Berkshire Gas Company

Celebrating more than 160 years of serving the energy needs of western Massachusetts, Berkshire Gas has built its business on a solid foundation of service and innovation.

A truly progressive utility company, Berkshire Gas provides natural gas service to more than 37,000 customers in western Massachusetts.

With a distribution system comprising some 750 miles of natural gas mains, Berkshire Gas uses state-of-the-art equipment to assure reliable uninterrupted service to its residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Maintaining the best possible service at the lowest possible cost is one of the Company's highest priorities. Dedicated employees and state-of-the-art technology make it possible to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Long known for adopting new and emerging technology, Berkshire Gas was selected by General Electric Plastics to showcase leading-edge natural gas technology in its Living Environments home of the future in 1991. Backed by the research arms of the natural gas industry, innovations ranging from natural gas wall outlets to flexible interior piping were seen in this living laboratory by visitors from around the globe.

The Company is committed to driving technology for the advantage of both the business and its customers.

A solid reputation and the first-rate quality of its product have made Berkshire Gas the supplier of choice for many Berkshire residents and businesses. Natural gas is increasingly preferred for its efficiency, its environmental advantages and its cleanliness. Despite a changing economy, demand still continues to grow and domestic supplies are readily available to meet growing needs.

Berkshire Gas is proud to do business in western Massachusetts and treasures the long-standing relationships that it has built over the years with customers in this region and beyond. The Company looks forward to meeting the energy needs of its customers as it has for more than 160 years. The future has never been brighter.

Our history

On February 23, 1853, the Pittsfield Coal Gas Company was founded by Thomas F. Plunkett, George S. Willis and Henry Colt.

At the original plant site on the banks of the Housatonic River, gas was produced to provide light for the streets and homes of growing New England communities. For the remainder of the 19th century, gas lighting was the mainstay of the Company. By the mid-1920s, gas lighting had been replaced by the electric light, and gas cooking, home heating and water heating had become well-established in the service area.

The Texas natural gas pipeline to New England was completed in 1951, and the Pittsfield Coal Gas Company soon became the first distributor of pipeline natural gas in the region. With the acquisition of the Berkshire Gas Company in 1954, the Pittsfield Coal Gas Company adopted The Berkshire Gas Company as its new corporate name. The area served by the Company was further enlarged by the acquisition of the Greenfield Gas Light Company in 1958.

The 1960s was a period of rapid expansion and accelerated growth for the Company and resulted in the Company's move to expanded headquarters on Cheshire Road in Pittsfield in 1969.

Having effectively dealt with the energy issues of the 1970s, the 1980s represented a period of heightened demand. From 1986 through 1990, the Company experienced some of the strongest growth in its history and undertook record-breaking expansion and construction efforts to meet new demands.

Today, Berkshire Gas provides natural gas service to more than 36,000 customers in 20 cities and towns in western Massachusetts.

The 1990s presented new opportunities for natural gas as America's fuel of choice. Environmental, economic and supply factors combined to make natural gas more attractive than ever before. In addition, strategies were implemented for competing in the deregulated energy marketplace. In November 2010, Berkshire Gas was acquired by UIL Holdings of New Haven, CT.

The future is bright as Berkshire Gas responds to change in its industry and in its market area with the same enthusiasm and appetite for opportunity and success first shown by the original founders of Pittsfield Coal Gas in 1853.

Service area

A strong future is built on a sound past. For 160 years, Berkshire Gas has been serving the energy needs of western Massachusetts. Located in one of the most desirable areas of the Northeast, the Company's neighbors include prestigious educational institutions, research and development centers, high-tech businesses as well as world-renowned cultural attractions, and notable landmarks rich with history. Western Massachusetts is well-known for its natural beauty and superb quality of life.

A tradition of excellence has been built on the Company's long record of service. Today we provide natural gas service to 20 cities and towns in Massachusetts with a combined population of 190,000.

Our past success has been built on countless singular achievements and advancements. The prospects for our future will likely be similarly determined. With that in mind, we endeavor daily to change and adapt in the continued pursuit of excellence as we build on a long and proud history.