Chris Bright, Gas Systems Operator I, has been with GUC's Gas Department for six years. After starting his GUC career working on a valve truck, he then became a Gas Service Worker before moving to the construction area. As an Operator, Chris is part of the group that maintains and operates the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility, the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Refueling Station, all city gate and regulator stations, all industrial metering sites, and all commercial meters. The group also troubleshoots and maintains the cathodic protection systems and all SCADA sites. He also helps with maintaining and addressing various areas throughout the gas system, builds commercial meter sets, and coordinates the annual residential and commercial leak surveys to identify vulnerable equipment and gas lines.  

Fun fact! Chris placed third in the state at the North Carolina Equipment Rodeo while he worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (before coming to GUC). 

What are your favorite things about your job? The people I work with. I also like that no matter what position I’m in, there are so many different, complex systems to maintain and learn about, along with learning how to troubleshoot and repair. I like the accomplished feeling I get once I’ve repaired a system.  

What motivates you to work hard? My family. 

Are you involved in any GUC committees or programs? I am on the Lighthouse Steering Team and currently in the iLead program. 

What is your proudest career accomplishment? Going back to school. I received my associate degree in industrial engineering technology in 2022 and I’m now working towards my bachelor’s degree. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? A chef. 

What was your very first job? Working in tobacco. 

Any GUC projects you’re working on that you’d like to share? We’re about to start the three-year expansion project at the LNG Plant. 

What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry? Be a sponge. 

What would you like us to know about your family? We live in Farm Life, NC. I’ve been married to my wife, Robby, who also works in the Gas Department. We have three sons, Jackson, William, and Gabriel. 

Do you have a favorite family recipe? Mrs. Tina’s Pig Pickin’ Cake.  

What is your favorite family or holiday tradition? Going to my uncle’s house for Thanksgiving. 

What has been your favorite travel destination? Fiji. 

Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Jim Shockey. 

What’s your favorite movie? Forrest Gump. 

Who is your favorite band or singer? Brooks & Dunn, Metallica, and The Eagles. 

Have you ever had a nickname and what is it? Bull. 

What’s your favorite snack? Beef jerky. 

Do you collect anything or have any hobbies? Hunting, fishing, and spending time on the boat. 

What would you do if you won the lottery? I’d get into the Waffle House franchise and buy land. 

Is there a celebrity you would like to meet? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. 

What’s your favorite restaurant? Japan Inn. 

Who is your hero? My grandaddy. 

Coke or Pepsi? Diet Mountain Dew. 

What emoji do you use the most? The crying laughing face. 

If given the chance, what time period would you want to live in? The 80’s to 90’s.

What app do you use the most? Facebook. 

Beach or mountains? Beach.

What’s your favorite thing to do when not at work? I like to do something with my family. 

What’s at the top of your bucket list? Go hunting in Canada. 

Do you have a favorite sports team? The Pittsburgh Steelers. 

What’s your favorite season of the year? Summer if I’m not working and fall if I am working.