Judge warns 18–20 Martin County homes could lose gas service; county to engage PSC and companies

At the March 20 fiscal court meeting the county judge reported letters had been sent to roughly 18–20 homeowners on Route 3 in Ratliff Town notifying them that Frontier Gas — which purchases gas from Diversified (formerly Columbia Gas) — plans to abandon the main line serving those properties, effective Aug. 1.

The judge said the affected area includes many low-income households and raised concern that families would have only a few months to switch heating and cooking systems. "That's an intolerable situation," he said, and pledged the county would pursue all legal and administrative options. He said he planned discussions with the gas companies, the Kentucky Public Service Commission and other government entities to press for solutions and to try to ensure those households retain a heat source.

The report prompted a court commitment to take steps within legal authority to voice the county's concerns and pursue remedies. No formal action (such as an ordinance or appropriation) was recorded in the transcript; the judge said the county would move forward with outreach and advocacy.