The 2025 Operator Qualification (OQ) Efficiency Round Table took place July 29–30, bringing together Utility Operators, Utility Contractors, and key industry partners for two packed days of collaboration, insight, and progress.

A huge thank you to our hosts NEUCO, ASTAR, and Unitil for their generous support and hospitality in making this event possible. NEUCO hosted the morning of Day 1 at their Seabrook, NH facility, ASTAR hosted the afternoon of Day 1 at their Hudson, NH facility, and Unitil welcomed us on Day 2 at their Hampton and Kensington locations. These organizations set the tone for a productive and engaging round table by opening their doors, sharing best practices, and fostering an environment of transparency and learning.

The goal of this in-person forum was clear: bring diverse stakeholders into one room to address the shared challenges of OQ programs, explore what’s working, and uncover meaningful opportunities for improvement.

Highlights included:

• Facility tours at NEUCO, ASTAR, and Unitil offering a firsthand look at current and future training enhancements including leak investigation, tapping and stopping, and instructor-led training that incorporates quiz technology to help boost engagement and understanding.
• Candid round table discussions, focused on program challenges faced by Utility Operators and Contractors, successes, and plans to help meet changing regulation and the needs of adult learners.
• Insight into building a training facility at Unitil’s Kensington Operations Training Center, where participants toured the facility learning about Unitil’s approach and strategy for their learning center.

Events like the OQ Efficiency Round Table are vital to ensuring that Operator Qualification programs remain effective, innovative, and aligned with industry needs. These conversations not only promote consistency where appropriate, but they also fuel continuous improvement—essential for operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

As the industry evolves, so too must our approach to qualification and training. We are grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this year’s event, and we look forward to the continued collaboration that helps raise the bar across the board.

Front row (L-R): Ed Rogers - Valley Energy, Adam Day - NGA, Jared Stahl - Hallen Construction, Lisa Blazinski -NGA, Emma Lioliou-ConEdison, Shana Kane - VGS, Alan Browning - Unitil, Troy Kimball - Unitil, Stacey Kilroy - Unitil, Justin Ferremi ConEdison, Natasha Giordano-Eversource, Jake Clark-Eversource, Austin Wesner-UGI, Darcy Flynn-NGA

Back row (L-R): Andrew French - Unitil, Matt Sikorsky-Rhode Island Energy, Daniel Stetson - Burns Construction, Steve Forleo-Rhode Island Energy, Tim Gonzales -PSEG, Sean McCarty - Unitil, Corey Gray - ASTAR, Casey Barnick-DDS , Joyce Connolly- National Grid, Bob Dell'Anno-DDS, Paul Armstrong - NGA, Kate Nelson - National Grid, Steve Joslyn - Powell Controls Inc., Ernie Grasso - NEUCO, John Degregoria - Central Hudson, Mark Payne - DDS, Drew Pijacki - National Fuel, Amanda Jacobson - NGA, Tim Wilson-National Fuel