More Than 170 Years of Service & Innovation
From lighting the streets of Adrian in 1856 to serving more than 18,000 customers today, Citizens Gas has been a trusted part of the communities we have served for generations.
Our Story
Citizens Gas has proudly provided safe, reliable natural gas service throughout southeastern Michigan. In addition to delivering dependable energy, we offer expert appliance repair and maintenance services that help customers enjoy comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Our legacy is built on a strong commitment to innovation, growth, and the communities we proudly serve.
The Beginning: Adrian Gas Light Company was founded and began serving 98 gas-light customers, with E. F. Lloyd as company president.
A New Name: Ownership changed, and the company became Adrian Gas Company.
Expanding Services: The company became Citizens Light & Power and expanded electric service across southern Michigan. Power was generated at a coal-fired steam plant on the Raisin River on W. Maumee Street. J. H. Fee served as company president.
Continued Growth: The company was renamed Lenawee County Gas & Electric Company.
Citizens Gas Fuel Company: The company was acquired by Cities Service Power & Light Company and officially named Citizens Gas Fuel Company.
Focused on Natural Gas: After the electric operations were sold, R. E. Burger purchased the gas property, allowing Citizens Gas to focus exclusively on natural gas service. Elmer Gmeiner served as company president. Citizens Gas rented a building on N. Main Street, where the company’s office remains today.
Supporting Local Industry: Citizens Gas provided dependable natural gas service to local manufacturers during the wartime effort.
Serving the Community: Citizens Gas employed 37 people, served 2,700 customers, and maintained 33 miles of distribution mains.
New Ownership: Citizens Gas Fuel Company was purchased by Toledo businessman Robert S. Mikesell.
Growing System: The company served 5,448 customers through 79 miles of distribution mains, supported by 64 employees.
Leadership Transition: John K. Tolford was named company president.
New Leadership: Robert I. Nystrom was named company president.
Modernization: Citizens Gas began installing plastic natural gas mains and service lines. At the time, the company had 73 employees and served 7,547 customers.
Improving Reliability: A propane-air plant was constructed on Academy Road to strengthen system reliability.
A New Chapter: MCN acquired Citizens Gas Fuel Company, and Devere Elgas was named president.
Preparing for Growth: The main office building at 127 N. Main Street was demolished to make way for a new Citizens Gas headquarters.
New Headquarters: Citizens Gas celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters at 127 N. Main Street.
Operations Leadership: Scott Klemm was appointed chief operating officer.
Joining DTE Energy: DTE Energy acquired MCN. At the time, Citizens Gas had 48 employees and served more than 15,000 customers through 424 miles of gas main.
Continued Service: Bert Fruchey was named general manager as Citizens Gas continued to grow, serving more than 17,000 customers with 37 employees.
A Legacy That Continues: Citizens Gas serves more than 18,000 customers across more than 500 miles of natural gas infrastructure, backed by 34 dedicated employees and a continued commitment to safety, reliability, and community service.
Building on a Legacy of Service
For more than 170 years, Citizens Gas has evolved alongside the communities we serve. From gas lighting in the 1800s to today’s modern natural gas infrastructure, our focus remains the same: delivering safe, dependable energy, trusted appliance repair and maintenance, and exceptional customer service.