Hope Gas has been named the first recipient of the Bridger Photonics Trailblazer Award, a new industry recognition honoring energy operators that use emissions data to drive meaningful operational improvements and share best practices that help move the industry forward.
The award was presented to Hope Gas during the 2026 Trailblazers Summit in Bozeman, Montana, where Dan Truman, Senior Director of Construction and PMO, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Hope Gas earned the recognition for its data-driven approach to managing and modernizing portions of its natural gas system. Working with Bridger Photonics, the company surveyed nearly 3,000 miles of gathering pipeline and used the resulting emissions data to help prioritize infrastructure investments based on risk, proximity to communities, and operational needs.
By incorporating methane emissions data into its capital planning process, Hope Gas has been able to better target replacement projects, improve operational efficiency, and continue advancing its commitment to safe and reliable natural gas service for customers across West Virginia.
"This isn't simply an improvement in technology. It represents a meaningful shift in how we operate and how we envision the future."
Morgan O'Brien, CEO, Hope Gas
The Trailblazer Award recognizes operators that go beyond compliance by transforming emissions data into business decisions that improve operations, safety, and environmental performance.