City of Somerton Franchise

A partnership that works for your community.

To Secure An Affordable Energy Future

Southwest Gas has proudly served Somerton’s residents and businesses with safe, affordable and clean natural gas for more than 26 years under the terms of the existing franchise agreement. In 1998, the citizens of Somerton voted to approve a franchise agreement with Southwest Gas to guide the utility’s work within the city. With that agreement set to expire, Mayor Gerardo Anaya and the Somerton City Council have unanimously approved and referred a new agreement, known as Proposition 424, to voters for their consideration. Passage of Proposition 424 will continue the mutually beneficial relationship between the City of Somerton and Southwest Gas and ensure residents continue to realize important benefits including:

Access to Affordable Energy

Ensures Somerton has consistent access to balanced energy options, including affordable and clean natural gas.

Community Investment for Somerton

Provides the City of Somerton with a revenue stream to support public safety, streets, parks, facilities and economic development.

Accountability for All

Establishes the rules of the road and holds Southwest Gas accountable to working within the rules established by the City of Somerton.

Does Not Increase Your Natural Gas Rates

Approving the franchise agreement does not increase your natural gas rates or Southwest Gas revenues.
 
Southwest Gas humbly asks for your YES vote on Proposition 424 on the November 5, 2024 ballot to continue our productive relationship with the City of Somerton.

EXTENDS THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SOMERTON AND SOUTHWEST GAS

If Proposition 424 is ratified by the voters, Southwest Gas will retain non-exclusive rights to use streets, alleys and other public places to serve current and new customers in Somerton. In exchange, Southwest Gas will provide the City of Somerton an annual payment equal to 2% of the gross revenues that the company generates within the city. These funds will help support critical city services like public safety, road repair and parks and recreation programs.
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For further information, please contact Southwest Gas Public Affairs Department at GovernmentAffairs@swgas.com
Somerton Proposition 424

Southwest Gas is Committed to Arizona

Community Involvement 

Over $1.7 million with over $1,008,812 contributed by Southwest Gas employees to 64 Arizona non-profits in 2023.

Capital Investment in Arizona

$1.7 billion between 2019 – 2023.

Major Employer

Over 1,000 Arizona employees who live and work in the communities we serve.   
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a franchise?
A franchise is a contract between the city/town and Southwest Gas. The franchise gives us non-exclusive rights to use streets, alleys and other public rights-of-way to construct, maintain and operate our natural gas facilities safely and efficiently to serve customers.
 Does Southwest Gas have franchise agreements with other municipalities?
Yes. We have franchise agreements with 50 municipalities and counties that we serve in Arizona.
 Why do we need to vote on a franchise?
The Arizona Constitution requires that voters in the city/town approve a municipal franchise.
 How long will the franchise be in effect?
Southwest Gas’ franchise agreements are established for a 25-year term. If approved, this agreement will be in effect until 2050.
 Does the franchise involve a payment to the City of Somerton? 
Yes. As with the other Southwest Gas municipal franchises, the franchise fee is 2% percent of Southwest Gas’ revenue from customers within the city. The franchise fee funds important city services such as road improvements, community & economic development, and the city's facilities.
 Why should voters approve the franchise between Southwest Gas and the City of Somerton? 
The franchise is important because it provides stability and helps the City of Somerton effectively and economically plan in coordination with Southwest Gas. It also ensures we are using rights-of-way safely and efficiently and that we comply with regulations regarding the use of city streets for our facilities.
 What happens if a majority of voters do not approve the franchise?
Elections will be held until an agreement is approved by voters, as required by the Arizona Constitution. Each election would create additional costs for the city/town and Southwest Gas. In the interim, we would continue to provide safe, reliable natural gas service.
 Who can I contact with questions? 
Please contact the Southwest Gas Public Affairs Department at  GovernmentAffairs@swgas.com

Why Natural Gas Makes Sense

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It's Affordable

Natural gas bills are typically amongst the lowest an average consumer pays each month.
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It's Reliable

The ideal companion for renewables like wind and solar, natural gas is available when the sun isn't shining and the wind doesn’t blow.
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It's Clean

Natural gas maintains 91%* of its efficiency in transport from source to home for cooking, space heating, water heating and clothes drying needs.
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It's Preferred

Hot showers, warm homes and sizzling meals cooked over a natural gas flame are just a few of the reasons 92%** of Arizonans want the choice of natural gas in their homes.
*American Gas Association
**Survey conducted by OH Predictive Insights and published in January of 2020. Survey conducted of Arizonans with natural gas in their homes.
Paid for by Southwest Gas Corporation. Not authorized by any candidate or committee.