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RRC Launches Investigation into Service Issues with Gas Distribution Operator Atmos Mid-Tex

December 28, 2022

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission on Tuesday, Dec. 27, launched an investigation on the performance of Atmos Energy, Mid-Tex Division’s gas distribution system during last week’s Winter Storm Elliott.

On Friday, Dec. 23, Atmos cited low pressure as the reason customers in parts of Texas experienced gas service issues at their homes.

The RRC was in immediate communication with Atmos and directed the company to quickly resolve the issue which included the company bringing in additional technicians to affected areas and adding call center staff to answer calls from impacted residents. The RRC also posted updates on social media to keep Atmos’ customers informed.

By the afternoon of Christmas Eve, Atmos reported that pressure had returned to normal throughout its system.

Given RRC’s concern, on Tuesday, the Commission issued a request to Atmos Energy to provide a full account of the details of what occurred. Those include:

  • a detailed account of the number and location of customers whose service was negatively impacted and the duration of such impact
  • detailed explanations of the cause of low pressure or other issues negatively impacting natural gas service in each location
  • status and data of pipeline and system capacity to meet demand growth in the areas
  • Atmos’ plan to address the issues so that interruptions to natural gas service will not occur again in the future, with estimated costs and timeline to remedy the cause.

Affected Atmos customers deserve answers, and the RRC will work to ensure that.

About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.