Gov. Abbott calls for investigations into Atmos Energy after natural gas outages

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas governor called for the state to investigate Atmos Energy for the natural gas problems that left many in the Austin area without heat on some of the most frigid days during the recent cold snap.

Gov. Greg Abbott shared he sent two letters Wednesday to Attorney General Ken Paxton and Christi Craddick, the chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas. He asked each of their offices to look into what he called “failures by Atmos to provide adequate residential and commercial gas service.”

In the letter to the attorney general, Abbott wrote, “Prior to and during the recent winter weather system, State of Texas agencies worked around the clock to mobilize resources and assist utilities in any way possible. At no time did Atmos Energy request assistance. Even during coordination calls of the Texas Energy Reliability Council, Atmos Energy did not properly communicate the extent of its failure or request the Council’s help.”

“Substantial evidence supports the conclusion that Atmos Energy either was unprepared for the winter weather system, failed to perform for its customers as promised, or both,” he continued.

In writing to the chairman, Abbott said the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, should work to make sure no other issues arise from Atmos’ service in the coming months.

“Because we are just beginning the winter season, and because customers of Atmos deserve to have reliable natural gas service during this winter,” Abbott said, “there is an urgency to have the RRC investigation concluded in a matter of weeks.”

KXAN reached out Wednesday afternoon for comment about the governor’s calls to investigate the natural gas outages. This story will be updated once a response is shared.

In the days before Christmas, many customers in north and central Texas complained of low or no gas pressure, leaving them without heat and other necessities in their homes. Because of this, the cities of Leander and Grand Prairie opened warming centers for those experiencing natural gas disruptions.

At the end of last week, Atmos shared it asked customers to conserve due to extreme temperatures and high natural gas usage, but it did not specifically address the outage reports. An Atmos spokesperson also said the company experienced high call volumes and warned there may be a significant wait time for customers wishing to speak with an agent.

Leander residents in the Travisso subdivision reported seeing Atmos Energy trucks in the area before the cold hit – that information was confirmed by Leander Mayor Christine Delisle.

The trucks, Delisle said, were pumping natural gas directly into lines to help keep homes heated, but to no avail.

Rick Tinker moved to the subdivision in 2019. He says since the 2021 freeze, the neighborhood has been wary of cold weather. He reports losing electricity and gas at his home for several days.

During this latest freeze, Tinker said his gas pressure dropped but never went out. He urged utility providers to keep the public’s safety in mind and correct problems for the area’s gas lines before the dead of winter blows in.

“These utility companies need to keep in mind that some of the people here are elderly, and people with brand new babies. This isn’t something that should happen,” said Tinker.

Delisle said the Trevisso neighborhood was heavily affected by the 2021 winter storm but any gas line issues from that storm had been corrected by Atmos.

She said last week’s outage was allegedly connected to line issues stemming from somewhere in Cedar Park according to Atmos.

KXAN has reached out to Atmos Energy on this information but has not received a response.