Natural gas utilities rank high in Newsweek poll of responsible U.S. companies
The nation’s natural gas utilities are trusted and recognized corporate citizens, as evidenced by the lengthy roster of their names among America’s Most Responsible Companies, released by Newsweek magazine.
Starting with the 2,000 largest public companies by revenue in the U.S., Newsweek screened them to include only companies that had published a corporate responsibility report; further analyzed their environmental, social and corporate governance data; and surveyed 7,500 U.S. citizens about their perceptions of the companies related to corporate social responsibility. In the end, the report focused on 399 companies—55 of which are related to energy and utilities—that are a positive force in their communities.
Massachusetts’ Eversource Energy, named for a second consecutive year, ranked No. 1 in the Energy & Utilities category. The company’s commitment to carbon neutrality, support of solar energy utility installations, investments in electric vehicle-charging infrastructure, and initiatives consistent with its strategy of being the catalyst for clean energy development in New England demonstrate its corporate responsibility, the utility said in a news release.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor that truly reflects the unyielding commitment and determination of our company and our great employees—especially during these uncertain times,” said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Jim Judge.
Atmos Energy, which last year rebranded its corporate citizenship efforts into a program called Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities, was recognized for myriad initiatives.
Offering palpable aid during this past year of challenge, in addition to its usual assistance programs and contributions, Atmos Energy donated $1 million directly to energy assistance agencies that help customers across the utility’s territory, and this spring temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections for nonpayment and offered additional flexible payment plans.
During the utility’s annual Week of Giving campaign, employees volunteered time to community organizations and pledged more than $875,000 in donations to benefit United Way, No Kid Hungry and The Salvation Army, with Atmos Energy matching that amount.
Atmos Energy also recently donated $2 million across the eight states it serves to provide resources that help students read on level by the third grade—a critical age for lifelong literacy proficiency. It also donated another $2 million to join forces with hundreds of local school districts and community organizations to provide dependable meals to fuel energy for learning and growing.
“Community service is woven into the fabric of Atmos Energy’s culture, and our 4,700 employees take pride in fueling safe and thriving communities every day,” Kevin Akers, Atmos Energy president and CEO, told American Gas. “We pledge to continue that outreach as part of our commitment to provide safe, reliable and clean natural gas.”
Newsweek also recognized PPL, Sempra Energy, Southern, Dominion Energy, Public Service Enterprise Group, DTE Energy, WEC Energy Group, Xcel Energy, Spire, Consolidated Edison, CenterPoint Energy, Exelon, Ameren, New Jersey Resources and CMS Energy.
