Our History

Southeast Gas was formed in 1952 to bring natural gas service to Southeast Alabama. What started as a shared vision among 14 cities has grown into one of the largest municipally owned natural gas systems in the nation—serving more than 32,000 customers in 36 communities across the region. From the beginning, our mission has been simple: provide safe, affordable, and reliable energy—while investing in the people and communities we serve.

Three men in suits stand in a gas control room in front of a large wall map and monitoring gauges, circa mid-20th century.

Built By and For Southeast Alabama

Southeast Gas is owned equally by 14 cities: Abbeville, Andalusia, Brundidge, Dothan, Elba, Enterprise, Eufaula, Fort Deposit, Greenville, Headland, Luverne, Opp, Ozark, and Troy. Each of these cities continues to be represented equally on the Southeast Gas Board of Directors. At the company’s first board meeting on February 22, 1952, Tracey B. Wilder of Andalusia was named Board President. Board meetings were held quarterly in the town of Gantt, and the company selected Goodwin Engineers to design and oversee the construction of the new gas system.

Historic photo of a crowd gathered as officials light a natural gas flare during a community ceremony, with men, women, and children watching outside a brick building.
Two men, one in work clothes and one in a suit, stand inside a valve station surrounded by metal pipes and industrial equipment, mid-20th century.

Service Begins

By November 1, 1955, after three years of construction, natural gas was officially “turned on” across the Southeast Gas service area. Some cities already had infrastructure in place, and those systems were improved and connected to build a single, cohesive network. Southeast Gas hired its first manager, Price Aycock of Huntsville, in 1955, with an annual salary of $7,000. He was succeeded by R.J. Smith, who served until the mid-1980s. James H. (Jim) Smith then became General Manager and later President & CEO. Upon his retirement in 2006, Greg Henderson took over the role and continues to lead the organization today.

Still Growing Strong

Over the decades, Southeast Gas has expanded its system, service area, and customer base—all while staying true to its roots as a community-owned utility. Today, we operate over 1,700 miles of distribution mains and 575 miles of transmission lines, making it possible to deliver safe, efficient energy to homes, businesses, and industries throughout Southeast Alabama.

We’re proud of our history—and even more excited about what’s ahead.