A Face of Industry
What makes our community special? It’s the people. People whose passion for their roles at work, in their volunteer lives, and in their homes stands out. They make up the unique color and character of life in Morgantown. Here we share a few stories behind the faces of people who make our community a better place.
There’s a lot in a name. Morgan O’Brien knew that when Hearthstone Utilities bought Dominion Energy West Virginia in 2022. Right away, he returned it to its previous, more inspiring name.
“Hope Gas is a 125-year-old West Virginia company that has always been integral to the state—not just from an energy perspective, but providing good jobs, being a part of the community,” says the president and CEO. “It’s a long, storied relationship.”
Hearthstone had utilities in nine states, but its new Hope Gas division was its largest, with the potential to make greater use of West Virginia natural gas resources. At the same time, O’Brien was aware of the departure of Mylan / Viatris from Morgantown in 2021, with the loss of more than 1,400 jobs—and its giant manufacturing facility was now offering office space as the WVU Innovation Corporation. It all came together in his mind: He moved his company’s headquarters from Chicago to Morgantown in June 2023.
The new Hope Gas has brought 150 family-sustaining jobs to Morgantown so far, O’Brien says, and 250 to the state. The company’s 25-year pipe replacement program will fill hundreds more jobs with West Virginia contractors and union members.
Hope Gas is also reducing rates by using more local gas and expanding its customer base through the purchase of several smaller West Virginia gas utilities. It cut its monthly gas charge 12% in November 2023, with another 13% drop coming in November 2024. “So we’re putting people to work, we’re investing capital to make the system better for the future, and we’re very, very focused on making sure our customers can afford it.”
Hope Gas’s coming training center near Clarksburg will partner with schools across the state to offer summer jobs, internships, and work-study opportunities. “In an energy-rich state like West Virginia, you can have the goals and dreams you set for yourself without having to go to college. That can really bring hope to younger people.”
West Virginians all over have told O’Brien they’re excited to see the Hope Gas name again. “It’s like an old friend who came home,” he says. “It can take a really long time and lots of money to create a brand as much loved as Hope Gas.”
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