The phrase “strength in numbers” may be commonly known as a group of people that has more influence, or power, than one person. However, in this case let’s reference strength in numbers as the fortitude to endure or sustain.
The last few months have represented an unprecedented time, with unmatched challenges, that we have never faced. However even during this time of uncertainty, our 1,000 miles of underground gas main continues to flow and our business remains constant as evidenced by our eight percent growth rate.
The Florida Municipal Gas Association recently rated Clearwater Gas System as the fastest-growing gas utility within the state of Florida, among 31 public gas systems. Last year’s addition of 1,879 new customers helped Clearwater Gas System reach a milestone of 28,000 residential, and commercial, gas customers.
“We feel confident that we will continue to grow at about eight percent annually, which will possibly add another 10,000 customers within the next five years,” stated Chuck Warrington, Executive Director. And as newer technologies are introduced, Clearwater Gas believes that customers will show increasing interest in higher-tech gas equipment like gas air conditioning, CHP energy systems, desiccant systems, etc., to help support continuous growth within the gas industry. According to a recent American Gas Association study, Florida adds more than one natural gas customer every hour which is a testament to why homeowners and business owners desire an efficient, reliable and sustainable energy platform.
Clearwater Gas System’s overall messaging supports that natural gas has been a game-changer in American energy utilization, thereby saving customers millions of dollars and helping to create a cleaner environment for our planet by reducing pollution and improving overall climate concerns.
Since March, we have all experienced major disruptions to our typical day-to-day routines. From scheduling a hair cut to making dinner reservations, or even going to the movies, our normal daily routines have become almost nonexistent due to Covid-19. As such, many local businesses have been affected and are no longer operating business as usual. And, for those that are still operating, their “new normal” may look totally different. While many local businesses are making plans to reconfigure their business plans, Clearwater Gas System has continued meeting the needs of the community with little to no disruptions.
As a municipal gas utility, Clearwater Gas System has maintained our business as usual approach with the exception of a few minor Covid-19 operational changes:
- A commitment to providing safe and reliable natural gas service to our customers.
- A few temporary changes to our customer service operations, consistent with guidance from public health officials.
- Our commitment to make essential and emergency gas service appointments, including reports of suspected natural gas leaks, carbon monoxide checks, gas meter turn-ons, natural gas outage and pilot re-lights.
- Following CDC guidelines to maintain a 6-foot distance during service visits.
Although some businesses may be challenged with conducting “business as usual” amid a pandemic, it’s important to know that Clearwater Gas System will continue to honor our mission to bring safe and reliable gas energy into homes and businesses in north Pinellas County and Pasco County.
Chuck Warrington is the Executive Director of the Clearwater Gas System. He is a 40+ year utility professional with both electric and gas background. He is the past president of and currently, serves on the Board of the Florida Natural Gas Association; he also is the past president and a board member of the Florida Municipal Natural Gas Association, as well as past chairman and board member of the American Public Gas Association. Warrington currently serves on the American Gas Association Board and is the Chair of its Small Member Council. He can be reached at (727) 562-4980.
