Propane Gas Service Update

The City Council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, will include discussions regarding the asset evaluation of the propane operations and securing a buyer. Following the discussions, the City Council will make the determination on either moving forward with the process (i.e. the city will issue a bid/proposal advertising the sale of our propane gas operations) or possibly suspend the process.

Residents are invited to attend the meeting, which will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 3, 2023, in Clearwater Council Chambers at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave. The meeting can also be streamed live on YouTube and the city's website.

After a change in the city of Clearwater's city manager leadership last year, Clearwater Gas System (CGS) was tasked with reviewing and analyzing all operational areas for effectiveness and quality. It was determined our propane operations were not profitable as a stand-alone business unit, resulting in lower overall profits for CGS and financial return to the city.

CGS will ask the City Council if this service should continue to be provided. At this time, Clearwater Gas System's recommendation is to sell the propane gas division to allow the organization to focus primarily on natural gas growth and additional retail services and functions, which include appliance sales, installation/house piping and appliance repair.

Clearwater Gas System has more than 2,045 propane customers in Pinellas and Pasco counties that would be affected by a potential sale. In addition, all propane-related operations that are currently supported by Clearwater Gas System would be sold to another company. Below is a breakdown of our propane customers.

If the city sells the propane system, another propane company will take over all existing propane customers and start providing your fuel needs. This process may take 6 months to one year.

Clearwater Gas System will notify all propane customers prior to the sale in order to keep you informed about the status of the city's propane service and to let you know which company will be your new provider. No other actions are required on the customer’s part at this time.

No. Clearwater Gas System currently has more vacancies than impacted propane positions, which means no Clearwater Gas employees are in jeopardy of losing their jobs.

You may attend a City Council meeting at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., or you can email Brian Langille, Gas Executive Director, at Brian.Langille@myclearwater.com.