West Tennessee Public Utility District

HUNTINGDON — In this area, the West Tennessee Public Utility District (WTPUD) is “the gas company,” but the real people behind the company make it much more than that.

Marketing Manager Madison Endres told The Banner, “We’re community servants. Our mission is to strive to be public servants for our community and do good.”

That mission can be seen in action in those communities. For most utilities, customers only think of the company when the monthly bill comes, or when something goes wrong. It’s rare for such a business to have a “face,” but WTPUD has two.

Endres and General Manager Brent Dillahunty bring visibility, transparency and a sense of fellowship to their customers as they engage in communities across their purview.

Each fall, Endres and Dillahunty visit each fourth grade class in the utility’s coverage area to teach the students about natural gas and safety. Kids learn the importance of calling 811 before digging and how to recognize, react and respond to a gas leak.

They also host annual luncheons for business and community leaders in each county, giving an in-depth presentation of safety and the economics and ongoing innovation of natural gas.

Endres said another thing that makes WTPUD stand out among other utilities is its service department. “That is something that a lot of businesses and especially larger gas companies and utility districts are getting out of. There are very few natural gas service departments in Tennessee, so we’re very proud that we can do that for our customers. We have guys that cover our whole area. There are service fees, but we’re going to come help you.” Those services include things like lighting pilots and laying pipe. The service department is also available 24/7 for safety checks when a potential leak is detected.

The West Tennessee Public Utility District (WTPUD) was established in July 1953, and in January 1956, the first gas was sold to 231 initial customers. Today, WTPUD serves the community by providing natural gas to over 17,000 customers in Carroll, Benton and Weakley counties, plus portions of Henry and Henderson counties. The company employs over 70 people.

The non-profit public utility is operated by a three-person board, with one member each representing Carroll, Weakley and Benton counties, appointed by the respective county mayors.

Chairman Lee Butler currently represents Carroll County, Andrew Wilhite Weakley, and Allan Douglas Benton. Douglas recently replaced Ray Smith, who retired after 50 years of service. Smith died at his home in Huntingdon on September 7 at age 95, between the conducting of this interview and the publication of this story.

Dillahunty, a civil engineer, is a 1996 graduate of Huntingdon High School and a 2001 graduate of UT Knoxville. He started at WTPUD in 2010 as an assistant manager before becoming the company’s fourth general manager. He resides in Huntingdon with his wife of 24 years, Lori, and their six children.

Endres is a 2012 graduate of Clarksburg High School and a 2016 graduate of UT Martin in marketing. She has been with the company nearly five years, hired to create the marketing role she holds now. She resides in the Clarksburg area with husband Lance and son Kip.

Dillahunty told The Banner, “Because natural gas is the most efficient and economical source of energy, we take pride in delivering it to as many people in our areas as possible. We are not complacent, and I love that we have had opportunities for massive growth across five counties. What really excites me, though, is that I am surrounded by people who not only care about our communities, but they care about one another. The people at the WTPUD are special, and I am extremely blessed to call them friends. Go gas!”