Since September 11, 2001, America has faced the issue of heightened security awareness nationwide. One of the major security issues involve determining the critical areas that will require additional security enhancements as well as budgeting for this added expense. Many utilities across the country, including Clearwater Gas, have increased the level of security at their locations. For instance, video surveillance with motion detectors are the most popular form of enhanced security. These cameras can be connected to a computer network system and monitored by office personnel, or remotely by a secure internet connection. It is equally important to also ensure that facility access gates/fences are working properly and barbed wire should be installed above fence lines for added security. ♦

Natural Gas Reliability

How often do you lose electricity at your facility? Did you know that the typical gas customer will lose service once every 70 years! Natural gas is a much more reliable energy source due to its underground distribution system. Compared to an underground natural gas system, above ground electric transmission/distribution lines are more susceptible to damage due to the occasionally harsh environment. So cost savings is not the only benefit to using natural gas. ♦

Natural Gas Prices set Record High in the Southeast Region

Natural gas spot prices across the country surged to record highs this week. On the week (2/19 - 2/26), the spot price for the Henry Hub market had a net change of $4.26 per million BTU to $19. Currently, spot prices have lowered to the $10 range. This volatility is due to abnormally cold weather across the country, which reduced underground storage levels at a much faster rate than was previously anticipated. As of February 21, natural gas in storage was 1,014 Bcf, or 33.4 percent below the 5-year average for this week. Considering not only the reduced cushion from natural gas in storage, but also currently high world oil prices, natural gas prices will likely remain high for the remainder of the heating season. The Energy Information Administration(EIA) projects the average wellhead gas price at $4.36 per million BTU in 2003 and $4.28 in 2004.

This year Clearwater Gas System (CGS) celebrates “80” years of service to Clearwater and surrounding communities. CGS was chartered by the City of Clearwater in 1923 and originally provided manufactured gas only to customers in the downtown area. The gas was made using coal, coke and other products that were delivered by rail to the CGS Administration/Pinellas Service Center at 400 North Myrtle Avenue. Among the original neighborhoods that CGS served in the 1920’s and 30’s were the Harbor Oaks, Belleair and the North Greenwood neighborhoods.

In the 30's, 40's and 50's the gas system expanded to Clearwater Beach, Dunedin and Safety Harbor

Since the arrival of natural gas via underground pipelines throughout Florida in the early 1960’s, CGS has focused on providing “one-stop shopping” – from appliance sales, installation and maintenance as well as selling natural and propane gas.

The gas system was first established with several hundred customers. Today CGS has expanded to 300 square miles of service territory with over 17,000 customers in 17 Cities throughout north Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Today CGS is the 4th largest municipal gas system in Florida and ranks 40th out of nearly 1,000 public gas systems in the United States. ♦