Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley joined Atmos Energy Corporation representatives, Tunica County officials, and legislators for a natural gas ribbon cutting ceremony in western Tunica County last week
Atmos’ Prichard Road rural expansion project will install under 20,000 feet of gas lines to connect natural gas to approximately 57 residents and businesses at a cost of nearly $700,000 with the county investing $125,000.
“The Public Service Commission is committed to working with utilities like Atmos Energy to bring natural gas service to rural areas of Mississippi,” said Commissioner Presley. “This project will not only help spur economic development but improve quality of life for residents in Tunica County.”
The natural gas line was installed this spring and will bring service to both homes and grain bins that used natural gas to dry grain for shipment.
“This is a great day for Atmos Energy and for Tunica County,” said Matt Davidson, Vice President of Rates and Regulatory Affairs for Atmos Energy in Mississippi. “We are expanding our natural gas system in Tunica County and that means economic growth both now and in the future. The residences and businesses now have the opportunity to reduce their utility bills and have access to a more reliable energy source.”
Mississippi Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley says the Commission’s Rural Expansion Program, initiated 5 years ago, has been a huge boost for areas of the state such as Tunica County.
“The Public Service Commission is committed to working with utilities like Atmos Energy to bring natural gas service to rural areas of Mississippi,” said Commissioner Presley. “This project will not only help spur economic development but improve quality of life for residents in Tunica County.”
The PSC program is available to all counties in North Mississippi.
Davidson adds that the Commission has been a key to the entire project. “This is a true example of a public/private partnership, Atmos Energy is investing almost $700,000 and the county is investing more than $125,000,” he said. “None of this would have happened without the Rural Expansion Program that was developed in partnership with Commissioner Presley and the Public Service Commission..”
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor.
They deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South.
As part of their vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, they are modernizing their business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and communities.
Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas.
