Written on: December 20, 2022
Energy Distribution Partners (“EDP”) has named Chelsea Aiken General Manager of High Grade Gas Service, EDP’s latest acquisition, which is headquartered in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Chelsea is a third-generation member of the Aiken family that founded High Grade in 1957. She was recognized as a Rising Leader in the propane industry in early 2022. High Grade Gas Service was acquired by EDP in November 2022 and is EDP’s first operation in the state of Connecticut.
Although Chelsea officially joined High Grade Gas Service after graduating from Wesleyan University, she literally 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 virtually 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.
Chelsea reports that going forward, High Grade Gas Service will continue to embrace technology in order to make the business more efficient. “Within the past year we’ve deployed about 2,500 tank monitors, increasing our delivery efficiency tremendously and making run-outs almost nonexistent,” she said. She added that 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.
According to Chelsea, she looks forward to the High Grade team continuing to provide the kind of high-touch personal service their customers have come to expect. “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,” said Chelsea. “I am committed to continuing his legacy, and will value the support provided by EDP to help the company continue to grow.”
EDP’s Chief Operating Officer Boyd McGathey commented, “We are extremely pleased to have Chelsea step into the key leadership role at High Grade Gas Service. The company is in good hands and we are confident that – under her leadership – it will continue on a path of steady growth.”
About Energy Distribution Partners
Chicago, Illinois-based Energy Distribution Partners is a rapidly growing company in America’s fast changing energy landscape, with deep experience in retail and commercial propane sales, operations and finance. The company provides safe, reliable propane service to residential and commercial customers in 19 states. Energy Distribution Partners pursues a long-term strategy of purchasing/partnering with successful operations in propane and other fuels and in the midstream energy sector, retaining the brand name, preserving local management and delegating to leaders in local communities.
For more information, please visit www.edplp.net.
