fnga-operations-person-of-the-year

(George Alan, pictured to the right of Mike McCarty, Manger Operations Compliance)

The coveted Donald L. Napier Person of the Year award was presented to George Alan Hall, FPU’s Measurement Technician II at this year’s Florida Natural Gas Association’s annual convention on September 21, 2016.

Nominated by Mike McCarty, the entrant must have demonstrated outstanding performance in gas industry distribution. As Mike illustrated in his submission, Alan found his true niche in 2001 when he was promoted to Measurement Technician for Central Florida Gas (CFG). At that time he began working on large meters, regulators and electronic communications equipment at the Company’s gate, district and industrial stations. Following the merger between Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Florida Public Utilities (FPU) in 2010, Alan’s duties expanded and he assumed a statewide role within the measurement group, CFG now performing as part of FPU.

A most significant challenge was presented in 2016 when FPU developed an opportunity to build and operate a combined heat power plant known as Eight Flags, using a natural gas-fired turbine to produce electricity. This very exciting and cutting-edge project required many technologies that FPU had never before engaged and with which the Company was unfamiliar. The turbine would ultimately produce electricity for Amelia Island, necessitating compression of the natural gas, a glycol bath heater to heat the gas to a minimum of 130° F and various filters to remove impurities before the gas reached the turbine. Also, Ultrasonic meters were essential that could communicate with the SCADA team and the control center, live. Tasked with finding the best method to accomplish all of this and have it work seamlessly, Alan spent months, including many weekends, to gain the knowledge and understanding of all the equipment, having met tirelessly with vendors and manufacturers, and ultimately prepared the metering equipment for optimum operating efficiency.

Alan eagerly absorbed the new information and, further to his credit, continues to keep FPU up-to-date with new technology and is always prepared to meet the evolving challenges the Company faces to successfully meet the needs of its customers. Congratulations Alan. You are a great asset and we’re so fortunate to call you one of our own!