Behind every warm home, every expertly prepared meal, and every smooth-running business powered by natural gas, there’s a team of dedicated professionals ensuring that gas flows to its destination safely and efficiently. Whether they’re in the field maintaining pipelines, in the office assisting customers, or in the community helping neighbors find energy solutions, our team at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) works tirelessly to keep the gas flowing. On Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day—March 18—we proudly celebrate them all, recognizing their teamwork, expertise, and passion.
This annual observance is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a tribute to the dedication, expertise, and customer-first mindset of utility workers who ensure that approximately 180 million Americans have access to this safe, affordable, reliable, and efficient energy source.
Significance of Recognition
The significance of March 18 dates to 1937, when a natural gas incident in Texas led to one of our industry’s most pivotal safety advancements: the widespread odorization of natural gas. Today, this is accomplished by adding mercaptan—an organic compound that enhances leak detection and gives natural gas its distinct “rotten egg” smell
Fast-forward nearly 100 years, and safety remains our top priority at the District. With ongoing training, rigorous inspections, and proactive community outreach, we make sure that every customer enjoys the benefits of natural gas with confidence and peace of mind.
A Legacy of Safety and Excellence
At the District, we believe that “Safety is Non-Negotiable,” which is exactly why that’s our theme for this year’s Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day.
This National Day of Recognition isn’t just about celebration—it’s a reminder of our industry’s unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. This mindset is reinforced at LANGD, where our dedicated natural gas utility workers have helped us secure numerous safety accolades in recent years, including the American Public Gas Association’s (APGA) Gold System Operational Achievement Recognition Award, which highlights outstanding employee safety, workforce development, system integrity, and operational improvements. LANGD has also received the APGA Safety Award for over a decade, reflecting our steadfast dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards.
The Heart of Our Operations: Our People
Natural gas plays a vital role in powering everyday life, but it’s our people who make it possible. Whether helping customers enroll in services, educating the community about energy efficiency, or something in between, every LANGD employee contributes to the success and safety of our operations.
As we recognize Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day, we invite our customers and community members to join us in showing appreciation for the people who work behind the scenes to keep our energy infrastructure running safely and constantly. If you’ve had a great experience with one of our natural gas utility workers, we’d love to hear about it! Share your story on Facebook (@LANGDFL) or LinkedIn (Lake Apopka Natural Gas District).
Thank you to our entire LANGD team for keeping our communities warm, safe, and running strong 24/7, 365.
To learn more about how natural gas can benefit your home, business, or vehicle, visit www.LANGD.org or call (407) 656-2734.
