CNG Receives National Recognition for Best Practice in Damage Prevention
American Gas Association recognizes CNG for proactively reducing damage with quality assurance/ quality control program
ORANGE, Conn. December 23, 2025 — Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., was recognized by the American Gas Association (AGA) for best practice in damage prevention for its Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) program.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the AGA as a best practice in damage prevention, proving an unwavering commitment to innovation and gas safety,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of CNG. “I am proud of the CNG team for all of their work and continued dedication to providing safe and reliable service to our community.”
The QA/QC program is a damage prevention tool based on proactive field oversight, consistent training, and accountability. QA/QC inspectors are dedicated to location and excavation safety compliance and serve as an on-site supervisor at Call Before You Dig sites to inspect, audit, and ensure safe excavation practices. CNG implemented a trouble locate escalation process where mapping and signal discrepancies trigger immediate flagging and further investigation using wire insertion technology, vac trucks, and mainline cameras.
“This recognition from the AGA is a testament to the hard work we have put into the QA/QC program to ensure safe practices at job sites,” said Ross Disbennett, Director of CNG’s Gas Operations and Technical Services. “Our goal is to prioritize safety not only for our workforce, but for our customers by preventing damage that could lead to gas leaks and service interruptions. This also serves as an education initiative where we teach customers how to practice safe techniques around gas pipes and ensure they are following the proper guidelines.”
CNG has maintained a third-party damage rate under 1.00 for the past four consecutive years, averaging 0.95 annually across about 55,000 tickets per year. The total damage rate is calculated by the number of damages per 1,000 tickets.
“AGA is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of Connecticut Natural Gas in enhancing public safety through its work in reducing damages caused to gas infrastructure by excavators,” said AGA VP, Safety, Operations & Engineering Andrew Lu. “Excavation damage continues to be the leading cause of pipeline incidents for natural gas utilities across the country. The leading practices applied by CNG are a testament to the effectiveness of CNG’s 811 education and proactive efforts in working with other utilities, municipalities, project owners, homeowners and the excavator community.”
Call Before You Dig is a free service and a state requirement for damage prevention. Contractors and homeowners should call 800.922.4455 between two and 10 business days before digging begins. Learn more at Call Before You Dig - CNG.
Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro
angela.baccaro@avangrid.com
(203) 836-0874