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The APGA Research Foundation (RF) invites APGA member systems to join the other 155 publicly-owned gas system contributors to the APGA RF in 2021. Collectively, RF systems contribute about $1.1 million annually, which helps fund collaborative research projects coordinated through the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), Energy Solutions Center (ESC), and other groups. RF representation at these organizations guarantees that municipal gas system priorities are at the research, development, and commercialization forefront.

New projects for the RF in 2020 include the North American Gas Heat Pump Initiative and the GTI Gas Heat Pump Water Heater Project. Both are currently moving from the research phase to commercialization and should be available as market products in the near future. Other projects include indoor methane detection research, gas foodservice technologies, and Virtual Reality training tools. Member contributions help support these and many other projects that increase safety across the industry and efficiency and convenience to our customers.

The standard contribution amount for the RF is $.01/dekatherm annually of natural gas throughput, or about $1/customer/year. The RF would like members to consider this amount as research dollars for 2021 are budgeted. Prior to 2004, RF members contributed a mandatory 2.6 cents/Dth via our pipeline suppliers.

Because each system is different, the RF wants members to know that all contributions are welcome. Many systems start contributing at a lower level and increase annually as they are able. Most systems charge this to their APGA membership in order to fund this without budget impact by recovering it from their customers within their billing.

If an APGA member would like to contribute or increase a current contribution in 2020 or 2021, return the RF Pledge Form on this page. Some contributors like to pay this quarterly and others pay annually at a month of their choosing.