American Gas Association hails FCC for new regulations on emergency text messaging

The American Gas Association (AGA) praised the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday for the approval of new automated call and text message guidelines that allow utilities to contact consumers with severe weather and service warnings.

“AGA commends the FCC for recognizing that natural gas utilities provide a critical service to the well-being of the American public,” AGA President and CEO Dave McCurdy said. “Our core value and top priority is, and always will be, safety. By sending text messages and automated calls, utilities are able to connect with their customers in a much more efficient manner. This rule makes it easier for our member companies to provide safe and reliable service to the more than 177 million Americans who depend on this clean, energy fuel every day.”

The new guidelines allow natural gas and electric utilities to contact customers with automated calls and text messages regarding issues related to service and safety. Customers may now receive severe weather warnings, updates on service restoration and warnings regarding potential service disruptions.

The new ruling better allows utilities to inform customers of safety and reliability concerns. It also maintains the FCC’s mission to protect customers from unwanted communications by ensuring contact is essential to public safety and energy reliability.