A partnership that works for Queen Creek.
For more than 25 years, Southwest Gas has proudly served Queen Creek’s residents and
businesses with safe, affordable and clean natural gas. In 1997, citizens of Queen Creek voted to approve a franchise agreement with Southwest Gas to guide the utility’s work within the town.
businesses with safe, affordable and clean natural gas. In 1997, citizens of Queen Creek voted to approve a franchise agreement with Southwest Gas to guide the utility’s work within the town.
With that agreement set to expire, Mayor Gail Barney and the Queen Creek Town Council have unanimously approved and referred a new agreement, known as Proposition 465, to voters for their consideration. Passage of Proposition 465 will extend the mutually beneficial relationship between the Town of Queen Creek and Southwest Gas, ensuring residents continue to realize important benefits including:
Access to Affordable Energy
Ensures Queen Creek has consistent access to balanced energy options, including affordable and clean natural gas.
Community Investment for Queen Creek
Provides the Town of Queen Creek with a revenue stream to support public safety, streets, parks and facilities.
Accountability for All
Establishes operational rules of the road and holds Southwest Gas accountable to working within the rules established by the Town of Queen Creek.
Infrastructure to Support Commerce
Ensures Queen Creek has the necessary energy infrastructure to support jobs in the community.
Extends the partnership between Queen Creek and Southwest Gas
If Proposition 465 is ratified by the voters, Southwest Gas will be granted non-exclusive rights to use streets, alleys and other public places to serve current and new customers in Queen Creek. In exchange, Southwest Gas will provide Queen Creek an annual payment equal to 2% of the gross revenues that the company generates within the town. These funds will go to support critical town services like public safety, road repair and parks and recreation programs.
Southwest Gas humbly asks for your YES vote on Proposition 465 on August 2, 2022,
to continue our productive relationship with the Town of Queen Creek.
to continue our productive relationship with the Town of Queen Creek.
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For further information, please contact Southwest Gas Public Affairs at
GovernmentAffairs@swgas.com
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Southwest Gas is Committed to ArizonaCommunity InvolvementMore than $1.4 million with over $918,000 contributed by Southwest Gas employees to 73 Arizona non-profits in 2021. Capital Investment in Arizona$970 million projected between 2021 – 2023.
Major EmployerOver 1,000 Arizona employees who live and work in the communities we serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a franchise?
A franchise is a contract between the town and Southwest Gas. The franchise gives us a 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 town approve a municipal franchise.
How long will the franchise be in effect?
Franchise agreements are established for a 25-year term by the Arizona Constitution. If approved, this agreement will be in effect until 2046.
Does the franchise involve a payment to the Town of Queen Creek?
Yes. As with the other Southwest Gas municipal franchises, the franchise fee is 2% percent of Southwest Gas’ revenue from customers within the town. The franchise fee funds important town services such as road improvements, community & economic development, and the town's facilities.
Why should voters approve the franchise between Southwest Gas and the Town of Queen Creek?
The franchise is important because it provides stability and helps the Town of Queen Creek 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 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 AffordableNatural gas bills are typically amongst the lowest the average consumer pays each month.
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It's ReliableThe 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 CleanNatural gas maintains 91%1 of its efficiency when it arrives at the home from the source for cooking, space heating, water heating and clothes drying needs.
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It's PreferredHot showers, warm homes and amazing meals cooked over a natural gas flame are just a few of the reasons 92%2 of Arizonans want the choice of natural gas in their homes.
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