Atmos Energy ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction in the Midwest among midsize utilities, according to J.D. Power
Included in Atmos Energy’s vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services is to also be recognized for exceptional customer service. The company’s focus on customer service and process improvement was further demonstrated earlier this month when, for the third consecutive year, the J.D. Power 2024 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study ranked Atmos Energy No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction with Residential Natural Gas Service in the Midwest among Midsize Utilities.
“Our customer support associates, and service technicians continue to Inspire Trust in our communities by providing exceptional customer service,” said Mike Dickson, Atmos Energy vice president of customer service, in a news release. “We are grateful to receive this recognition from the J.D. Power Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study for a third consecutive year, and it reinforces the 98 percent satisfaction rating we receive from customers in the surveys we conduct on our own.”
The 2024 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 63,363 online interviews conducted from January through October 2024 among residential customers of the 86 largest gas utility brands across the United States, which represent more than 125,000 residential customers. Atmos Energy’s overall customer satisfaction index ranking among midsize utilities in the Midwest this year is 776, which represents a 12-point increase over its 2023 score.
Amarillo Town Club announces new Functional Fitness training area
Amarillo Town Club announced Dec. 19 it has begun construction on a state-of-the-art Functional Fitness training area at its Hillside location, set to redefine the fitness experience for ATC members. Spanning an expansive 10,000 square feet, this cutting-edge facility promises to elevate member workouts and expand the total workout area to accommodate the growing population in southwest Amarillo, according to a news release. Construction is slated to begin December 2024.
Key features of the new Functional Fitness training area include adedicated area of 10,000-plus square feet, equipped with the latest in fitness technology and over 20,000 pounds of strength equipment to cater to diverse training needs; a turf training zone offering a dynamic surface ideal for functional movements, agility drills, strength training, and specialized exercises to enhance athletic performance; an additional group exercise room; private individual family locker room facilities; and more.
“We are thrilled to introduce Amarillo Town Club’s new Performance Center, a testament to our commitment to providing our members with cutting-edge fitness solutions,” said Doug Jesko, Director of Amarillo Town Club. “This expansion not only enhances our facility but also underscores our dedication to promoting health and wellness in our community. The ATC continues to invest in our facilities to give our members the best fitness experience possible.”
The Functional Fitness training area at Amarillo Town Club Hillside is set to open in 2025, inviting members to explore new possibilities in their fitness journey. The Hillside location will continue to operate normally during construction with minimal disruption. For more information on membership opportunities or to schedule a tour of the facility, please visit amarillotownclub.com or contact their sales department at (806) 468-0398. Founded in 1967, Amarillo Town Club is part of the Baptist Community Services family.
Xcel Energy prepared to meet winter energy needs, help customers save money, receive bill payment assistance
Xcel Energy is set to supply more than enough electricity to meet peak demand this winter in the Texas and New Mexico communities it serves and is encouraging customers to use tools and information to lower winter power bills while staying comfortable through the coldest months.
Xcel Energy power plants are equipped for winter weather and the company has expanded its ability to import power over the last decade, using its connections with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to ensure sufficient power availability to meet forecasted demand. Currently, Xcel Energy exceeds the SPP’s winter season obligation of a 15% planning reserve margin above its projected net peak demand. Xcel Energy’s Texas service area is not part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT grid, which serves many electricity customers downstate.
Customers can prepare for colder temperatures and save money on their bills by taking various energy conserving measures around the house; information can be found on the Energy Efficiency Services page at xcelenergy.com. For example, these steps include lowering the water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees and wrapping it in insulation, saving 3 to 5% on water heating costs; improving insulation in walls, crawl spaces, floors, and heating ducts; lowering the thermostat; and changing filters on home heating systems every month Customers are also encouraged to contact Xcel Energy if they’re having trouble paying their bill at 1-800-895-4999 or via their customer support page at xcelenergy.com . “Most payment arrangements are from three to six months, but they vary based on individual circumstances,” said Canda Henry, Amarillo-based vice president in Xcel Energy’s Customer Care group. “We understand that income loss and other hardships happen that can prevent customers from making payments. Our personal account representatives are here to connect customers with local agencies that offer help paying utility bills.”
For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow them on X and Facebook.
Amarillo enhances 911 emergency medical services with addition of innovative Nurse Navigation program
The City of Amarillo is working to enhance its 911 emergency response capabilities with the launch of Nurse Navigation, an innovative initiative developed in partnership with local EMS provider Amarillo Medical Services (AMS) and program pioneer Global Medical Response (GMR). The Nurse Navigation program aims to alleviate pressure on EMS teams, reduce unnecessary ER visits, and ensure that every 911 call is met with the right level of care.
“In 2023, 60-70% of the Amarillo Fire Department’s 21,961 responses were Emergency Medical Service (EMS) incidents. The Nurse Navigation program represents a critical step forward, enabling AFD and our EMS partner, AMS, to serve and protect our community more effectively and efficiently,” said Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays. “By accurately assigning appropriate resources, this program ensures our limited emergency responders — fire trucks and ambulances — are available for true emergencies. Data shows that most medical assistance calls can be competently addressed without an ambulance ride. A system to prioritize high-acuity emergencies strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission of protecting the community.”
The Nurse Navigation program provides 911 dispatchers with the ability to connect certain callers with experienced nurses who can assess medical needs, provide real-time guidance, and direct individuals to the most appropriate care, including arranging pre-paid rides through Lyft at no cost to the patient. This ensures EMS resources are available for potentially life-threatening situations such as heart attacks or strokes while still addressing all callers promptly and effectively.
Chief Mays adds, “The Nurse Navigation Program is a game changer for Amarillo’s emergency medical response. By focusing our resources on life-threatening emergencies and guiding non-life-threatening callers to appropriate care, we can better serve our community while maximizing the effectiveness of our Fire and EMS teams.”
Similar GMR Nurse Navigation programs are operational in14 states and over 20 communities nationwide, the release says. For additional information, visit them on LinkedIn or at www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com.
Mayer named director of maintenance for TxDOT Amarillo District
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Amarillo District announced this week the appointment of Zachary Mayer, P.E. as the Director of Maintenance for the Amarillo District, effective Jan. 1.
A native of Spring Branch, Texas, Mayer earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech University in 2014. He began his TxDOT career in 2013 in the Lubbock District’s Brownfield Area Office as a summer intern. He accepted a full-time position in 2015 as an engineering assistant in the Amarillo District and participated in the engineering rotation program prior to being licensed. In 2018, he transitioned to the role of Design Team Lead and later served as the Amarillo District Bridge Engineer. Since 2021, Mayer held the position of Pampa Area Engineer, where he has overseen the construction and maintenance operations over six counties.
“Zach is a prime example of how hard work and dedication to a craft can lead to great outcomes at TxDOT,” says Amarillo District Engineer Blair Johnson. “Zach has thrived in his previous roles with TxDOT and will continue to do so as Director of Maintenance.”
The United Family reminds guests stores will be closed on Christmas Day
LUBBOCK — The United Family wants to remind guests across its areas of operations that all stores will close early at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. All locations will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25.
Stores in The United Family, including United Supermarkets, Market Street, Albertsons Market, and Amigos, will resume regular business hours on Thursday, Dec. 26. Twenty-four-hour locations with pharmacies will open at 6 a.m.
“We want to make sure all of our team members have the day off for Christmas,” said Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family. “This tradition of closing on Christmas gives all team members the ability to spend important time with their families and friends.”
All stores will continue normal operating hours through New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.