Berkshire Gas Strengthens Emergency Response Capabilities with Annual Training Exercise
Tabletop exercise offered team members a chance to test, refine, and strengthen response procedures in a controlled environment
PITTSFIELD, MA — December 16, 2024 — In preparation for the 2025 winter season, Berkshire Gas Company (BGC), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), held its annual emergency response tabletop exercise to evaluate and refine its response procedures. The drill focused on the Incident Command Structure (ICS) outlined in the Unified Gas Emergency Plan (UGEP).
"The goal of exercises like this is to foster ongoing improvement in our preparedness," said Sue Kristjansson, President of Berkshire Gas. "By consistently training and simulating real-life emergencies, we ensure our team is always equipped to respond swiftly and effectively. This commitment to continuous learning not only reinforces our dedication to safety, but also enhances coordination across our operations.”
More than 20 employees, all trained and assigned to specific roles within the ICS, participated in the exercise. Led by Avangrid’s Emergency Management department and in partnership with the Utility Response Training Association (URTA), the event involved employees divided into three key sections: Incident Command Staff, Operations, and Planning.
“The unpredictable nature of natural gas emergencies requires us to be fully prepared,” said Joseph Huff, Manager of Gas Operations at BGC. “This exercise was a valuable opportunity to practice our response in a controlled environment, enhancing our communication, identifying gaps, and refining our procedures. Teamwork is essential to ensure a swift and coordinated response when the need arises.”
The tabletop exercise included three scenarios: initial notification, incident management, and recovery/business continuity. Each scenario began with a multimedia update, followed by discussions where employees evaluated response strategies, identified key issues, and considered ways to improve coordination, resource allocation, and external agency collaboration.
“We aimed to simulate realistic situations, such as gas leaks and pipeline ruptures, to provide our team with a practical, real-world experience,” said Jennifer Pearce, Vice President of Reliability Assurance and Emergency Management at Avangrid. “The exercise focused on critical aspects like communication, evacuation procedures, and ensuring a swift, safe response. We are proud of the commitment and dedication of our employees in fulfilling their roles during emergencies.”
Following the exercise, evaluators documented feedback and will compile an After-Action Report (AAR) and Improvement Plan (IP) to further enhance BGC’s emergency response strategies. Similar exercises were conducted across Avangrid’s operations in Maine, Connecticut, and New York, underscoring the company’s dedication to maintaining a highly trained workforce prepared for any emergency.
Media Contact:
Marina Bach
203.859.0883