Summit Utilities, Inc.

Gina Mace, Summit Utilities’ Director of Regulatory Affairs, leads regulatory strategy and oversees major regulatory cases and initiatives across the company’s Colorado and Maine natural gas jurisdictions. Prior to stepping into this role, Gina served as Summit’s Director of Energy and Environmental Policy, where she guided federal and state policy strategy and supported the company’s decarbonization initiatives.

With over 15 years of experience in the energy sector, Gina has held roles across regulatory, policy, finance and legal functions in the natural gas and electric industries. Before joining Summit, she held regulatory and policy roles at Enel North America, Evergy and ONE Gas. Gina has a strong background in navigating the complexities of state and federal energy regulation and in building effective relationships with regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Missouri State University, an MBA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Gina is a licensed attorney in the state of Missouri and currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

At Summit Utilities, keeping our system safe is the most important thing we do. Anyone involved in natural gas distribution understands that safety is an ongoing commitment. It requires steady, daily work that relies on accurate information, effective training and adaptability to advancing technologies. In recent years, my colleagues and I have seen how new tools can help us better understand our system and reduce both risk and emissions.

One of the most significant improvements has come from advanced leak detection technology. While traditional leak surveys have always played an important role in our work, newer mobile systems can detect much smaller levels of methane and identify potential issues earlier. Using these tools across our system has shown that they offer more than just leak locations. They also allow us to see how our pipelines behave over time and under different conditions.

One technology we use is a vehicle-mounted analyzer capable of detecting methane in parts per billion levels. This level of sensitivity allows us to detect small anomalies that older equipment would miss. Detecting issues earlier helps keep customers safe and reduces the amount of natural gas released into the atmosphere. It also provides stronger data to guide our maintenance planning and system improvements.

Despite the advancements, human judgment will remain essential. While technology can collect data, it is still up to people to interpret that data and determine the best course of action.

The data collected from these surveys has become valuable in ways we did not expect. It helps us test our assumptions about the performance of different materials, assess how older sections of pipe are aging and identify locations more likely to need attention. Over time, this information has helped us build a more accurate picture of our emissions and develop a clearer understanding of how our system performs.

Technology alone is not enough though. Leak detection works best when paired with strong damage prevention programs and accurate mapping. Our operations teams track the causes of outside-force damages, such as excavation work, which helps us improve line locating, contractor education and communication with homeowners and excavators. When we integrate this knowledge with advanced leak detection, we gain a clearer understanding of system vulnerabilities and can take proactive steps to prevent incidents before they occur.

Another important lesson for the industry is the value of accurate, system-specific data. Much of the industry still relies on standard emissions factors, which are helpful but not specific to each system. Direct measurement provides real, site-specific information instead of estimates. Ultimately, better data leads to better decisions, whether we are planning a replacement project or evaluating long-term environmental impacts.

Early leak detection does more than support emissions management. It helps protect customers by reducing the chance of methane migrating into soil or buildings. Leak detection supports reliability by identifying and addressing issues early, before they can compromise system performance or cause service interruptions. Maintaining stable system pressure and reducing unplanned repairs helps ensure customers receive safe and reliable natural gas service.

As we look to the future and witness the maturation of new technologies, we will have the opportunity to explore additional tools for reducing emissions. We expect to see greater automation, improved analytics and innovative tools over time. Despite these advancements, human judgment will remain essential. While technology can collect data, it is still up to people to interpret that data and determine the best course of action.

As we work to strengthen the safety and reliability of our energy system, advanced leak detection is one of our most effective tools. It helps us quickly identify issues, prevent service disruptions and operate with greater confidence. Most importantly, it supports our commitment to delivering safe, reliable service that customers can count on every day.