The Richardson City Council meeting held on September 22, 2025, featured a presentation from Atmos Energy, focusing on the company's operations, safety initiatives, and community investments in Richardson. The meeting began with introductions from Atmos Energy representatives, including the manager of public affairs and the operations manager, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present.
The presentation provided an overview of Atmos Energy, highlighting its status as the largest natural gas-only distributor in the United States, serving over 3 million customers across eight states. The company emphasized its commitment to safety, customer service, and community investment, with an annual investment of approximately $2 billion in system upgrades to ensure reliable natural gas service.
Key safety initiatives were discussed, including extensive training for employees at the Charles K. Vaughn Center in Plano, Texas, where over 2 million hours of training have been logged since its opening. Atmos Energy introduced safety ambassadors, including Rosie the Skunk, who educates the public on detecting natural gas leaks, and Gus the Gopher, who reminds residents to call 811 before digging to prevent damage to pipelines.
The presentation also highlighted Atmos Energy's charitable contributions, with employees volunteering nearly 43,000 hours to support local nonprofits and community initiatives. The company supports around 1,400 organizations through its Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities program, which focuses on education, honoring community heroes, and fostering growth.
Focusing specifically on Richardson, Atmos Energy reported an investment of over $42.6 million in the city over the past five years, serving approximately 27,000 customers and managing 394 miles of pipeline. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from the council members, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing community concerns and enhancing public safety.