Atmos Energy outlines local investments, safety programs and community support in Lancaster update

Atmos Energy gave an annual update to the Lancaster City Council at a July 20 work session, describing local infrastructure investments, safety programs and community partnerships. Kimberly Smith, Atmos public affairs manager, presented the company's local metrics and said the firm remains "very focused on our cities and towns just like, you are here in Lancaster."

Smith said Atmos serves just under 5,300 customers in Lancaster and reported $13 million in capital investment in the city in fiscal 2025, bringing total company investment in the Lancaster area to "just a little under $26,000,000 since 2021." She added that the company staffs 66 employees locally ("67 if you count me, mayor") and cited a $43,722 community-investment total for the most recent year.

The presentation emphasized safety and operational monitoring. Mario Barfias, an Atmos operations supervisor, described the company's leak-detection and grading system and said the utility uses an automated mobile leak-detection vehicle (AMLD) equipped with sensitive sensors that the company drives through neighborhoods to pick up indications of leaks. Barfias explained the grading system: "Grade 1 is what we consider an emergency" and is repaired immediately; grades 2 and 3 are tracked and repaired on established timelines. Christian Gonzales, operations supervisor for service, said the company conducts extensive training — noting more than 105,000 hours of safety training at its Plano training facility — and coordinates with first responders on response procedures.

Smith also described Atmos's community programs, including a philanthropic program that supports education, first responders and local assistance partners such as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. She said Atmos and its staff have provided energy-savings kits, school-supply donations and other in-kind or monetary support to local events.

Council members asked clarifying questions about responsibilities for meters and private service lines; Smith noted that responsibility depends on where the meter is located ("if it's past the meter, it's the customer's responsibility"). The presentation materials were posted to the council dropbox and Smith said she would make staff available for follow-up questions.

The council thanked Atmos for the report and for local partnership on projects and events. The company did not request any immediate council action during the work session.