Atlanta Gas Light looks at city system

By Crystal Tatum (2722)
crystal.tatum@newtoncitizen.com

Thursday, May 8, 2008
© Copyright 2013 Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Atlanta Gas Light Company has approached the city of Covington about buying the city's gas system, Mayor Kim Carter said at Monday night's City Council meeting.

Carter said representatives with the company "want to open a dialogue" and asked the council to vote on whether to "release the information they need so we can continue the discussion."

Carter said the company is inquiring about facts such as the number of customers and amount of gas supplied. The council unanimously agreed to provide the information.

City Manager Steve Horton said Tuesday that discussions are very preliminary.

"They actually sent an e-mail inquiring how to contact us and if we wanted to talk with them. I don't think anybody on the council has formed an opinion on whether to sell. It's just one of those things where they have some interest," Horton said. "According to what they told us, they've been contacting other cities. Companies do that sometimes to try to see if they can find systems to buy. They wanted the opportunity to exchange information."

Horton said "a lot of research" has to be done before a decision is made on whether to sell, adding that it's too early to tell if selling could benefit the city.

"I couldn't even tell you what the system is worth. I don't know what they would offer," he said.

The city has operated its own gas system since the late 1950s, and has more than 8,000 customers, Horton said.

Crystal Tatum can be reached at crystal.tatum@newtoncitizen.com.

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