As Texas neighborhoods expand and grow, there is an underground issue lurking. Aging natural gas infrastructure presents a critical challenge to safe and reliable gas delivery—something that Atwell and our energy client, a natural gas distribution company based in Texas, are working on closely together to solve.
Residents depend on safe, efficient service to power their lives each day, and our team at Atwell works to provide that through the providers we partner with. Our energy client provides natural gas to more than 2.1 million customers throughout over 600 communities in Texas. Together, we are working to modernize and maximize utility services in our communities by updating and upgrading natural gas delivery as part of a significant pipeline replacement program. Neighborhood replacement projects are critical because these improvements aren’t just technical upgrades—they directly benefit local communities by enhancing safety, reducing future disruptions, and preparing neighborhoods for continued growth and reliable energy use.
Revamping energy infrastructure throughout Texas
As part of the Neighborhood Replacement Projects for our client, Atwell’s team is assisting in the planning, designing, permitting, procurement, and construction process of replacing older lines and upgrading low-pressure gas lines. In line with our client’s commitment to safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance, these improvements proactively replace aging infrastructure that may be susceptible to wear, degradation, or outdated performance. The project scopes include both individual neighborhoods and entire towns across Texas, with much of the work concentrated in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and Waco.
“Our client is committed to providing the best possible experience for its customers, and they recognized the continued growth in these communities and the need for updates,” said Atwell Project Manager Amando Garcia. “Together, we’re able to better deliver efficient gas service in this region.”
The Atwell team has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, including the creation of construction plan drawings; managing site visits; identifying which properties and associated gas meters are currently active and servicing customers; structuring the work into phases to keep construction on schedule and avoid service disruptions; and managing the required permitting processes. This technical and logistical undertaking is made possible by Atwell’s deep experience and longstanding relationship with our client.
Past experiences with the client and similar projects provide a solid foundation of expertise
Atwell’s team has extensive experience in the region and a long history with the client, which allows for a shared respect and understanding in how to work well together. That continuity has helped shape this work, reinforcing the client’s trust with Atwell as our team ensures that the client can depend on us to jump in quickly to support their needs without missing a step in this critical transformation for residents.
The team has also successfully completed similar projects in the past, adding to Atwell’s expertise in community utility work, which includes the technical aspects of replacing older lines and upgrading low-pressure systems. This knowledge equipped our team to efficiently manage projects ranging in scale from single neighborhoods to entire towns, transforming the living experience for residents.
Adaptability and commitment to client relationships creates efficient and effective outcomes
Given the scale of this program, the team has overcome many challenges and is prepared to handle any in the future, such as design changes during construction, maintaining fluidity to adhere to permitting requirements, and coordinating between different project phases. As the projects grow and evolve, the team’s experience helps scale their processes and adapt to the increased demands and requirements in expanding to additional neighborhoods. Our commitment to client service is at the heart of our support, and flexibility is required due to factors such as client needs, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, and local regulations and requirements.
The team’s constant, open communication with the client and seamless collaboration have been key factors in the project’s success so far.
“Atwell has worked with this client before, and the relationship we’ve built has been instrumental in managing the expanding scope of this relocation program,” said Ray Holliday, Discipline Manager at Atwell. “With many active projects at once, it’s essential to coordinate and work together. Thanks to our established and positive relationship, our team has a clear roadmap for how to maintain an effective and positive project experience, which is crucial for managing large projects like these.”
Establishing a framework for success in complex infrastructure projects
The combination of the Atwell team’s expertise, client relationships, communication, and flexibility has allowed the project team to effectively manage the expansion of our client’s Neighborhood Replacement Projects, demonstrating the company’s capability to oversee complex, growing infrastructure initiatives to meet current and future energy needs.
Atwell has been supporting these projects since late 2023, and with ongoing work well into 2025 and plans already in place for 2026, we’re optimistic about continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. These efforts not only reflect Atwell’s technical excellence and commitment to client service, but also reinforce our shared mission with our client to enhance safety, sustainability, and peace of mind for the communities we serve.
