Atmos Energy and Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley have announced a natural gas rural expansion project will begin soon in an underserved area of Clay County, near Pheba.
“The Public Service Commission is committed to working with utilities to bring energy infrastructure to rural areas of Mississippi,” said Commissioner Presley. “This project will not only help Clay County in the short term, it will also reach into Starkville and Oktibbeha County in the not-to-distant future.”
Atmos Energy will begin the first phase on Monday, August 23rd, near the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 389. The first phase will include 4,777 feet of four-inch, high density pipe that will provide service to approximately 20 new customers, including Pheba’s Diner.
“My father is a retired oil and gas driller, so my family understands the benefits of natural gas,” said Linda Wade, owner of Pheba’s Diner. “Natural gas fuels our stoves to cook meals full of hometown flavor. No longer will we have to hassle to shop for the cheapest propane price to refill our tanks throughout the winter – now we can enjoy the safety and reliability of natural gas and stay focused on taking care of our hungry customers.”
During this expansion project, it might be necessary to dig on or around residential or commercial properties. If this happens, Atmos Energy will make temporary repairs to yards, sidewalks and pavements and then, when the projects are completed, crews will work with impacted customers to restore affected areas.
“Once the first phase is complete, we can expand our service to another 130 customers in and around the Pheba community,” said Lynn Dalton, Atmos Energy account manager. “We will eventually run our service to Starkville Industrial Park, which will potentially amplify the economic development of the Golden Triangle area.”
