Atmos gas distribution businesses under new ownership

Liberty Utilities Completes Acquisition of Atmos Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution Businesses in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri - Offering additional services in our walk-in Customer Service Centers in 2013; 38 jobs to be created 

Liberty Utilities Co. has announced the completion of its $124 million acquisition of Atmos Energy’s natural gas distribution business in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. The deal is expected to create 38 new full-time jobs within the 3-state area (Midstates).

Liberty Utilities has already filled 9 new full-time positions and will be hiring additional employees in Illinois, Iowa and primarily Missouri, to complement staff that transferred to Liberty Utilities with the change of ownership.

“We have committed extensive resources to ensure a smooth transition for all natural gas customers. All aspects of customer care will be of the highest quality and will continue seamlessly. Customers will experience no disruption in service,” said David Swain, President of Liberty Utilities Midstates.

Although customers will not notice immediate differences beyond a new logo on vehicles and their natural gas bills, they can expect significant beneficial changes in the coming months.

“We will be offering additional services in our walk-in customer service centers at existing locations in the states over the next 12 to 18 months,” said JW Hackworth, Senior Manager of Customer Care, Liberty Utilities Midstates. “Our goal is to deliver ‘best-in-class’ customer service at the local level, where we can provide quality face-to-face assistance.”

The final state and federal regulatory approvals needed to complete the transaction were granted last month. The sale was originally announced in May 2011.

“Liberty Utilities is very pleased to be doing business in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri,” said David Swain. “Our experienced management team and responsive staff located here in the Midstates region are focused on safety, reliability and the delivery of a positive customer and community experience for years to come.”

About Liberty Utilities

Liberty Utilities is an independent water, natural gas and electric company providing local utility management, service and support to small and mid-sized communities across the United States. With more than 335,000 customers, Liberty Utilities is committed to local decision making that directly meets the needs of its customers. This means opening walk-in customer service centers, creating jobs, and providing responsive and reliable service. As a company, Liberty Utilities promotes local conservation and energy efficiency initiatives and programs for businesses and residential customers, including the low-income sector. The company measures its performance on customer experience, public and workplace safety, and service reliability. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, California, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire and Texas. For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com.