then take immediate action to make corrections and mitigate risks.

This may involve shutting down affected pipeline sections, rerouting gas flows, or coordinating with field crews for on-site inspections and repairs. Additionally, gas control plays a key role in regulatory stewardship. By monitoring gas operations, it ensures we are in compliance with pipeline safety regulations.

EMERGENCY REPONSE

Emergency response is another critical aspect of gas control operations. Dispatchers are trained to handle a wide range of scenarios, from natural disasters to equipment failures. They maintain constant communication with field personnel, local authorities, and emergency services to ensure coordinated and effective responses to any incidents.

Efficiency in gas delivery is also a primary focus. Gas control optimizes gas flows to focus on the least-cost gas supply. They also schedule gas deliveries to meet peak demand periods and adjust flows to accommodate maintenance activities or unexpected supply disruptions

In summary, gas control center operations are vital for the seamless and safe delivery of natural gas. Through real-time monitoring, emergency response, system optimization, and regulatory compliance, our control center ensures that natural gas remains a safe and reliable energy source for our members.

If you smell natural gas or see or hear something that appears unsafe, go to a safe place and call our gas control center any time, day or night at 800-255-6815.