Atmos Energy continues to build access in rural areas
As part of an ongoing partnership with the Mississippi Public Service Commission, Atmos Energy is undertaking another rural expansion project in the state, this time to provide natural gas service to more than 250 households and the Mississippi Horse Park.
“This is an exciting day for Atmos Energy, Mississippi State University and Starkville,” Mathew Davidson, vice president of rates and regulatory affairs at Atmos Energy, told American Gas. “Providing consumers access to a lower-cost energy choice is a win for all.”
The Mississippi Horse Park, a 100-acre facility, is a partnership of the city of Starkville, Oktibbeha County and Mississippi State University that hosts an average of 40 events and more than 40,000 people each year. It also supports weekly labs and classes taught through the university.
The horse park is expected to see dramatic savings in energy bills in the near future, according to Mississippi Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley.
With the new pipeline extension of more than 2 miles, the horse park, 50 existing homes and a new subdivision of 200 planned homes will have access to natural gas, the utility said.
Under the direction of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, Atmos Energy has completed 54 projects in 28 communities since the rural expansion program’s inception in 2018. The program is supported by a $5 million appropriation from the Public Service Commission, which includes $3 million for main pipeline expansion and $2 million to add meters and install service lines.
“This is a prime example of how public and private entities can work together as we look to further expand services like this for the future,” Mississippi Public Service Commission Chairman Dane Maxwell said. “Since the partnership between Atmos and the commission began, thousands of Mississippians’ lives have been impacted positively through rural expansion projects and cost savings.”