SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Provide direction on Clearwater Gas System rebranding to CGS Energy. (WSO)
Body
SUMMARY:
For over 30 years, the gas system has operated under the d/b/a “Clearwater Gas System” (CGS), effectively marketing services across a growing regional area. Owned and operated by the City of Clearwater since 1924, CGS today proudly serves 17 municipalities across Pinellas and Pasco counties. Since 1995, our customer base has grown by 267%, from 12,000 to over 32,000 customers in 2025, with 75% now located outside Clearwater city limits.
CGS’s service expansion and diversification into retail appliance sales, service and repair, and gas plumbing installation demonstrate its evolution beyond a traditional municipal utility. To continue driving growth and remain competitive in an evolving energy landscape, we propose rebranding as CGS Energy, preserving brand recognition while positioning us as a modern regional energy provider.
Additionally, staff plans to refresh the Vision and Mission statements to align with this updated brand direction, emphasizing innovation, customer service, and sustainability.
If Council has no objections to rebranding to CGS Energy, staff will start the process of updating all signage and corresponding marketing materials to the new CGS Energy logo. In addition, city ordinances will be updated to remove all “Clearwater Gas System” references and update to “CGS Energy, then brought back for Council approval in July/August timeframe.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are budgeted and available in 42302063-543200 (Other Promotion Activity) and 4232077-543100 (Advertising)
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Meets Strategic Objective 1.5
