CityGate News
"What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year" ~
NEW YEAR, NEW LEADERSHIP, SAME SERVICE COMMITMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT REGISTRATION
This annual gathering offers a valuable opportunity for leaders across Georgia to connect, exchange ideas, and explore solutions that strengthen community and economic development. Join the Gas Authority in learning about exciting opportunities and strategies to boost your community.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SYLVANIA, GEORGIA
The first of our new CityGate Newsletter feature takes a look at this charming city in southeast Georgia that has a rich history, beautiful landscape, and vibrant community spirit
As we close the pages on 2025 and start the blank slate that is 2026, it’s a great time to review how the Member Services team continues to grow its programs to better serve Members and deliver value. See what 2026 may have in store... If you have any questions or comments about the CityGate News or wish to reprint or share individual articles, please contact Yolanda Santiago White: ywhite@gasauthority com or (678) 819-0926
Vern McLellan, author
New Year, New Leadership, Same Service Commitment: A Message from Our New CEO - Scott Tolleson
I am honored and excited to step into the role of CEO of the Gas Authority While this marks a leadership transition, our commitment to you remains steady and unchanged. This next chapter is about building on the strong, trusted partnership we’ve shared for many years and continuing to deliver the dependable service you expect from us.
For decades, the Gas Authority has been defined by stability, reliability, and a deep commitment to its Members, Municipal Customers, and the communities you serve. That foundation is not changing. I am committed to carrying it forward while thoughtfully evolving to meet the needs of an increasingly complex and changing natural gas industry.
What has always set the Gas Authority apart is our service-first mindset and our dedication to our Members and Municipal Customers. We exist to support you—to help you succeed, navigate challenges, and serve your communities with confidence. Your trust has been earned over time, and it is something we take seriously every day
I believe the best ideas often come from unexpected places, and I’m committed to listening, learning, and working alongside you. Together, we will build on our strong foundation, tackle big issues, and shape the next chapter of success.
Thank you for your partnership, friendship, and confidence in us. I’m proud to serve you and excited about what we’ll accomplish together.
Join Us for the ECG Economic Development Summit
Please join us for the 2026 ECG Economic Development Summit, set for March 2–4, 2026, at Jekyll Island Convention Center. This annual gathering offers a valuable opportunity for leaders and practitioners across Georgia to connect, exchange ideas, and explore solutions that strengthen community and economic development.
Each year, the Summit brings together industry leaders, economic development professionals, utility partners, and community representatives to engage in meaningful conversations and explore strategies that drive Georgia’s economic growth.
Designed specifically for municipally owned electric and gas communities, strengthened through the Georgia Energy Cities initiative, the Summit provides a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and best practice sharing. Participants gain valuable insights from expert speakers and peers, equipping them with actionable tools to support community progress and long-term development.
The Summit is structured to offer a balanced mix of community, industrial, and retail development topics focused on building resilient, competitive communities, with highlights including: Rivian – The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
City Transformation Strategies
Industrial Market Refresh & Outlook
From Vacant to Vibrant: Revitalizing Underused Spaces
Public–Private Partnership Models
Marketing & Positioning Your Community for Growth
Effective Nonverbal Communication for Stronger Economic Development Conversations
Register at: https://ecoga org/register-for-the-ecg-economic-development-summit/
$550 - Early Registration (Rate ending February 2, 2026)
$600 - Summit Registration (after 5:00 p.m., February 2, 2026)
For Room Reservations at The Westin Jekyll Island visit the link below or call the hotel directly at 1 800 9378461 and reference the ECG Economic Development Summit Block to receive our group discount.
Room Reservations
Don't miss the discounted Reservation Rate ending February 2!
Subscribed Regulatory Compliance Service
SRCS continues to see growth with the following additions and updates:
In Alabama, the cities of Graysville, Tallassee, and West Jefferson joined SRCS in 2025, and Sumiton as Board and the City of Calera are poised to join in 2026. This would bring the total number of SRCS subscribers in Alabama to 20.
In Georgia the City of Dawson joined effective the first of the new year
And the SRCS footprint is taking a wide step with the addition of Barro Utilities & Electric Cooperative in Alaska effective at the start of this year.
Several contractors joined the program in 2025, including Fall Line Cathodic, HD Excavations, Hiawassee Construction, J&A Welding, and JECON.
These welcome additions now bring the SRCS totals to 85 municipal operators, 30 contractors, and 2 master meter operators. And with all of this growth it means additional manpower. In 2025 we welcomed the addition of 3 SRCS Analysts: Mike Hudson, Benjie Dukes, and Kyle Hamby.
Gas Operations Trainers
The training group has hit their stride and settled into a good training routine. The group continues to work to equip regional training facilities with the goal of hosting more technical training at these locations in 2026. The regional training concept will allow Members to receive more specialized training without the need for overnight travel, etc.
The program hired 1 Gas Operations Trainer in 2025, bringing the total number of trainers to 6, serving 69 Members (over 75% of the Membership). Collectively, these Members have over 700 employees in the training service.
As of 12/3/25, the training group conducted 622 training sessions, trained 2082 Member employees. Of the 2082 employees receiving training, 1319 of those employees received a total of 2609 qualifications. This service has been a tremendous help to ensure that our Members comply with state and federal regulations and have a qualified workforce.
Engineering Services Program
In August 2025, the Engineering Services Program launched. This program was born out of the Engineering Services Pilot Program and is available as an “on-going” service or “as-needed” service
On-going services include preparation and providing of the Gas System Operating Reports based on gas sales and consumption data. Monthly reports include system “Lost & Unaccounted for” data for gas tracking and evaluation with consultation and any recommended corrective measures. Access to a Georgia Registered Professional Engineer to assist with issues and solutions in gas system operations and maintenance (O&M) including but not limited to selection of pipe, facility components, repair, replacement and renewal projects
As-needed services are billed at an hourly rate and include assistance with project development including system expansion projects, and system improvement projects. This could include investigating funding options, writing request for “Qualifications” or “Requests for Proposals” (RFPs) for outside engineering or contractor services, reviewing such requests and providing recommendations, system evaluations, DOT/Railroad permitting, etc.
To date, 5 Members are utilizing the “On-going” and “As-needed” service, and 13 Members, and one non-member are utilizing the “As-needed" service of this program.
Need Your Help!
Looking to feature Member cities, personnel, or customers in our upcoming Annual Report.
We are seeking stories of resilience. Has your system/city overcome adversity? Has one of your employees demonstrative a resilient spirit despite life’s challenges? Do you have a customer who beat the odds to make their business thrive?
We are looking for stories that show heart and drive...in a word RESILIENCY! We would love to feature these stories as part of our upcoming annual report.
If you have a recommendation, please contact Yolanda Santiago White at ywhite@gasauthority com or by phone at (678) 819-0926
Deadline for submission: February 16, 2026.
Gas Authority Marketing Programs Navigating the Changing Dynamics
In recent years, the marketing landscape has undergone a dramatic shift, and natural gas is no exception. Traditional approaches such as print advertising and broadcast media still have their place to build brand awareness and reach a wide range of audiences; however, they offer limited visibility into customer engagement and return on investment.
Transition to Digital-First Strategies
Targeted outreach: Digital platforms enable precise segmentation, allowing Municipal natural gas providers to tailor messaging for residential customers based on whether they currently have natural gas, are heat-only customers, or even have a tap but no current gas usage
Real-time adaptability: Campaigns can be adjusted instantly based on performance metrics, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
Cost efficiency: Compared to traditional channels, digital campaigns often deliver higher impact at lower cost
The Role of Analytics
Analytics have become a fixture in our marketing strategies By tracking customer interactions across websites and social media, QR codes on mailings, we gain insights into: ·Potential areas to expand gas lines What web pages your customers are spending time on Upticks in rebate requests and financing
Strategies to Build On
We’ve seen success in Member cities through taking this approach. Moving into 2026 we will continue to take a data-driven approach, while still carving out space for traditional marketing efforts We work with individual Members to create a custom marketing plan and we work at the joint-action level to combine marketing dollars to create marketing campaigns that promote and educate natural gas across our Membership.
If you’d like to work with our team, please contact Nicole Graham, ngraham@gasauthority.com
Natural Gas Connection: Growing and Going Strong
Natural Gas Connection (NGC) offers Members subscribed services including a seamless 12-month marketing program and retail appliance options to help ensure Members are adding and retaining residential natural gas customers NGC also helps Members build and expand a robust contractor network to ensure timely and professional installation of gas appliances
Currently NGC service is offered in multiple locations:
In Northwest Georgia NGC is offering services to customers in Adairsville, Trion, Summerville, and LaFayette. The main showroom is located in Trion.
For customers in Southwest Georgia, the NGC services are offered in Bainbridge, Moultrie, Camilla, Pelham, Doerun, Blakely, Sylvester, and Colquitt with showrooms in Bainbridge and Moultrie.
East Central Alabama Gas District has an NGC showroom in its customer and administrative services building to serve customers in the neighboring communities of Ashland, Lineville, and Goodwater, AL. In 2024, the Town of Wadley and Alexander City, AL implemented the NGC service and Alexander City opened a showroom in its City Hall.
In East GA, Waynesboro has a fully operational NGC Showroom in their City Hall.
The newest NGC participants are located in Northeast Georgia – Sugar Hill and Madison were added in 2025
Enhancements are always being made to the NGC model to make it more economical and attractive for Members with varying needs Recently these have included developing a financing web portal to make it easier to apply for financing and rebates, creating an integrated 12-month marketing calendar which includes traditional, digital, and local marketing activities with the ability to track analytics, and adding additional subscription options.
These and other improvements will help deliver better service and establish a strong retail brand with a continued focus on expanding NGC to the entire Membership. As always NGC’s value and ongoing goal is assisting our Members in adding and retaining customers, advocating for natural gas, strategically combatting revenue loss, and offering personalized customer service.
City Spotlight: Sylvania, Georgia
Located in the heart of Screven County, the City of Sylvania, Georgia embodies the charm and resilience of small-town life in southeastern Georgia. As the county seat, Sylvania serves as a central hub for government, commerce, and community connection while maintaining a keen sense of local identity.
A Rich History Rooted in the Land
Established in the late 1700s and incorporated in 1854, Sylvania’s name is derived from the Latin word sylva, meaning “forest,” reflecting the area’s abundant natural landscape. The city was shaped by agriculture, timber, and regional trade, and its historic downtown still displays the architectural character from the early 20th century. Sylvania’s past, including its role as a key stop during the Civil War era, continues to influence its culture and community pride today.
Geography & Community Character
Situated between Savannah and Augusta, Sylvania benefits from a strategic location along major transportation routes, including U.S. Highway 301. Surrounded by pine forests and fertile farmland, the city is known for its scenic beauty and seasonal blooms, earning it the nickname “The Azalea & Dogwood City.” Community events, such as the annual Livestock Festival, celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage and bring residents together year after year.
Committed to Reliable Energy
Sylvania owns and operates its municipal natural gas system, providing dependable and cost-effective energy to homes, businesses, and industries throughout the community The city is also a proud member of the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia, benefiting from long-term, stable natural gas supply, strategic planning support, and shared expertise that helps ensure reliable service for customers today and into the future.
Looking Ahead
With a population of approximately 2,600 residents, Sylvania continues to blend historic roots with forwardthinking infrastructure and services. Its commitment to community, local utilities, and economic stability positions the city for steady growth while preserving the character that makes Sylvania a special place to live and work.
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Recipe of the Month
INGREDIENTS
1.5-2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
1-2 large onions, chopped
4-5 carrots, diced
Classic Beef Stew
Beat the winter chill with this hearty and soul-warming meal this season. Low and slow simmering is key to tender bits of beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
1 lb potatoes (halved/quartered)
4-5 cloves garlic
1 cup beef broth (or more if omitting wine/beer)
1 cup red wine or dark beer (optional
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp flour,
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions (on Gas Stove):
1 tbsp Worcestershire
1 tsp thyme 1-2 bay leaves
½ cup frozen pear (optional) salt & pepper
1.Prep Beef: Pat beef dry, toss with flour (if using), salt, and pepper.
2.Brown Meat: Heat oil in a large, heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat on your gas burner. Brown beef in batches, then set aside.
3.Sauté Veggies: Add onion and carrots to the pot, cook until soft (about 5 mins). Add garlic & cook 30 secs more.
4.Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in wine/beer to scrape up browned bits. Add tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, thyme, bay leaves. Return beef to pot. Bring to a simmer.
5.Low & Slow: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1-1.5 hours, or until meat starts getting tender, adding more liquid if needed.
6.Add Potatoes: Add potatoes, ensure they're mostly covered in liquid. Cook, covered, for another 20-40 mins until fork-tender.
7.Finish: Stir in peas (if using) and cook 5-10 mins more. Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread!.
FinalThought
“And suddenly, you know: It’s time to start something new and
trustthemagicofbeginnings.”
~ Meister Eckhart, German theologian and philosopher