Three Shows, Three Weeks: What We’re Hearing Across the Natural Gas and Propane Industries
- Justin Snelick
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
It has been a busy few weeks for the Utilities & Industries team.
From July 26 through August 13, U&I exhibited at three industry events in three consecutive weeks: the American Public Gas Association Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, the Appalachian Gas Measurement Short Course in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Propane Gas Association of New England Northeast Propane Show in Worcester, Massachusetts.
While each event served a different part of the industry, together they provided a valuable look at some of the challenges, opportunities, and conversations taking place across the natural gas and propane sectors.
For U&I, these events are about more than exhibiting our gas meter testing and refurbishment capabilities. They give our team an opportunity to listen to the people working in the industry every day, continue developing our own employees, and better understand where utilities and other gas industry professionals may need support in the years ahead.
APGA Annual Conference: Preparing for the Loss of Industry Knowledge
Our first stop was the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Annual Conference, held July 26-29 in Providence, Rhode Island.
U&I Plant Manager Christina represented our team at the conference, where one topic in particular stood out: the industry's continuing concern surrounding what is sometimes referred to as the "Silver Tsunami."
Across the utility industry, experienced employees are reaching retirement age after spending decades developing knowledge that isn't always easily captured in a manual or procedure. When those employees leave the workforce, organizations risk losing valuable institutional knowledge along with them.
It's a challenge that extends well beyond simply filling an open position.
Training a new employee can teach them the steps required to perform a job. Replacing the experience of someone who has spent 20, 30, or even 40 years doing that job is considerably more difficult.
It's also an issue we've been thinking about internally at Utilities & Industries.
Preserving Knowledge Before It Walks Out the Door
Over the past several months, U&I has been developing a growing library of detailed training videos designed to complement our existing Standard Operating Procedures.
Rather than relying entirely on written instructions or one-on-one training, these videos document processes visually and provide employees with another resource they can reference while learning a job.
There is still plenty of work ahead as we continue building that library, but the conversations at APGA reinforced why documenting this knowledge now is important.
As experienced workers throughout the industry approach retirement, companies that actively capture processes, procedures, and institutional knowledge will be better positioned to train the next generation.
AGMSC: Investing in Education and the Next Generation
One week later, U&I headed to Pittsburgh for the Appalachian Gas Measurement Short Course (AGMSC), held August 3-6.
AGMSC has always been somewhat unique because it combines an extensive exhibit floor with technical education and hands-on learning opportunities.
This year's event also marked the 50th anniversary of AGMSC, making the 2026 Short Course a particularly memorable one.
U&I Sales Manager Brian represented us on the expo floor throughout the event, with Justin from Purchasing & Marketing joining on Wednesday. Plant Manager Christina also attended, along with several members of our production team who took advantage of the training classes offered during the Short Course.
That educational component is one of the reasons events like AGMSC remain valuable to U&I.
Our employees work directly with gas meters and related equipment every day, but continuing education gives them an opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond their individual responsibilities and gain a broader understanding of gas measurement and the industry as a whole.
Bringing a Little Fun to the Expo Floor
AGMSC also found a creative way to encourage attendees to explore the exhibit floor this year.
Select exhibitors were given decorative coins as part of a show-wide scavenger hunt. Attendees who collected all 12 coins could enter a raffle for a selection of prizes.
It was a simple idea, but a fun way to encourage attendees to visit exhibitors they may not otherwise have stopped to see.
Of course, the real value for us remained the conversations taking place at the booth.
Meter testing, calibration, refurbishment, and extending the service life of existing equipment continue to be important topics for the utilities and gas professionals we speak with.
PGANE Northeast Propane Show: Growing Our Presence in the Propane Industry
Our three-week stretch concluded August 12-13 at the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE) Northeast Propane Show in Worcester, Massachusetts.
U&I General Manager Jon represented Utilities & Industries at the show.
Compared with the natural gas utility events U&I has attended for many years, propane-focused trade shows are a relatively newer addition to our schedule.
And we're glad we've started attending them.
As we've increased our presence at propane industry events, we've seen strong interest from companies looking for options for gas meter testing and refurbishment.
For organizations with meters already in service, replacing equipment isn't necessarily the only option. Depending on the meter's condition and application, professional testing, repair, calibration, or refurbishment may help extend its useful service life while providing an alternative to purchasing new equipment.
Those capabilities have been at the heart of what Utilities & Industries does for decades, and we're seeing opportunities to bring that experience to more customers within the propane industry.
The Northeast Propane Show also offered educational classes covering subjects beyond strictly gas-related topics, with free admission providing attendees an accessible opportunity to learn, network, and explore the exhibit floor.
A Common Theme Across the Natural Gas and Propane Industries
APGA, AGMSC, and PGANE serve different audiences, but there was a common thread throughout our three weeks of travel.
The gas industry continues to evolve.
Experienced workers are retiring. Companies are thinking about how to preserve knowledge and train the next generation. Utilities and propane businesses are looking for ways to maintain existing equipment, control costs, and find reliable partners for specialized services.
For Utilities & Industries, those conversations reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in both our people and our capabilities.
Since 1981, U&I has worked with gas utilities and industrial customers to provide gas meter repair, refurbishment, testing, calibration, sales, and related services. As the industry changes, our goal remains the same: provide dependable service, technical expertise, and practical solutions that help our customers keep their gas measurement equipment operating reliably.
Three shows in three weeks made for a busy stretch, but they also gave our team the opportunity to learn, connect, and see firsthand where the industry is headed.
And now we're bringing those conversations back to Reynoldsville.
Need Gas Meter Testing or Refurbishment Services?
Whether you're managing a natural gas utility, propane operation, or other gas measurement application, Utilities & Industries can help evaluate options for your existing meter inventory.
Our capabilities include residential and commercial diaphragm meter refurbishment, rotary meter services, gas meter testing and calibration, meter sales, AMR/AMI services, warehousing, and additional support for gas utility operations.
Contact Utilities & Industries to learn more about our gas meter testing, calibration, and refurbishment capabilities.
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