PSC Chair Presley: $5,000,000 Natural Gas Expansion Initiative Approved

“Citizens living in rural areas should have the same utility services as people living in downtown Jackson.”          — MS Public Service Chairman, Brandon Presley”

Jackson, Mississippi – On December 5th, the Mississippi Public Service Commission gave a green light to a natural gas expansion plan by Atmos Energy to extend natural gas service to rural and unserved areas. This plan will provide 5,000,000 dollars per year over the next five years with a goal of extending natural gas service to a minimum of 1,000 households annually. Of the $5M annual appropriation, $3M will be spent on the extension of main lines to rural and unserved areas, while $2M will be devoted to service line extensions and meter instillations.

Brandon Presley, Northern District Public Service Commissioner and PSC Chairman.

The plan was first proposed by PSC Chairman Brandon Presley earlier this year, and approved unanimously at today’s meeting of the Public Service Commission. As of today, 3,423 individuals from across the state have contacted the PSC through its “Zap the Gap” program to request natural gas service. Chairman Presley states that the sheer volume of request of service shows the need for natural gas expansion in Mississippi. (see the link below to report needed services)

“Citizens living in rural areas should have the same utility services as people living in downtown Jackson. Today’s action marks the boldest step so far to making that a reality. Rural Mississippians feel abandoned and left behind and I will not stop working until we fix that problem. Bringing natural gas service to their homes and businesses is one step in fixing that frustration,” Chairman Presley said.

Atmos will file within procedures and projects to be considered under the Natural Gas Infrastructure Expansion Initiative with the PSC over the next thirty days. The Commission will annually view Atmos’ expansion plans.

To inform the PSC of an area that needs improved services:  MS Public Service Commission Zap the Gap Program