CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Gas & Water is observing Public National Gas Week, an annual nationwide event Oct. 7-13 intended to build public awareness about the value of having a community-owned natural gas utility.
The public is invited to stop by the Customer Service Center, 2215 Madison St., this week to learn about the environmental and cost benefits of using clean, reliable and affordable natural gas and the cost benefits of natural gas appliances.
The Clarksville Gas Department is among approximately 1,000 public natural gas systems across the nation 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.
“I want to thank our hard-working employees at the Clarksville Gas Department for bringing safe, reliable natural gas into Clarksville’s homes and businesses,” Mayor Kim McMillan said. “I urge our residents to continue to use and support natural gas. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas can help us achieve national energy security and help us build a more competitive economy.”
A public natural gas utility is good for the community for many reasons, including:
• Local Control: Public natural gas systems give communities 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 are primarily focused on profits instead of service.
• Competitive Costs: To offer fair and competitive rates, public natural gas systems operate as a not-for-profit entities. Public natural gas systems do not face pressure to pay dividends to stockholders.
• Economic Benefits: Public natural gas systems help communities broaden the tax base, and improve the local economy and increase jobs. Public natural gas systems ensure that local dollars stay at home.
• Customer Service: Not-for-profit public gas systems focus on service, rather than profits, and maintain close relationships with customers.
More information about the benefits of natural gas may be viewed on the Gas & Water website at www.clarksvillegw.com or please contact the department at (931) 645-7422.