Clearwater Gas System proposes rebranding to CGS Energy for regional clarity

The City of Clearwater held a work session on May 12, 2025, focusing on several key agenda items related to public utilities and branding initiatives. The meeting began with a presentation by Rich Gardner, the director of public utilities, regarding a contract with Razorback for retrofitting the R 02 water treatment plant injection well. The retrofit aims to prevent air entrainment in water flowing into the injection well, which can lead to downstream aquifer issues. Razorback was awarded the contract as the lowest bidder at $213,888, with an additional work order for WSP USA for construction oversight costing $57,043.80, bringing the total project cost to approximately $270,000. The council approved this agenda item without objection.

The next item discussed was a purchase order for Razorback LLC for clarifier maintenance and services at the city's water reclamation facilities. This contract, valued at a maximum of $515,000 per year, covers inspection, maintenance, and emergency services for 14 clarifiers across three wastewater plants. The council also consented to this item.

Following the utility discussions, Brian Langield, executive director for Clearwater Gas System, presented a proposal for rebranding the utility to CGS Energy. Langield explained that the current name has led to brand identity confusion, as the utility serves a significant customer base outside Clearwater, including 17 other municipalities. The proposed rebranding reflects a shift from a focus solely on gas to a broader energy service model, aligning with the utility's growth and service expansion, particularly in Pasco County.

The rebranding includes an updated logo and mission statement, emphasizing the provision of dependable and cost-effective energy solutions. The new branding aims to modernize the utility's image and better represent its services, which now extend beyond natural gas. The council was informed that the rebranding process was conducted internally, resulting in significant cost savings compared to hiring external consultants.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to enhancing its public utilities and adapting to the evolving energy landscape, with both the retrofitting project and the rebranding initiative receiving unanimous support from the council.