EDP names general manager of High Grade Gas Service

Energy Distribution Partners (EDP) named Chelsea Aiken general manager of High Grade Gas Service, headquartered in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

Chelsea Aiken (Photo by Correen Aiken)

Aiken is a third-generation member of the Aiken family, which founded High Grade Gas Service in 1957. High Grade Gas Service was acquired by EDP in November 2022 and is EDP’s first operation in Connecticut.

Although Aiken officially joined High Grade Gas Service after graduating from Wesleyan University, she grew up in the business. She recalls riding in the bobtail with her dad while in grade school, and over the years, has worked in every facet of the business, from data entry to painting tanks to delivering propane. She got her CDL at age 26 and her G1 contractor’s license at age 28.

She was also recognized as an LP Gas Rising Leader in 2022.

Aiken reports that High Grade Gas Service will continue to embrace technology to make the business more efficient going forward.

“Within the past year, we’ve deployed about 2,500 tank monitors, increasing our delivery efficiency tremendously and making run-outs almost non-existent,” she says.

The company has also recently implemented a new website and software system that offers customers the ease and convenience of ordering, paying and accessing their account history online, she adds.

Aiken says she looks forward to the High Grade team continuing to provide personal service for its customers: “My dad, Nelson Aiken, was incredibly dedicated to building the company and providing exceptional service, while balancing his work with spending time with our family. I am committed to continuing his legacy and will value the support provided by EDP to help the company continue to grow.”

“We are extremely pleased to have Chelsea step into the key leadership role at High Grade Gas Service,” says EDP’s COO Boyd McGathey. “The company is in good hands and we are confident that – under her leadership – it will continue on a path of steady growth.”