The City of Americus will observe the National Public Natural Gas Week from Oct. 7-13. This annual nationwide event is intended to build public awareness about the value of having a community-owned natural gas utility. During this week, we will also educate residents on the environmental and cost benefits of natural gas appliances.
There are approximately 1,000 public natural gas systems serving more than 5 million customers. These public natural gas utilities are not-for-profit retail distribution entities that are owned by and accountable to the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.
Your public natural gas utility is good for the community for many reasons including:
• Local Control: Having a public natural gas system gives a community local control over how gas is provided to homes and businesses. Decisions are made through citizen participation instead of being made in a distant city by people who do not understand local issues and who are primarily focused on profits instead of service.
• Competitive Costs: In order to offer fair and competitive rates, public natural gas systems operate as a not-for-profit entity. Public natural gas systems do not face pressure to pay dividends to stockholders.
• Economic Benefits: As a public natural gas system, we play a valuable role in helping communities broaden its tax base, and in turn improve the local economy and increase jobs. Public natural gas systems ensure that local dollars stay at home.
• Customer Service: As a not-for-profit entity, we focus on service, rather than profits. Public natural gas systems are an integral part of a community. We maintain a close relationship with our customers, and as a result, we are successful in meeting our customers’ needs.
Thank you for supporting the City of Americus Natural Gas Department. We look forward to continuing to bring safe, reliable natural gas into your homes and businesses. We also hope you can join us on Oct. 12 at the Utility Billing Department located at 1404 E. Forsyth St. for our Customer Appreciation Cookout! Stop by and enjoy a free hot-dog and cold drink while they last, courtesy of your friends at the City of Americus. We will also have some information available on the benefits of natural gas, as well as our zero percent interest Main Street Financing Program. If you have any questions regarding natural gas for your upcoming energy needs, feel free to contact the City of Americus Natural Gas Department at (229)924-6700.
Remember October is free pilot light month, so be sure to give us a call!

David Wooden is Natural Gas director, City of Americus.