SF-1

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023

Registration Nos. 333-            

and 333-            

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM SF-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION	ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC
(Exact name of registrant, sponsor and depositor as specified in its charter)	(Exact name of registrant and issuing entity as specified in its charter)
Texas and Virginia	Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
001-10042
(Commission File Number)
0000731802	0001967097
(Central Index Key Number)	(Central Index Key Number)
75-1743247	92-1021026
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1800 Three Lincoln Centre 5430 LBJ Freeway Dallas, Texas 75240 (972) 934-9227	1800 Three Lincoln Centre 5430 LBJ Freeway Dallas, Texas 75240 (972) 934-9227
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of depositor’s principal executive offices)	(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of issuing entity’s principal executive offices)

Karen E. Hartsfield

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Atmos Energy Corporation

1800 Three Lincoln Centre

5430 LBJ Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75240

(972) 934-9227

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

With Copies to:

Robert G. Stephens George J. Vlahakos Sidley Austin LLP 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5900 Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 495-4500 Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Jr., Esq. Adam R. O’Brian, Esq. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 309-1000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:

As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to completion, dated February 28, 2023

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

$92,684,000 Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Atmos Energy Corporation

Sponsor, Depositor and Initial Servicer

Central Index Key Number: 0000731802

Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC

Issuing Entity

Central Index Key Number: 0001967097

Tranche

Expected weighted average life (years)

Principal amount offered

Scheduled final payment date

Final maturity date

Interest rate

Initial price to public

Underwriting discount and commission

Proceeds to issuing entity (before expenses)

CUSIP

ISIN

A

$

92,684,000

%

%

%

$

The total initial price to the public is $        . The total amount of the underwriting discount and commission is $        . The total amount of proceeds to the issuing entity before deduction of expenses (estimated to be $        ) is $        . The distribution frequency is semi-annually. The first scheduled payment date is         , 2024.

Investing in the Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds involves risks. Please read “RISK FACTORS” beginning on page 13 to read about factors you should consider before buying the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy”), as “depositor”, is offering up to $92,684,000 aggregate principal amount of Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (the “securitized utility tariff bonds”) to be issued by Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “issuing entity” or “us”) and wholly owned subsidiary of Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy is the “seller,” the “initial servicer” and the “sponsor” with regard to the securitized utility tariff bonds. The securitized utility tariff bonds are senior secured obligations of the issuing entity and will be secured by the securitized utility tariff property (the “securitized utility tariff property”) consisting of the right to impose and collect securitized utility tariff charges (the “securitized utility tariff charge”) paid by all existing and future retail customers within Atmos Energy’s service area in Kansas, as such service area exists on the date of the financing order, and as such service area may, at the discretion of Atmos Energy, be expanded or acquired as provided for in the financing order. Securitized utility tariff charges are required to be adjusted at least semi-annually, and more frequently as necessary, to correct any under-collection or over-collection of securitized utility tariff charges during the preceding six months and to ensure the projected recovery of amounts sufficient to provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds. The primary forms of credit enhancement for the securitized utility tariff bonds will be provided by such statutory true-up mechanism, as well as by general, excess funds and capital subaccounts held under the Indenture governing the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Each securitized utility tariff bond will be entitled to interest on          and          of each year, beginning on         , 2024. The first scheduled payment date is         , 2024. Interest will accrue from the date of issuance and must be paid by the purchaser of the securitized utility tariff bonds if the securitized utility tariff bonds are delivered after that date. On each payment date, scheduled principal payments shall be paid sequentially in accordance with the expected sinking fund schedule in this prospectus, but only to the extent funds are available in the collection account after payment of certain fees and expenses and after payment of interest.

The securitized utility tariff bonds represent obligations only of the issuing entity, Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC, and are secured only by the assets of the issuing entity, consisting principally of the securitized utility tariff property and related assets to support its obligations under the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—The Security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” and “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY” in this prospectus. The securitized utility tariff property includes the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges from Atmos Energy’s retail customers in amounts sufficient to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds, as described further in this prospectus. Atmos Energy and its affiliates, other than the issuing entity, are not liable for any payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds. The securitized utility tariff bonds are not a debt or obligation of the State of Kansas or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities and are not a charge on its or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities’ full faith and credit or taxing power.

All matters relating to the structuring and pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds have been considered by Atmos Energy and the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas, acting through its designated representative.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriter expects to deliver the securitized utility tariff bonds through the book-entry facilities of The Depository Trust Company for the accounts of its participants including Clearstream Banking, S.A. and Euroclear Banks SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear System against payment on or about         , 2023. There currently is no secondary market for the securitized utility tariff bonds, and we cannot assure you that one will develop.

J.P. Morgan

Structuring agent and sole bookrunner

The date of this prospectus is                 , 2023.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		iv
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION		v
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY OF TERMS		1
RISK FACTORS		13
Summary of Risk Factors		13
Discussion of Risk Factors		15
REVIEW OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY		33
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY		36
Creation of Securitized Utility Tariff Property; Financing Order		36
Tariff; Securitized Utility Tariff Charges		36
Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Customer Classes		37
Billing and Collection Terms and Conditions		37
THE SECURITIZATION ACT		39
Overview		39
Atmos Energy May Securitize Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Related Upfront and Ongoing Financing Costs		39
Constitutional Matters		40
The Kansas Commission May Adjust Securitized Utility Tariff Charges		42
Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are Nonbypassable		42
The Securitization Act Protects Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders’ Security Interest on Securitized Utility Tariff Property		43
The Securitization Act Characterizes the Transfer of Securitized Utility Tariff Property as a True Sale		43
ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER		44
THE DEPOSITOR, SELLER, INITIAL SERVICER AND SPONSOR		49
About Atmos Energy		49
Atmos Energy’s Customer Base and Natural Gas Consumption Within the Service Area		49
Credit Policy		50
Billing Process and Payment Options		51
Collection, Termination of Service and Write-off Policy		51
Write-off and Delinquency Experience		51
Delinquencies		52
Competition and Alternatives to Gas as An Energy Source for Atmos Energy Customers		53
Additional Natural Gas Utility Considerations		53
Weather Rules		53
Forecasting Natural Gas Customers		54
Annual Forecast Variance		54
ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC, THE ISSUING ENTITY		55
General		55
Restricted Purposes		56
Our Relationship with Atmos Energy		56
Managers and Officers		56
Manager Fees and Limitation on Liabilities		57
We are a Separate and Distinct Legal Entity from Atmos Energy		58
Administration Agreement		58
THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF CHARGES		59
Initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charges		59
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS		60
General		60

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Payments of Interest and Principal on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		60
Expected Amortization Schedule		63
Expected Sinking Fund Schedule		63
Redemption of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		64
Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds Will Be Issued in Book-Entry Form		64
Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		67
Registration and Transfer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		68
The Security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		68
The Collection Account for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		69
How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated		71
How Funds in the Subaccounts Will Be Used upon Repayment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		73
Reports to Holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		73
Website		74
We and the Trustee May Modify the Indenture		74
What Constitutes an Event of Default on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		77
Our Covenants		80
Access to the List of Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders		82
We Must File an Annual Compliance Statement		83
The Trustee Must Provide an Annual Report to All Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders		83
What Will Trigger Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture		83
Our Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance Options		84
No Recourse to Others		85
Governing Law		85
THE TRUSTEE		86
WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS		89
Weighted Average Life Sensitivity		89
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES		91
THE SALE AGREEMENT		92
Atmos Energy’s Sale and Assignment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property		92
Conditions to the Sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property		93
Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties		93
Atmos Energy’s Covenants		98
Atmos Energy’s Obligation to Indemnify Us and the Trustee and to Take Legal Action		101
Successors to Atmos Energy		102
Amendment		102
THE SERVICING AGREEMENT		103
Servicing Procedures		103
Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process		104
Remittances to Collection Account		105
Servicer Compensation		106
Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties as Servicer		106
The Servicer Will Indemnify Us, Other Entities and the Kansas Commission in Limited Circumstances		107
Limitation on Liability of Servicer and Others		108
The Servicer Will Provide Statements to Us, the Kansas Commission and the Trustee		108
The Servicer Will Provide Assessments Concerning Compliance with the Servicing Agreement		109
Matters Regarding Atmos Energy as the Servicer		109

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Events Constituting a Default by the Servicer		110
The Trustee’s Rights if the Servicer Defaults		111
Waiver of Past Defaults		111
The Replacement of Atmos Energy as Servicer with a Successor Servicer		111
The Obligations of a Successor Servicer		112
Amendment		112
HOW A BANKRUPTCY MAY AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT		113
USE OF PROCEEDS		117
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		118
The Underwriters’ Sales Price for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		118
No Assurance as to Resale Price or Resale Liquidity for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		118
Various Types of Underwriter Transactions that May Affect the Price of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		118
AFFILIATIONS AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS		120
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES		121
General		121
Taxation of the Issuing Entity and Characterization of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds		122
Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders		122
Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders		123
MATERIAL KANSAS INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES		126
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS		127
General		127
Regulation of Assets Included in a Plan		127
Prohibited Transaction Exemptions		128
Consultation with Counsel		129
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS		130
RATINGS FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS		131
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		132
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE		133
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 AND VOLCKER RULE MATTERS		134
RISK RETENTION		135
LEGAL MATTERS		136
OFFERING RESTRICTIONS IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS		137
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA		137
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF UNITED KINGDOM		138
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF CANADA		139
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN SWITZERLAND		140
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN HONG KONG		141
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN JAPAN		142
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN TAIWAN		143
GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS		144

iii

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC. This prospectus provides information about us, the securitized utility tariff bonds and Atmos Energy Corporation as depositor, sponsor and initial servicer. This prospectus describes the terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds offered hereby. You should carefully review this prospectus, any free writing prospectus the issuing entity files with the SEC, and the information, if any, contained in the documents referenced in this prospectus under the heading “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.”

References in this prospectus to the terms “we,” “us,” “our” or “the issuing entity” mean Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC. References to “Atmos Energy,” “the sponsor,” “the initial servicer,” “the depositor” or “the seller” mean Atmos Energy Corporation. References to “the securitized utility tariff bonds” or “the bonds” mean our Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds offered pursuant to this prospectus. References to “the servicer” refer to Atmos Energy and any successor servicer under the servicing agreement referred to in this prospectus. References to the “Securitization Act” mean the Utility Financing and Securitization Act, established by the Kansas Legislature, which provides for the securitization of “qualified extraordinary costs” (such as fuel costs incurred during extreme weather events) by issuing “securitized utility tariff bonds.” The Securitization Act is codified at K.S.A. § 66-1,240 – 66-1,253. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “retail customer” means an end-use customer in Kansas who purchases natural gas for consumption from Atmos Energy. We also refer to the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas as “the Kansas commission.” You can find a glossary of some of the other defined terms we use in this prospectus on page 144 of this prospectus.

We have included cross-references to sections in this prospectus where you can find further related discussions. You can also find references to key topics in the table of contents.

Neither we nor any underwriter, agent, dealer, salesperson, the Kansas commission or Atmos Energy has authorized anyone else to provide you with any different information. Neither we nor any underwriter, agent, dealer, salesperson, the Kansas commission or Atmos Energy take any responsibility for, nor provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any different information that others may give you, or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus that we prepare. We are not offering to sell the securitized utility tariff bonds in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information in this prospectus is current only as of the date of this prospectus.

We expect to deliver the securitized utility tariff bonds against payment for the securitized utility tariff bonds on or about the date specified in the last paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus, which will be the                  business day following the date of pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Since trades in the secondary market generally settle in two business days, purchasers who wish to trade securitized utility tariff bonds on the date of pricing or the succeeding                  business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the securitized utility tariff bonds initially will settle in T +                 , to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

iv

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements included in this prospectus are “forward-looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus or other offering materials and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “goal”, “guidance”, “intend”, “objective”, “plan”, “projection”, “scheduled”, “seek”, “strategy” or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements relating to our ability to pay principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds when scheduled to be paid, the ability of our servicer to collect securitized utility tariff charges, the value of the securitized utility tariff property, the outcome of regulatory, administrative and legal proceedings, market conditions and other matters. These risks and uncertainties include the following:

• federal, state and local regulatory and political trends and decisions, including the impact of rate proceedings before various state regulatory commissions;

• increased competition from energy suppliers and alternative forms of energy;

• broader use of alternative energy sources by Atmos Energy’s retail customers;

• the availability and accessibility of Atmos Energy’s contracted gas supplies, interstate pipeline and/or storage services;

• possible loss of Atmos Energy’s local distribution company franchises or other adverse effects caused by the actions of municipalities;

• advances in technology, including technologies that increase efficiency or that improve electricity’s competitive position relative to natural gas;

• the ability of Atmos Energy’s retail customers to continue paying their utility bills;

• the inherent hazards and risks involved in distributing, transporting and storing natural gas;

• economic conditions in Atmos Energy’s service area, including the economy’s effects on its retail customers;

• the threat of cyber-attacks or acts of cyber-terrorism that could disrupt Atmos Energy’s business operations and information technology systems;

• natural disasters, terrorist activities or other events and other risks and uncertainties discussed herein, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control;

• the accuracy of the servicer’s estimates of growth in Atmos Energy’s retail customer base;

• the accuracy of the servicer’s forecast of retail customers and/or the payment of securitized utility tariff charges; and

• the length and severity of a pandemic or other health crisis, such as the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) or variants thereof, including the impact to us and Atmos Energy’s operations, customers, contractors, vendors, and employees, and the measure that international, federal, state and local governments, agencies, law enforcement and/or health authorities implement to address it.

v

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. All forward-looking statements attributable to us and Atmos Energy or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Those factors may affect the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Any such forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update these statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.

vi

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY OF TERMS

The following section is only a summary of selected information and does not provide you with all the information you will need to make your investment decision. There is more detailed information in this prospectus. To understand all of the terms of the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds, carefully read this entire prospectus. You should carefully consider the matters discussed under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this prospectus before you invest in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Securities Offered: $92,684,000 Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, scheduled to pay principal semi-annually in accordance with the expected sinking fund schedule. Only the securitized utility tariff bonds are being offered through this prospectus.

Tranche	Principal amount
A	$	92,684,000

Issuing Entity and Capital Structure:	Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Atmos Energy and a limited liability company formed under Delaware law. The issuing entity was formed solely to purchase and own the securitized utility tariff property, to issue the securitized utility tariff bonds, and to perform activities incidental thereto. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC, THE ISSUING ENTITY” in this prospectus.
	In addition to the securitized utility tariff property, our assets will include a capital investment by Atmos Energy (and not from the proceeds of the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds) which will be an amount equal to             % of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds (to be held in the capital subaccount). We will also have an excess funds subaccount to retain, until the next payment date, any amounts collected and remaining after all scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds have been timely made.
Issuing Entity’s Address:	1800 Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240
Issuing Entity’s Telephone Number:	(972) 934-9227
Depositor, Seller, Initial Servicer and Sponsor:	Atmos Energy is the country’s largest natural-gas-only distributor based on number of customers and provides natural gas distribution to approximately 139,000 natural gas distribution customers in Kansas as of September 30, 2022. Atmos Energy is incorporated under the laws of the state of Texas and Virginia and is a regulated utility, subject to the regulations and oversight of various state and local regulatory authorities. Atmos Energy, acting as the initial servicer, and any successor servicer, referred to in this prospectus as the “servicer,” will service the securitized utility tariff property securing the securitized utility tariff bonds under a servicing agreement with us. Please read the section entitled “THE DEPOSITOR, SELLER, INITIAL SERVICER AND SPONSOR” in this prospectus. Neither Atmos Energy nor any other affiliate (other than us) is an obligor on the securitized utility tariff bonds.
Atmos Energy’s Address:	1800 Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240
Atmos Energy’s Phone Number:	(972) 934-9227

1

Trustee:	U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association. Please read “THE TRUSTEE” in this prospectus for a description of the trustee’s duties and responsibilities under the Indenture.
Purpose of Transaction:	This issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds will enable Atmos Energy to recover certain qualified extraordinary costs related to Winter Storm Uri. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER” in this prospectus.
Transaction Overview:	In February 2021, Kansas experienced sub-zero temperatures brought by Winter Storm Uri, which led to a significant increase in demand for electricity and natural gas. Sub-zero temperatures and increased demand for electricity and natural gas caused by Winter Storm Uri placed significant stress on utilities, including Atmos Energy. Jurisdictional natural gas utilities were ordered to do everything necessary to ensure that natural gas service continued to be provided to their customers in Kansas.
	The Securitization Act permits utilities to utilize a financing mechanism through which it can recover “qualified extraordinary costs” (as defined in the Securitization Act) resulting from such storms by issuing securitized utility tariff bonds. Under the Securitization Act and the financing order (as defined below), Atmos Energy’s retail customers will pay securitized utility tariff charges, which are nonbypassable charges included in their monthly charges. These charges will fund payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds. Unless the context infers otherwise, references in this prospectus to the “financing order” are to the financing order issued by the Kansas commission in Atmos Energy’s Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR on October 25, 2022.
	On October 25, 2022, the Kansas commission approved Atmos Energy’s application, as modified by the Kansas commission’s financing order. Accordingly, the Kansas commission: (1) authorized, subject to the terms of the financing order, the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed the qualified extraordinary costs and financing costs; (2) approved the creation of securitized utility tariff property consisting of the right to impose and collect securitized utility tariff charges in an amount to be calculated as provided in the financing order; (3) approved the form of tariff, as approved in the financing order, to implement the securitized utility tariff charges; (4) approved the securitization of qualified extraordinary costs, including upfront financing costs and ongoing financing cost estimates (subject to review of the Kansas commission’s designated representative); and (5) approved the review of the structure of the proposed securitization financing through a pre-issuance review and an issuance advice letter process.
	The primary transactions underlying the issuance and sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds are as follows:
	•  Atmos Energy will transfer and sell the securitized utility tariff property to us in exchange for the net proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds;
	•  we will sell the securitized utility tariff bonds, which will be secured primarily by the securitized utility tariff property, to the underwriter named in this prospectus; and
	•  Atmos Energy will act as the initial servicer of the securitized utility tariff property.

2

	The securitized utility tariff bonds are not obligations of the trustee, our managers, Atmos Energy or of any of their affiliates other than us. The securitized utility tariff bonds are also not debt or obligations of the State of Kansas, the Kansas commission or any other public subdivision, agency or instrumentality of the State of Kansas.
Parties to Transaction and Responsibilities:	The following chart represents a general summary of the parties to the transactions underlying the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds, their roles and their various relationships to the other parties:

3

Flow of Funds:	The following chart represents a general summary of the flow of funds:
The Security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds:	The securitized utility tariff bonds will be secured by the collateral pledged pursuant to the Indenture. The principal asset of the trust estate will be the securitized utility tariff property. The Securitization Act and financing order provide for the creation and establishment of the securitized utility tariff property, which is a present contract right in favor of Atmos Energy, its transferees and other financing parties, to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges from Atmos Energy’s existing and future retail customers, as well as to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges as provided in the financing order. In addition, the securitized utility tariff property consists of all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money or proceeds arising from the aforementioned rights and interests.
	The Indenture’s trust estate will also consist of:
	•  our rights under the sale agreement pursuant to which we will acquire the securitized utility tariff property, under an administration agreement and under the bill of sale delivered by Atmos Energy pursuant to the sale agreement;
	•  our rights under the servicing agreement and any subservicing, agency, intercreditor or collection agreements executed in connection with the servicing agreement;
	•  the collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds and all subaccounts of the collection account;
	•  all rights to compel the servicer to file for and obtain periodic adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges in accordance with the Securitization Act and the financing order;

4

	•  all present and future claims, demands, causes and choses in action in respect of any or all of the foregoing;
	•  all accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, documents, general intangibles, goods, instruments, investment property, letters of credit, letters-of-credit rights, money, commercial tort claims and supporting obligations related to the foregoing, other than any cash released to us by the trustee on any payment date to be distributed to Atmos Energy as a return of its invested capital in us; and
	•  all payments on or under and all proceeds in respect of any or all of the foregoing.
	The subaccounts consist of a capital subaccount, which will be funded at closing in an amount equal to             % of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, a general subaccount, into which the servicer will deposit all securitized utility tariff charge collections, and an excess funds subaccount, into which we will transfer any amounts collected and remaining on a payment date after all payments to securitized utility tariff bondholders and other parties have been made. Amounts on deposit in each of these subaccounts will be available to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds on each payment date. For a description of the securitized utility tariff property, please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY” in this prospectus.
	For a description of the securitized utility tariff bonds, please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS” in this prospectus.
The Securitized Utility Tariff Property:	In general terms, all of the rights and interests of Atmos Energy that are transferred to us pursuant to the sale agreement are referred to in this prospectus as the “securitized utility tariff property.” The securitized utility tariff property includes the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges in amounts sufficient to pay principal and interest and ongoing financing costs in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds, to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges as provided in the financing order and all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money or proceeds arising from the foregoing rights and interests. Securitized utility tariff charges are payable by Atmos Energy’s retail customers.
	The securitized utility tariff property is the principal collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds. Securitized utility tariff charges authorized in a financing order are irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment, or adjustment by further action of the Kansas commission, except for semi-annual and interim true-up adjustments to correct over-collections or under-collections and to provide for the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide payments of scheduled debt service and ongoing financing costs in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds. See “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-Ups.” All revenues and collections resulting from securitized utility tariff charges are part of the securitized utility tariff property.
	We will purchase the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy to support the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Atmos Energy, as the initial servicer, will bill and collect the securitized utility tariff charges from current and future retail customers. Atmos Energy will include the securitized utility tariff charges in its bills to its retail customers and is required to show the securitized utility tariff charges as a separate line item.

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State and Kansas Commission Pledges:	The State of Kansas has pledged in the Securitization Act that it will not alter the provisions of the part of the Securitization Act which authorizes the Kansas commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a financing order, to create securitized utility tariff charges, and to make the securitized utility tariff charges imposed by a financing order irrevocable, binding and nonbypassable charges, taking or permitting any action that impairs or would impair the value of the securitized utility tariff property or the security for the securitized utility tariff bonds or revises the qualified extraordinary costs (as defined in the Securitization Act) for which recovery is authorized, or, except for adjustments discussed in “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-ups” and “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT—Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process” in this prospectus, or taking or permitting any action to reduce, alter or impair the securitized utility tariff charges that are to be imposed, billed, charged, collected and remitted for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders until the principal, interest and premium, if any, and any other charges incurred and contracts to be performed in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid and performed in full. However, nothing will preclude limitation or alteration if full compensation is made by law for the full protection of the securitized utility tariff charges collected pursuant to the financing order and the full protection of the securitized utility tariff bondholders and any assignee or financing party. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions” and “THE SECURITIZATION ACT—Atmos Energy May Securitize Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Related Upfront and Ongoing Financing Costs” in this prospectus.
	The Kansas commission has jurisdiction over Atmos Energy pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,200 et seq. The State of Kansas and its agencies, including the Kansas commission, have pledged that the State of Kansas and its agencies shall not (i) alter the statute that authorizes the creation of the securitized utility tariff property and the securitized utility tariff charges imposed by the financing order, which are irrevocable, binding or nonbypassable charges for all existing and future retail customers within the service area of the public utility, (ii) take or permit any action that impairs or would impair the value of the securitized utility tariff property or the security for the securitized utility tariff bonds, (iii) impair the rights and remedies of bondholders, assignees and financing parties in any way, or (iv) except for changes expressly allowed by law pursuant to the adjustment mechanism, reduce, alter, or impair the securitized utility tariff charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected and remitted for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders until the securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid and performed in full. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions” and “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—State and Commission Pledges” in the prospectus.
True-up Mechanism for Payment of Scheduled Principal and Interest:	Securitized utility tariff charges are required to be adjusted semi-annually to: •  correct any under-collection or over-collection of securitized utility tariff charges during the preceding six months; and •  ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds.
	In addition to semi-annual true-up adjustments, additional true-up adjustments may be made more frequently at any time during the term of the securitized utility tariff bonds to correct any under- or over-collection in order to assure timely payment of the securitized utility

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	tariff bonds as scheduled. During the year immediately preceding the scheduled final payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds there will be quarterly true-up adjustments for the securitized utility tariff bonds that remain outstanding.
	In addition, with regard to the per-retail customer charge, if the customer count for a particular class of retail customers declines by more than 10% from that identified in Atmos Energy’s 2021 Annual Report filed with the Kansas commission, then the allocation factors for each class of retail customers will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather-normalized volume for each retail customer class in the next regular true-up.
	Please read “THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF CHARGES,” “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER” and “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT—Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process” in this prospectus.
Nonbypassable Securitized Utility Tariff Charges:	The nonbypassable securitized utility tariff charges are applied to all existing and future retail customers receiving natural gas service from Atmos Energy or its successors or assignees under Kansas commission-approved rate schedules or under special contracts, even if a retail customer elects to purchase natural gas from an alternative natural gas supplier following a fundamental change in regulation of public utilities in Kansas; provided, however, if a customer disconnects from Atmos Energy’s gas distribution system and ceases to purchase natural gas by switching to an alternative source of energy that meets all of its energy needs, such customer would no longer be a retail customer and would not be subject to paying securitized utility tariff charges. Please read “THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF CHARGES,” “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER” and “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT—Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process” in this prospectus.
Initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charge as a Percentage of Average Residential Customer’s Total Gas Bill:	Atmos Energy estimates that on an annualized basis the initial securitized utility tariff charges would represent approximately             % of the total bill received by an average residential customer based on rates as of             .
Payment Dates:	Interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds is payable semi-annually on              and             . Interest will be calculated on a 30/360 basis. The first scheduled interest and principal payment date is                 , 2024.
Interest Payments:	Interest is due on each payment date. Interest will accrue with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds from the date we issue the securitized utility tariff bonds at the interest rate specified in the table below.

Tranche	Interest Rate
A		%

If any payment date is not a business day, payments scheduled to be made on such date may be made on the next succeeding business day and no interest shall accrue upon such payment during the intervening period.

On each payment date, we will pay interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds equal to the following amounts:

•  if there has been a payment default, any interest payable but unpaid on any prior payment dates, together with interest on such unpaid interest, if any; and

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	•  accrued interest on the principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds from the close of business on the preceding payment date, or the date of the original issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, as applicable, after giving effect to all payments of principal made on the preceding payment date, if any.
	We will pay interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds before we pay the principal of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—Payments of Interest and Principal on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” in this prospectus. We will calculate interest on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of 12, 30-day months.
Principal Payments and Record Dates and Payment Sources:	On each payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds, referred to in this prospectus as a “payment date,” we will pay amounts of principal and interest then due or scheduled to be paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds from amounts available in the collection account and the related subaccounts held by the trustee. We will make these payments to the holders of record of the securitized utility tariff bonds on each record date, referred to in this prospectus as a “record date.” These available amounts, which will include the applicable securitized utility tariff charges collected by the servicer and remitted to the trustee since the last payment date, are described in greater detail under “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—The Collection Account for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.” The trustee will pay the principal of securitized utility tariff bonds in the amounts and on the payment dates specified in the expected sinking fund schedule described in this prospectus, but only to the extent securitized utility tariff charge collections received from the servicer and amounts available from trust accounts held by the trustee are sufficient to make principal payments after payment of amounts having a higher priority of payment. Please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated.”
	Failure to pay a scheduled principal payment on any payment date or the entire outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds by the scheduled final payment date will not result in a default. The failure to pay the entire outstanding principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds will result in a default only if such payment has not been made by the final maturity date.
	If there is a shortfall in the amounts available to make principal payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds that are due and payable, on or after the final maturity date or upon an acceleration following an event of default, the trustee will distribute principal first from the excess funds subaccount and second from the capital subaccount based on the principal amount then due and payable on the payment date.

Weighted Average Life:	Tranche	Expected weighted average life (years)
	A

Scheduled Final Payment Date and Final Maturity Date: The scheduled final payment date and the final maturity date of the securitized utility tariff bonds are as set forth in the table below.

Tranche	Scheduled Final Payment Date	Final Maturity Date
A

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Optional Redemption:	None. Non-call for the life of the securitized utility tariff bonds.
Mandatory Redemption:	None. We are not required to redeem the securitized utility tariff bonds at any time prior to maturity.
Priority of Payments:	On each payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds, the trustee will allocate or pay all amounts on deposit in the general subaccount of the collection account in the following order of priority:
	1.  payment of the trustee’s fees, plus expenses and any outstanding indemnity amounts not to exceed $200,000 in any 12-month period, provided, however, that such cap shall be disregarded and inapplicable upon the acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds following the occurrence of an event of default;
	2.  payment of the servicing fee with respect to such payment date, plus any unpaid servicing fees for prior payment dates shall be paid to the servicer;
	3.  payment of the due and unpaid administration fee, which will be a fixed amount specified in the administration agreement between us and Atmos Energy for such payment date shall be paid to the administrator, and the due and unpaid fees of our independent manager, which will be in an amount specified in an agreement between us and our independent manager for such payment date shall be paid to the independent manager;
	4.  payment of all of our other ordinary periodic operating expenses for such payment date not described above shall be paid to the parties, pro rata, to which such operating expenses are owed;
	5.  payment of the interest then due on the securitized utility tariff bonds, including any past-due interest;
	6.  payment of the principal due to be paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds on the final maturity date or acceleration upon an event of default;
	7.  payment of the principal then scheduled to be paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds in accordance with the expected sinking fund schedule, including any previously unpaid scheduled principal;
	8.  payment of any of our remaining unpaid operating expenses and any remaining expenses and indemnity amounts owed pursuant to the basic documents, including all remaining expenses and indemnity amounts owed to the trustee, shall be paid to the parties, pro rata, to which such operating expenses and remaining amounts are owed;
	9.  replenishment of the amount, if any, by which the initial balance of the capital subaccount of the securitized utility tariff bonds exceeds the amount in the capital subaccount as of such payment date;
	10.  the return on the invested capital then due and payable, which shall be the sum of the rate of return payable to Atmos Energy;
	11.  allocation of the remainder, if any, to the excess funds subaccount of the securitized utility tariff bonds; and
	12.  after the securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid in full and discharged, and all of the other foregoing amounts have been paid in full, the balance, together with all amounts in the capital subaccount and the excess funds

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	subaccount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, released to us free and clear of the lien of the Indenture, which funds, less an amount equal to the initial deposit into the capital subaccount plus any unpaid return on invested capital, will be distributed to Atmos Energy and credited to Atmos Energy’s retail customers in the form of a credit to their natural gas bills.
	The amount of the servicer’s fee referred to in clause 2 above will be 0.05% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds (for so long as Atmos Energy is the servicer) on an annualized basis. The priority of distributions for the collected securitized utility tariff charges, as well as available amounts in the subaccounts, are described in more detail under “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated.”
Credit Enhancement:	The primary forms of credit enhancement are the true-up process and funds held in the collection account and related subaccounts.
	True-up Process. Securitized utility tariff charges are required to be adjusted at least semi-annually to:
	•  Correct any under-collection or over-collection of securitized utility tariff charges during the preceding six months; and
	•  ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds.
	The servicer may also make interim true-up adjustments more frequently under certain circumstances. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-Ups.”
	Collection account. Under the Indenture, the trustee will hold a collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds, divided into various subaccounts. The primary subaccounts for credit enhancement purposes are:
	•  the general subaccount—the trustee will deposit into the general subaccount all securitized utility tariff charge collections remitted to it by the servicer with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds and investment earnings on amounts in the general subaccount;
	•  the capital subaccount—Atmos Energy will deposit an amount equal to             % of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds into the capital subaccount on the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds; and
	•  the excess funds subaccount—any excess amount of collected securitized utility tariff charges held after the payment on a payment date of scheduled principal, interest and ongoing financing costs, and investment earnings on amounts in the excess funds subaccount of securitized utility tariff bonds will be held in the excess funds subaccount.
	Funds in each of these subaccounts will be available to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds on each payment date. In addition, other subaccounts may be used, including an over-collateralization subaccount or other subaccount if necessary to obtain certain tax treatment, desired ratings or otherwise increase the tangible and quantifiable benefits of the securitization. Atmos Energy may implement such subaccounts only with the agreement of the Kansas commission’s designated representative.

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Reports to Holders of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds:	Pursuant to the Indenture, the trustee shall make available electronically on its reporting website to each securitized utility tariff bondholder and the Kansas commission a statement provided and prepared by the servicer containing information concerning, among other things, us and the collateral for the securitized utility tariff bonds. Unless and until the securitized utility tariff bonds are issued in definitive certificated form, the reports for the securitized utility tariff bonds will be provided to The Depository Trust Company. The reports will be available to beneficial owners of the securitized utility tariff bonds on the reporting website of the trustee or upon written request to the trustee or the servicer. These reports will not be examined and reported upon by an independent public accountant. In addition, no independent public accountant will provide an opinion thereon. Furthermore, if required by the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee will be required to mail a brief annual report to all holders of securitized utility tariff bonds containing information concerning the trustee. Please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—Reports to Holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” and “—The Trustee Must Provide an Annual Report to All Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders.”
Servicing Compensation:	We will pay the servicer on each payment date the servicing fee with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds. As long as Atmos Energy or any affiliated entity acts as servicer, this fee will be 0.05% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds on an annualized basis, plus reimbursement for its out-of-pocket costs for external accounting and legal services. If a successor servicer is appointed, the servicing fee will be negotiated by the successor servicer and the trustee, but will not, unless the Kansas commission consents, exceed 0.60% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds on an annualized basis. In no event will the trustee be liable for any servicing fee in its individual capacity.
Federal Income Tax Status:	Sidley Austin LLP expects to issue an opinion, that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) we will not be treated as a taxable entity separate and apart from our sole member, Atmos Energy, and (ii) the securitized utility tariff bonds will constitute indebtedness of Atmos Energy. Each beneficial owner of a securitized utility tariff bond, by acquiring a beneficial interest, agrees to treat such securitized utility tariff bond as indebtedness of our sole member secured by the collateral for federal (and, to the extent applicable, state) income tax purposes unless otherwise required by appropriate taxing authorities. Please read “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” in this prospectus.
Kansas State Income Tax Status:	Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC, counsel to us and Atmos Energy, expects to issue an opinion, that (i) assuming that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be treated as debt obligations of Atmos Energy for U.S. federal income tax purposes, interest paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds generally will be taxed for Kansas income tax purposes consistently with its taxation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and such interest received by an entity or person not otherwise subject to Kansas corporate or individual income tax will not be subject to Kansas income tax; (ii) assuming that such treatment applies for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for Kansas income tax purposes, we will not be treated as a taxable entity separate and apart from Atmos Energy; and (iii) assuming that such treatment applies for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for Kansas income tax purposes, the securitized utility tariff bonds will constitute indebtedness of Atmos Energy. Please read “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” and “MATERIAL KANSAS INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” in this prospectus.

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ERISA Considerations:	Employee benefit plans or other arrangements that are subject to ERISA, Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or applicable similar law and investors acting on behalf of, or using assets of, such plans or arrangements may acquire the securitized utility tariff bonds subject to specified conditions. The acquisition, holding or disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds could be treated as a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or, in the case a plan or arrangement subject to applicable similar law, a violation of applicable similar law. Accordingly, by purchasing and holding the securitized utility tariff bonds, each investor that is or is acting on behalf of, or using assets of, such an employee benefit plan or arrangement subject to ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or applicable similar law will be deemed to certify by virtue of its acquisition of any securitized utility tariff bonds that the acquisition, holding and subsequent disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or, in the case of a plan or arrangement subject to applicable similar law, a non-exempt violation of applicable similar law. For further information, please read “ERISA CONSIDERATIONS” in this prospectus.
Credit Ratings:	The securitized utility tariff bonds are expected to receive credit ratings from at least two nationally recognized rating agencies. See “RATINGS FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS” in this prospectus.
Use of Proceeds:	Upon the issuance and sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds, we will use the net proceeds to pay to Atmos Energy the purchase price of Atmos Energy’s rights under the financing order, which are securitized utility tariff property.
	The net proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff property (after payment of upfront financing costs) will be used by Atmos Energy to recover, finance or refinance the qualified extraordinary costs of Atmos Energy as approved by the Kansas commission. Atmos Energy’s qualified extraordinary costs related to Winter Storm Uri are currently estimated to be approximately $118.5 million (including related financing costs). Please read “USE OF PROCEEDS” in the prospectus.
1940 Act Registration:	We expect to rely on an exclusion from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act contained in Rule 3a-7 under the 1940 Act, although there may be additional exclusions or exemptions available to us. We are being structured so as not to constitute a “covered fund” for purposes of the Volcker Rule under the Dodd-Frank Act.
Risk Retention:	The securitized utility tariff bonds are not subject to the 5% risk retention requirements imposed by Section 15G of the Exchange Act due to the exemption provided in Rule 19(b)(8) of the risk retention regulations in 17 C.F.R. Part 246 of the Exchange Act or Regulation RR. For information regarding the requirements of the EU Securitization Regulation as to risk retention and other matters, please read “RISK FACTORS—Other risks associated with an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds—Regulatory provisions affecting certain investors could adversely affect the liquidity and the regulatory treatment of investments in the securitized utility tariff bonds” in this prospectus.
Minimum Denomination:	$2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, except for one bond which may be of a smaller denomination.
Expected Settlement:	, 2023, settling flat. DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear.
Risk Factors:	You should consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 13 of this prospectus before you invest in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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RISK FACTORS

Please carefully consider all the information we have included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risks described below and in “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION,” before deciding whether to invest in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Summary of risk factors

Set forth below is a summary of the material risk factors which you should consider before deciding whether to invest in the securitized utility tariff bonds. These risks can affect the timing or ultimate payment of the securitized utility tariff bonds and the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• You may experience material payment delays or incur a loss on your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds because the source of funds for payment is limited.

Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions

• We and Atmos Energy are not obligated to indemnify you for changes in law.

• Future judicial action could reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• Future state action could reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• The Kansas commission might attempt to take actions that could reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• Deregulation or restructuring in the natural gas utility market in Kansas may result in increased competition and material delays or reductions in collecting securitized utility tariff charges that could materially adversely affect the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• The servicer may not fulfill its obligations to act on behalf of the securitized utility tariff bondholders to protect bondholders from actions by the Kansas commission or the State of Kansas, or the servicer may be unsuccessful in any such attempt.

• A municipal entity may seek to acquire portions of Atmos Energy’s distribution facilities and avoid payment of the securitized utility tariff charges.

Servicing risks

• Your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds depends on Atmos Energy or its successor or assignee, acting as servicer of the securitized utility tariff property.

• Inaccurate customer count forecasting or unanticipated delinquencies or write-offs might reduce scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• If we have to replace Atmos Energy as the servicer, we may experience difficulties finding and using a replacement servicer.

• Changes to billing and collection practices might reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• Limits on rights to terminate service might make it more difficult to collect the securitized utility tariff charges.

• Increased dependence on technology may hinder Atmos Energy’s ability to act as servicer of the securitized utility tariff property.

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• Cyber-attacks or acts of cyber-terrorism could disrupt Atmos Energy’s business operations and information technology systems or result in the loss or exposure of confidential or sensitive customer, employee or company information.

Weather-related damage and other disaster risks

• Adverse weather conditions causing damage to Atmos Energy’s operations could impair payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• Terrorist activities or other significant events could adversely affect payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Risks to natural gas industry

• Atmos Energy’s operations are subject to increased competition which could adversely affect the collection of securitized utility tariff charges.

• Greenhouse gas emissions or other legislation or regulations intended to address climate change could prompt Atmos Energy’s retail customers to switch to alternative energy sources and negatively impact the collection of securitized utility tariff charges.

Risks associated with the unusual nature of the securitized utility tariff property

• Future adjustments to securitized utility tariff charges by retail customer class might result in insufficient collection.

• Foreclosure of the trustee’s lien on the securitized utility tariff property might not be practical, and acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds before maturity might have little practical effect.

Risks associated with potential bankruptcy proceedings of the seller or the servicer

• The servicer will commingle the securitized utility tariff charges with other revenues it collects, which might obstruct access to the securitized utility tariff charges in case of the servicer’s bankruptcy and reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• The bankruptcy of Atmos Energy might result in losses or delays in payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• The sale of the securitized utility tariff property might be construed as a financing and not a sale in a case of Atmos Energy’s bankruptcy which might delay or limit payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• If the servicer enters bankruptcy proceedings, the remittance of certain securitized utility tariff charges by the servicer prior to the date of bankruptcy might constitute preferences, which means these funds might be unavailable to pay amounts owed on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• Claims against Atmos Energy might be limited in the event of its bankruptcy.

• The bankruptcy of Atmos Energy might limit the remedies available to the trustee.

Other risks associated with an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds

• Atmos Energy’s indemnification obligations under the sale agreement and the servicing agreement are limited and might not be sufficient to protect your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• If the ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds are withdrawn or revised, the value of the bonds may be adversely affected.

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• Atmos Energy’s credit ratings might affect the market value of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• The absence of a secondary market for the securitized utility tariff bonds might limit your ability to resell the securitized utility tariff bonds.

• You might receive principal payments for the securitized utility tariff bonds later than you expect.

• Atmos Energy may cause the issuance, by another subsidiary or affiliated entity, of additional securitized utility tariff bonds in Kansas secured by additional securitized utility tariff property that includes a nonbypassable charge on retail customers.

• If the investment of collected securitized utility tariff charges and other funds held by the trustee in the collection account results in investment losses or the investments become illiquid, you may receive payment of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds later than you expect.

• A deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect Atmos Energy’s retail customers which could adversely affect the billing and collection of the securitized utility tariff charges.

• Regulatory provisions affecting certain investors could adversely affect the liquidity and the regulatory treatment of investments in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Discussion of risk factors

The following discussion provides additional information regarding each of our risk factors:

You may experience material payment delays or incur a loss on your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds because the source of funds for payment is limited.

The only source of funds for payment of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be our assets, which consist of:

• the securitized utility tariff property securing the securitized utility tariff bonds, including the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges;

• the funds on deposit in the accounts held by the trustee; and

• our rights under various contracts we describe in this prospectus.

The securitized utility tariff bonds are not a charge on the full faith and credit or taxing power of the State of Kansas or any governmental agency or instrumentality, nor will the securitized utility tariff bonds be insured or guaranteed by Atmos Energy, including in its capacity as the sponsor, depositor, seller or initial servicer, or any of their respective affiliates (other than us), the trustee or any other person or entity. The securitized utility tariff bonds will be nonrecourse obligations, secured only by the collateral. Delays in payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds might result in a reduction in the market value of the securitized utility tariff bonds and, therefore, the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds. Thus, you must rely for payment of the securitized utility tariff bonds solely upon the collections of the securitized utility tariff charges, and funds on deposit in the accounts held by the trustee. Our organizational documents restrict our right to acquire other assets unrelated to the transactions described in this prospectus. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC, THE ISSUING ENTITY” in this prospectus.

Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions

We and Atmos Energy are not obligated to indemnify you for changes in law.

Neither we nor Atmos Energy, nor any affiliate, successor or assignee, will indemnify you for any changes in the law, including any federal preemption or repeal or amendment of the Securitization Act, that might affect the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Atmos Energy will agree in the sale agreement to institute any legal or administrative action or proceeding as may be reasonably necessary to block or overturn any attempts to cause a repeal, modification or amendment of the Securitization Act that would be materially adverse to us, the

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trustee or the securitized utility tariff bondholders. However, we cannot assure you that Atmos Energy would be able to take this action or that any such action would be successful. Although Atmos Energy or any successor assignee might be required to indemnify us if legal action based on the law in effect at the time of the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds invalidates the securitized utility tariff property, such indemnification obligations do not apply for any changes in law after the date the securitized utility tariff bonds are issued, whether such changes in law are effected by means of any legislative enactment, any constitutional amendment or any final and non-appealable judicial decision. Please read “THE SALE AGREEMENT—Atmos Energy’s Covenants” in this prospectus.

Future judicial action could reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The securitized utility tariff property is the creation of the Securitization Act and the financing order that has been issued by the Kansas commission to Atmos Energy pursuant to the Securitization Act. The Securitization Act was enacted in April 2021. There is uncertainty associated with investing in bonds payable from an asset that depends for its existence on legislation because there is limited judicial or regulatory experience implementing and interpreting the legislation. The Securitization Act or any financing order or any provisions thereof might be directly contested in courts or otherwise become the subject of litigation. Because the securitized utility tariff property is a creation of the Securitization Act and the financing order, any judicial determination affecting the validity of or interpreting the Securitization Act or the financing order, the securitized utility tariff property or our ability to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds might have an adverse effect on the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds or cause a delay in the recovery of your investment. As of the date of this prospectus, no such litigation has arisen; however, we cannot assure you that a lawsuit challenging the validity of the Securitization Act or any financing order will not be filed in the future or that, if filed, such lawsuit will not be successful. If an invalidation of any relevant underlying legislative provision or any financing order provision were to result from such litigation, you might lose some or all of your investment or might experience delays in recovering your investment. Please read “THE SECURITIZATION ACT—Constitutional Matters” in this prospectus.

Other states have passed laws with financing provisions similar to some provisions of the Securitization Act, and some of these laws have been challenged by judicial actions or utility commission proceedings. To date, none of these challenges has succeeded, but future judicial challenges might be made. An unfavorable decision regarding another state’s law would not automatically invalidate the Securitization Act or the financing order, but it might provoke a challenge to the Securitization Act or the financing order, establish a legal precedent for a successful challenge to the Securitization Act or the financing order or heighten awareness of the political and other risks of the securitized utility tariff bonds, and in that way may limit the liquidity and value of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Therefore, legal activity in other states may indirectly affect the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Future state action could reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Despite the State’s pledge and the Kansas commission’s pledge in the Securitization Act and the financing order, respectively, not to take or permit certain actions that would impair the value of the securitized utility tariff property or the securitized utility tariff charges, the Kansas legislature might attempt to repeal or amend the Securitization Act in a manner that limits or alters the securitized utility tariff property so as to reduce its value. For a description of the State’s pledge, please read “THE SECURITIZATION ACT—Atmos Energy May Securitize Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Related Upfront and Ongoing Financing Costs” in this prospectus. As of the date of this prospectus, we are not aware of any pending legislation in the Kansas legislature that would affect any provisions of the Securitization Act.

It might be possible for the Kansas legislature to repeal or amend the Securitization Act notwithstanding the State’s pledge if the legislature acts in order to serve a significant and legitimate public purpose, such as protecting the public health and safety, or responding to a national or regional catastrophe or emergency affecting

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Atmos Energy’s service area, or if such action or inaction otherwise is in the valid exercise of the State’s police power. Similarly, it might be possible for the Kansas commission to repeal or amend the financing order notwithstanding the Kansas commission’s pledge if it acts in order to serve a significant and legitimate public purpose. Any such action, as well as the costly and time-consuming litigation that likely would ensue, might adversely affect the price and liquidity, the dates of payment of interest and principal and the weighted average lives of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Moreover, the outcome of any litigation cannot be predicted. Accordingly, you might incur a loss on or delay in recovery of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Except as described in “THE SALE AGREEMENT—Atmos Energy’s Obligation to Indemnify Us and the Trustee and to Take Legal Action” in this prospectus, neither we, Atmos Energy, nor any of its successors, assignees or affiliates will indemnify you for any change in law, including any amendment or repeal of the Securitization Act, that might affect the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

If an action of the Kansas legislature or the Kansas commission adversely affecting the securitized utility tariff property or the ability to collect securitized utility tariff charges were considered a “taking” under the United States or Kansas Constitutions, the State of Kansas might be obligated to pay compensation in an amount equal to the estimated value of the securitized utility tariff property at the time of the taking. However, even in that event, there is no assurance that any amount provided as compensation would be sufficient for you to recover fully your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds or to offset interest lost pending such recovery.

Nothing in the State’s or Kansas commission’s pledge precludes any limitation or alteration of the Securitization Act or the financing order if full compensation is made by law for the full protection of the securitized utility tariff charges collected pursuant to the financing order and of the securitized utility tariff bondholders. It is unclear what “full compensation” and “full protection” would be afforded to the securitized utility tariff bondholders by the State of Kansas or the Kansas commission if such limitation or alteration were attempted.

Unlike the citizens of some other states, the citizens of the State of Kansas currently do not have the constitutional right to adopt or revise state laws by initiative or referendum. Thus, absent an amendment to the Kansas Constitution, the Securitization Act cannot be amended or repealed by direct action of the electorate of the State of Kansas.

The enforcement of any rights against the State of Kansas or the Kansas commission under their respective pledges may be subject to the exercise of judicial discretion in appropriate cases and to the limitations on legal remedies against state and local governmental entities in Kansas. These limitations might include, for example, the necessity to exhaust administrative remedies prior to bringing suit in a court, or limitations on type and locations of courts in which the State of Kansas or the Kansas commission may be sued, or limitations on awards or collection of damages.

The Kansas commission might attempt to take actions that could reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The Securitization Act provides that for a financing order issued to create securitized utility tariff property, the financing order must provide that the financing order is irrevocable and that the Kansas commission may not directly or indirectly, by any subsequent action, amend, modify or terminate a financing order or reduce, impair, postpone, terminate or otherwise adjust the securitized utility tariff charges authorized under a financing order, except for the true-up adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges. In addition, the Kansas commission had pledged in the financing order that it will not amend, modify, or rescind the financing order by any subsequent action or reduce, impair, postpone, terminate, or otherwise adjust the securitized utility tariff charges. However, the Kansas commission retains the power to adopt, revise or rescind rules or regulations affecting Atmos Energy or a successor utility. The Kansas commission also retains the power to interpret the financing order granted to

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Atmos Energy, and in that capacity might be called upon to rule on the meanings of provisions of the financing order that might need further elaboration. Any new or amended regulations or orders from the Kansas commission might adversely affect the ability of the servicer to disconnect customers for nonpayment, assess late fees, impose deposit requirements or collect the securitized utility tariff charges in full and on a timely basis, which may negatively impact the rating of the securitized utility tariff bonds or their price and, accordingly, the amortization of the securitized utility tariff bonds and their weighted average lives.

The servicer is required to file with the Kansas commission, on our behalf, certain periodic true-up adjustments of the securitized utility tariff charges. The Kansas commission has 30 days after the date of a true-up adjustment filing to confirm the mathematical accuracy of the servicer’s adjustment and to confirm that there are no clerical errors. Any true-up adjustment filed with the Kansas commission will take effect on its proposed effective date, which shall not be less than 30 days after filing. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-ups” and “—Adjustments to Allocation of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges” in this prospectus. True-up adjustment procedures may be challenged in the future. Challenges to or delays in the true-up process might adversely affect the market perception and valuation of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Also, any litigation might materially delay securitized utility tariff charge collections due to delayed implementation of true-up adjustments and might result in missing payments or payment delays and lengthened weighted average life of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Deregulation or restructuring in the natural gas utility market in Kansas may result in increased competition and material delays or reductions in collecting securitized utility tariff charges that could materially adversely affect the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Future deregulation of the natural gas utility market in Kansas could change how natural gas services are provided to retail customers and allow new competitive market entrants to provide retail natural gas service, provide metering services, provide billing services or collect payments (including the securitized utility tariff charges) from retail customers. We cannot predict if or when it will be subject to changes in legislation or regulation, nor can it predict the impact of these changes. Poor performance, inaction, failure to abide by contractual obligations, commingling of funds, lack of creditworthiness, insolvency or other unforeseen problems with respect to any service provider could result in material delays or reductions in calculating and collecting securitized utility tariff charges and therefore material delays or reductions of payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and could materially reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The servicer may not fulfill its obligations to act on behalf of the securitized utility tariff bondholders to protect bondholders from actions by the Kansas commission or the State of Kansas, or the servicer may be unsuccessful in any such attempt.

The servicer will agree in the servicing agreement to take any action or proceeding reasonably necessary to compel performance by the Kansas commission and the State of Kansas of any of their obligations or duties under the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act or the financing order, including any actions reasonably necessary to block or overturn any attempts to cause a repeal, or modification of, or supplement to the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act or the financing order or the rights of bondholders in the securitized utility tariff property by executive action, legislative enactment, constitutional amendment or other means that would be adverse to the bondholders. The servicer, however, may not be able to take those actions for a number of reasons, including due to legal or regulatory restrictions, financial constraints and practical difficulties in successfully challenging any such legislative enactment or constitutional amendment. Additionally, any action the servicer is able to take may not be successful. Any such failure to perform its obligations or to successfully compel performance by the Kansas commission or the State of Kansas could negatively affect bondholders’ rights and result in a loss of their investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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A municipal entity may seek to acquire portions of Atmos Energy’s gas distribution facilities and avoid payment of the securitized utility tariff charges.

Kansas law authorizes municipalities to seek to acquire portions of a utility’s gas distribution facilities through voluntary transactions or the power of expropriation for use as part of municipally owned utility systems. There can be no assurance that one or more municipalities will not seek to acquire some or all of Atmos Energy’s gas distribution facilities while the securitized utility tariff bonds remain outstanding. The Securitization Act specifies that securitized utility tariff charges approved by a financing order shall be collected by a utility as well as its “successors or assignees.” In the servicing agreement, Atmos Energy has covenanted to assert in an appropriate forum that any municipality that acquires any portion of Atmos Energy’s gas distribution facilities by expropriation, including upon the expiration of any franchise agreement, must be treated as a successor to Atmos Energy under the Securitization Act and the financing order. However, the involved municipality might assert that it should not be treated as a successor to Atmos Energy for these purposes and that its distribution customers are not responsible for payment of securitized utility tariff charges. In any case, we cannot assure you that the securitized utility tariff charges will be collected from customers of municipally owned utilities who were formerly retail customers of Atmos Energy and that such an occurrence might not affect the timing or receipt of payments with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Servicing risks

Your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds depends on Atmos Energy or its successor or assignee, acting as servicer of the securitized utility tariff property.

Atmos Energy, as initial servicer, will be responsible for, among other things, calculating, billing and collecting the securitized utility tariff charges from its retail customers, submitting requests to the Kansas commission to adjust these charges, monitoring the collateral for the securitized utility tariff bonds and taking certain actions in the event of non-payment by a retail customer. The trustee’s receipt of collections in respect of the securitized utility tariff charges, which will be used to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds, will depend in part on the skill and diligence of the servicer in performing these functions. The systems that the servicer has in place for securitized utility tariff charge billings and collections, the operations to provide service to the relevant customers, together with the regulations of the Kansas commission governing utilities such as Atmos Energy might, in particular circumstances, cause the servicer to experience difficulty in performing these functions in a timely and completely accurate manner. If the servicer fails to make securitized utility tariff charge collections for any reason, then the servicer’s payments to the trustee in respect of the securitized utility tariff charges might be delayed or reduced. In that event, our payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds might be delayed or reduced.

Inaccurate customer count forecasting or unanticipated delinquencies or write-offs might reduce scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The securitized utility tariff charges are generally assessed based on forecasted customer counts for each retail customer class. The amount and the rate of securitized utility tariff charge collections will depend on the actual number of retail customers and the amount of securitized utility tariff charge collections and write-offs for each retail customer class. The securitized utility tariff charges are calculated by the servicer according to the methodology approved in the financing order, which includes the allocation of cost responsibility among retail customer classes. If the servicer inaccurately forecasts customer counts (including forecasts within each retail customer class) or underestimates customer delinquency or write-off data when setting or adjusting the securitized utility tariff charges, there could be a shortfall or material delay in securitized utility tariff charge collections, which might result in missed or delayed payments of principal and interest and lengthened weighted average lives of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-Ups” and “—Adjustments to Allocation of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges” in this prospectus.

The servicer’s use of inaccurate delinquency or write-off rates might also result from, among other things, unexpected deterioration of the economy or the occurrence of a natural disaster or extreme weather, an act of

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terrorism, cyberattack or other catastrophic event or the unanticipated declaration of a moratorium on terminating natural gas service to retail customers in the event of such occurrences, any of which would cause greater delinquencies or write-offs than expected or force Atmos Energy to grant additional payment relief to more retail customers, or any other change in law that makes it more difficult for Atmos Energy to terminate service to nonpaying retail customers or that requires Atmos Energy to apply more lenient credit standards in accepting retail customers. For example, under its emergency powers, the State legislature or the Kansas commission could impose a moratorium on the payment of consumer bills.

If we have to replace Atmos Energy as the servicer, we may experience difficulties finding and using a replacement servicer.

If Atmos Energy ceases to service the securitized utility tariff property, it might be difficult to find a successor servicer. Under the financing order, the annual servicing fee payable to a successor servicer is capped and the payment of compensation in excess of the cap is dependent upon Kansas commission approval. Also, any successor servicer might have less experience and ability than Atmos Energy and might experience difficulties in collecting securitized utility tariff charges and determining appropriate adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges and billing and/or payment arrangements may change, resulting in delays or disruptions in collections. A successor servicer might charge fees that, while permitted under the financing order, are substantially higher than the fees paid to Atmos Energy as the initial servicer. Although a true-up adjustment may be required to allow for the increase in fees, there could be a gap between the incurrence of those fees and the implementation of the true-up adjustment to adjust for the increase that might adversely affect distributions from the collection account. In the event of the commencement of a case by or against the servicer under the Bankruptcy Code or similar laws, we and the trustee might be prevented from effecting a transfer of servicing due to operation of the Bankruptcy Code. Any of these factors and others might delay the timing of payments and may reduce the value of your investment. Please read “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT” in this prospectus.

Changes to billing and collection practices might reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The financing order specifies the methodology for determining the amount of the securitized utility tariff charges we may impose. The servicer may not change this methodology without approval from the Kansas commission. However, the servicer may set its own billing and collection arrangements with its customers, provided that these arrangements comply with the Kansas commission’s customer safeguards. For example, to recover part of an outstanding bill, the servicer may agree to extend a customer’s payment schedule or to write-off the remaining unpaid portion of the bill, including the securitized utility tariff charges. Also, the servicer may change billing and collection practices, which might adversely impact the timing and amount of retail customer payments and might reduce securitized utility tariff charge collections, thereby limiting our ability to make scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds. Separately, the Kansas commission might require changes to these practices. Any changes in billing and collection practices regulations might make it more difficult for the servicer to collect the securitized utility tariff charges and adversely affect the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “THE DEPOSITOR, SELLER, INITIAL SERVICER AND SPONSOR—Forecasting Natural Gas Customers,” “—Billing Process and Payment Options” and “—Collection, Termination of Service and Write-off Policy” in this prospectus.

Consumer protection measures may limit the ability of Atmos Energy to collect all charges owed by consumers, including the securitized utility tariff charges. In addition, the State legislature or the Kansas commission may take actions in response to pandemics, natural disasters, adverse weather events or any other situation which may adversely affect the timing of securitized utility tariff charge collections. Any such action could result in a shortfall or material delay in securitized utility tariff charge collections, which in turn might result in missed or delayed payments of principal and interest, lengthened weighted average life of the securitized utility tariff bonds and downgrade of the credit ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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In addition, COVID-19 or any future pandemic may impact the ability of Atmos Energy to maintain operations at the same level as it was able prior to the pandemic. For instance, a large portion of Atmos Energy’s workforce, including employees of their contractors, may be unable to perform their job functions effectively due to illness, family illness, quarantine requirements, social distancing, telework requirements and other impacts of the COVID-19 or any future pandemic. Such potential impacts may limit the ability of Atmos Energy to service the securitized utility tariff charges.

Limits on rights to terminate service might make it more difficult to collect the securitized utility tariff charges.

If Atmos Energy, as the servicer, is billing retail customers for securitized utility tariff charges, it may terminate service to the retail customer for non-payment of securitized utility tariff charges pursuant to the applicable rules of the Kansas commission. Nonetheless, the rules and regulations of the Kansas commission, which may change from time to time, regulate and control the right to disconnect service. For example, gas utilities generally may not terminate service to a customer (i) on a holiday or weekend day or (ii) during certain extreme weather conditions. To the extent these retail customers do not pay for their gas service, Atmos Energy will not be able to collect securitized utility tariff charges from these retail customers.

In addition, Atmos Energy may be limited in the future in its ability to terminate service or collect securitized utility tariff charges. The Kansas commission, in response to a federal mandate or otherwise, could impose restrictions on the rates Atmos Energy charges to provide its services, including the inability to implement approved rates, or delay actions with respect to Atmos Energy’s base rate case and filings.

Increased dependence on technology may hinder Atmos Energy’s ability to act as servicer of the securitized utility tariff property.

Over the last several years, Atmos Energy has implemented or acquired a variety of technological tools including both Atmos Energy-owned information technology and technological services provided by outside parties. These tools and systems support critical functions including, scheduling and dispatching of service technicians, automated meter reading systems, customer care and billing, operational plant logistics, management reporting, and external financial reporting. The failure of these or other similarly important technologies, or Atmos Energy’s inability to have these technologies supported, updated, expanded, or integrated into other technologies, could hinder its business operations and adversely impact its ability to act as servicer of the securitized utility tariff property.

Although Atmos Energy has, when possible, developed alternative sources of technology and built redundancy into its computer networks and tools, there can be no assurance that these efforts would protect against all potential issues related to the loss of any such technologies.

Cyber-attacks or acts of cyber-terrorism could disrupt Atmos Energy’s business operations and information technology systems or result in the loss or exposure of confidential or sensitive customer, employee or company information.

Atmos Energy’s business operations and information technology systems may be vulnerable to an attack by individuals or organizations intending to disrupt its business operations and information technology systems, even though Atmos Energy has implemented policies, procedures and controls to prevent and detect these activities. Atmos Energy uses its information technology systems to manage its distribution and intrastate pipeline and storage operations and other business processes. Disruption of those systems could adversely impact Atmos Energy’s ability to safely deliver natural gas to its customers, operate its pipeline and storage systems or otherwise service the securitized utility tariff property.

In addition, Atmos Energy uses its information technology systems to protect confidential or sensitive customer, employee and company information developed and maintained in the normal course of its business. Any attack on such systems that would result in the unauthorized release of customer, employee or other confidential or sensitive data could have a material adverse effect on Atmos Energy’s business reputation,

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increase its costs and expose Atmos Energy to additional material legal claims and liability, which could impact Atmos Energy’s ability to service the securitized utility tariff property.

Weather-related damage and other disaster risks

Adverse weather conditions causing damage to Atmos Energy’s operations could impair payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Atmos Energy has weather-normalized rates for approximately 96 percent of its residential and commercial revenues in its distribution operations, which substantially mitigates the adverse effects of warmer-than-normal weather for meters in those service areas. However, there is no assurance that Atmos Energy will continue to receive such regulatory protection from adverse weather in its rates in the future. Atmos Energy’s operations were impacted by Winter Storm Uri and might be impacted by tornadoes, thunderstorms, ice storms, windstorms, flooding, earthquakes, prolonged droughts and the occurrence of wildfires, among other events. There could be longer-lasting weather-related adverse effects on residential and commercial development and economic activity in Atmos Energy’s service area, which could reduce the retail customer count and cause the securitized utility tariff charges to be greater than expected as a percentage of base rates of remaining retail customers. Legislative action adverse to the securitized utility tariff bondholders might be taken in response, and such legislation, if challenged as violative of the State pledge, might be defended on the basis of public necessity.

Terrorist activities or other significant events could adversely affect payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The threat of terrorist activities could lead to increased economic instability and volatility in the price of natural gas that could affect Atmos Energy’s customer count and cause the securitized utility tariff charges to be greater than expected as a percentage of base rates of remaining customers. Also, companies in the natural gas industry may face a heightened risk of exposure to actual acts of terrorism, which could subject Atmos Energy’s operations to increased risks. As a result, the availability of insurance covering such risks may become more limited, which could increase the risk that an event could adversely affect Atmos Energy’s business operations, ability to act as servicer, and payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Risks to natural gas industry

Atmos Energy’s operations are subject to increased competition which could adversely affect the collection of securitized utility tariff charges.

In residential and commercial customer markets, Atmos Energy’s distribution operations compete with other energy products, such as electricity and propane. Increases in the price of natural gas could negatively impact Atmos Energy’s competitive position by decreasing the price benefits of natural gas to the consumer. This could have the potential to cause a decline in the number of Atmos Energy’s retail customers. A decline in Atmos Energy’s retail customers receiving natural gas by means of Atmos Energy’s distribution facilities would cause the securitized utility tariff charges to the remaining retail customers to increase, and thereby increase the risk of nonpayment by retail customers.

In the case of industrial customers, such as manufacturing plants, adverse economic conditions, including higher gas costs, could cause these customers to use alternative sources of energy, such as electricity, or bypass Atmos Energy’s systems in favor of special competitive contracts with lower per-unit costs. Although currently natural gas is relatively more efficient than electricity and cheaper than electricity on a per unit basis, and switching energy sources entails significant upfront costs, changes in the competitive position of natural gas relative to electricity and other energy products have the potential to cause a decline in the number of Atmos Energy’s retail customers. A decline in Atmos Energy’s retail customers receiving natural gas by means of Atmos Energy’s distribution facilities would cause the securitized utility tariff charges to the remaining retail customers to increase, and thereby increase the risk of nonpayment by retail customers.

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Greenhouse gas emissions or other legislation or regulations intended to address climate change could prompt Atmos Energy’s retail customers to switch to alternative energy sources and negatively impact the collection of securitized utility tariff charges.

Federal, regional and/or state legislative and/or regulatory initiatives may attempt to control or limit the causes of climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Such laws or regulations could impose costs tied to greenhouse gas emissions, operational requirements or restrictions, or additional charges to fund energy efficiency activities. They could also provide a cost advantage to alternative energy sources, impose costs or restrictions on end users of natural gas, or result in other costs or requirements, such as costs associated with the adoption of new infrastructure and technology to respond to new mandates. The focus on climate change could adversely impact the reputation of fossil fuel products or services. The occurrence of the foregoing events could put upward pressure on the cost of natural gas relative to other energy sources, increase Atmos Energy’s costs and the prices it charges to retail customers, reduce the demand for natural gas, and impact the competitive position of natural gas and the ability to serve new or existing retail customers.

Any or all of these items might prompt Atmos Energy’s retail customers to switch to alternative sources to meet their energy requirements and disconnect from Atmos Energy’s gas distribution system. This could reduce Atmos Energy’s retail customer count, resulting in higher securitized utility tariff charges for Atmos Energy’s remaining retail customers. This, in turn, could adversely impact the billing and collection of securitized utility tariff charges, thereby increasing the risk of nonpayment by retail customers.

Risks associated with the unusual nature of the securitized utility tariff property

Future adjustments to securitized utility tariff charges by retail customer class might result in insufficient collection.

The retail customers who pay the securitized utility tariff charges are divided into customer classes. Securitized utility tariff charges will be allocated among retail customer classes and assessed in accordance with the retail customer billing mechanism specified in the financing order. The true-up adjustment methodology approved in the financing order is cross collateralized across retail customer classes and requires that any delinquencies or under-collections in one retail customer class will be taken into account in the application of the true-up mechanism to adjust the securitized utility tariff charges for all retail customers, not just the class of retail customers from which the delinquency or under-collection arose. Nonetheless, if enough retail customers in a class fail to pay securitized utility tariff charges or cease to be retail customers, the servicer might have to substantially increase the securitized utility tariff charges for the remaining retail customers in that retail customer class and for other retail customer classes as well. These increases could lead to further unanticipated failures by the remaining retail customers to pay securitized utility tariff charges, thereby increasing the risk of a shortfall in funds to pay interest and principal on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Foreclosure of the trustee’s lien on the securitized utility tariff property might not be practical, and acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds before maturity might have little practical effect.

Under the Securitization Act and the Indenture, the trustee or the securitized utility tariff bondholders have the right to foreclose or otherwise enforce the lien on the securitized utility tariff property securing the securitized utility tariff bonds. However, in the event of foreclosure, there is likely to be a limited market, if any, for the securitized utility tariff property. Therefore, foreclosure might not be a realistic or practical remedy. Moreover, although principal of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be due and payable upon acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds before maturity, securitized utility tariff charges likely would not be accelerated and the nature of our business will result in the principal of the securitized utility tariff bonds being paid as funds become available.

Risks associated with potential bankruptcy proceedings of the seller or the servicer

For a detailed discussion of the following bankruptcy risks, please read “HOW A BANKRUPTCY MAY AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT” in this prospectus.

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The servicer will commingle the securitized utility tariff charges with other revenues it collects, which might obstruct access to the securitized utility tariff charges in case of the servicer’s bankruptcy and reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The servicer will remit collected securitized utility tariff charges (the “daily remittance”) to the trustee for deposit to the general subaccount of the collection account as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than two servicer business days following such date. The servicer will not segregate the securitized utility tariff charges from the other funds it collects from customers or its general funds. The securitized utility tariff charges will be segregated only when the servicer pays them to the trustee.

Despite this requirement, the servicer might fail to remit the full amount of the securitized utility tariff charges to the trustee or might fail to do so on a timely basis. This failure, whether voluntary or involuntary, might materially reduce the amount of securitized utility tariff charge collections available to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The Securitization Act provides that the priority of a security interest perfected in securitized utility tariff property is not impaired by the commingling of the funds arising from securitized utility tariff charges with any other funds of the servicer. In a bankruptcy of the servicer, however, a bankruptcy court might rule that federal bankruptcy law does not recognize our right to collections of the securitized utility tariff charges that are commingled with other funds of the servicer as of the date of bankruptcy. If so, the collections of the securitized utility tariff charges held by the servicer as of the date of bankruptcy would not be available to pay amounts owed on the securitized utility tariff bonds. In this case, we would have only a general unsecured claim against the servicer for those amounts. This decision could cause material delays in payments of principal or interest, or losses, on the securitized utility tariff bonds and could materially reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “HOW A BANKRUPTCY MAY AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT” in this prospectus.

The bankruptcy of Atmos Energy might result in losses or delays in payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The Securitization Act and the financing order provide that as a matter of Kansas state law:

• the rights and interests of a selling utility under a financing order, including the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges, are contract rights of the seller;

• the seller may make a present transfer of its rights under a financing order, including the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive future securitized utility tariff charges that retail customers do not yet owe;

• the securitized utility tariff property constitutes a present contract right, even though the imposition and collection of securitized utility tariff charges depend on further acts that have not yet occurred; and

• a transfer of the securitized utility tariff property from the seller, or its affiliate, to us, under an agreement that expressly states the transfer is a sale or other absolute transfer, is a true sale of the securitized utility tariff property and not a pledge of the securitized utility tariff property to secure a financing by the seller.

Please read “THE SECURITIZATION ACT” in this prospectus. These provisions are important to maintaining payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds in accordance with their terms during any bankruptcy of Atmos Energy. In addition, the transaction has been structured with the objective of keeping us legally separate from Atmos Energy and its affiliates in the event of a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy or any such affiliates.

A bankruptcy court generally follows state property law on issues such as those addressed by the state law provisions described above. However, a bankruptcy court does not follow state law if it determines that the state law is contrary to a paramount federal bankruptcy policy or interest. If a bankruptcy court in a Atmos Energy

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bankruptcy refused to enforce one or more of the state property law provisions described above, the effect of this decision on you as a beneficial owner of the securitized utility tariff bonds might be similar to the treatment you would receive in a Atmos Energy bankruptcy if the securitized utility tariff bonds had been issued directly by Atmos Energy. A decision by the bankruptcy court that, despite our separateness from Atmos Energy, our assets and liabilities and those of Atmos Energy should be substantively consolidated would have a similar effect on you as a bondholder.

We have taken steps together with Atmos Energy, as the seller, to reduce the risk that in the event the seller or an affiliate of the seller were to become the debtor in a bankruptcy case, a court would order that our assets and liabilities be substantively consolidated with those of Atmos Energy or an affiliate. Nonetheless, these steps might not be completely effective, and thus if Atmos Energy or an affiliate were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, a court might order that our assets and liabilities be substantively consolidated with those of Atmos Energy or such affiliate. This might cause material delays in payment of, or losses on, the securitized utility tariff bonds and might materially reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds. For example:

• without permission from the bankruptcy court, the trustee might be prevented from taking actions against Atmos Energy or recovering or using funds on your behalf or replacing Atmos Energy as the servicer;

• the bankruptcy court might order the trustee to exchange the securitized utility tariff property for other property of lower value;

• tax or other government liens on Atmos Energy’s property might have priority over the trustee’s lien and might be paid from collected securitized utility tariff charges before payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• the trustee’s lien might not be properly perfected in the collected securitized utility tariff charges prior to or as of the date of Atmos Energy bankruptcy, with the result that the securitized utility tariff bonds would represent only general unsecured claims against Atmos Energy;

• the bankruptcy court might rule that neither our property interest nor the trustee’s lien extends to securitized utility tariff charges in respect of natural gas consumed after the commencement of Atmos Energy’s bankruptcy case, with the result that the securitized utility tariff bonds would represent only general unsecured claims against Atmos Energy;

• we and Atmos Energy might be relieved of any obligation to make any payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds during the pendency of the bankruptcy case and might be relieved of any obligation to pay interest accruing after the commencement of the bankruptcy case;

• Atmos Energy might be able to alter the terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds as part of Atmos Energy’s plan of reorganization;

• the bankruptcy court might rule that the securitized utility tariff charges should be used to pay, or that we should be charged for, a portion of the cost of providing natural gas service;

• the bankruptcy court might rule that the remedy provisions of the sale agreement are unenforceable, leaving us with an unsecured claim for actual damages against Atmos Energy that may be difficult to prove or, if proven, to collect in full;

• if the servicer defaults or enters bankruptcy proceedings, it might be difficult to find a successor servicer and payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds might be suspended;

• the mere fact of a servicer or seller bankruptcy proceeding might have an adverse effect on the resale market for the securitized utility tariff bonds and on the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds; or

• the servicer will commingle the securitized utility tariff charges with other revenues it collects, which might obstruct access to the securitized utility tariff charges in case of the bankruptcy of the servicer and reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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Please read “HOW A BANKRUPTCY MAY AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT.”

The sale of the securitized utility tariff property might be construed as a financing and not a sale in a case of Atmos Energy’s bankruptcy which might delay or limit payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The Securitization Act provides that the characterization of a transfer of securitized utility tariff property as a sale or other absolute transfer will not be affected or impaired by treatment of the transfer as a financing for federal or state tax purposes or financial reporting purposes. We and Atmos Energy will treat the transaction as a sale under applicable law, although for financial reporting and federal and state tax purposes the transaction is intended to be treated as a financing. In the event of a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy, a party in interest in the bankruptcy might assert that the sale of the securitized utility tariff property to us was a financing transaction and not a “sale or other absolute transfer” and that the treatment of the transaction for financial reporting and tax purposes as a financing and not a sale lends weight to that position. If a court were to characterize the transaction as a financing, we expect that we would, on behalf of ourselves and the trustee, be treated as a secured creditor of Atmos Energy in the bankruptcy proceedings, although a court might determine that we only have an unsecured claim against Atmos Energy. See “—The servicer will commingle the securitized utility tariff charges with other revenues it collects, which might obstruct access to the securitized utility tariff charges in case of the servicer’s bankruptcy and reduce the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds” above. Even if we had a security interest in the securitized utility tariff property, we might not have access to the related securitized utility tariff charge collections during the bankruptcy and would be subject to the risks of a secured creditor in a bankruptcy case, including the possible bankruptcy risks described in the immediately preceding risk factor. As a result, repayment of the securitized utility tariff bonds might be significantly delayed and a plan of reorganization in the bankruptcy might permanently modify the amount and timing of payments to us of the securitized utility tariff charge collections and therefore the amount and timing of funds available to us to pay securitized utility tariff bondholders.

If the servicer enters bankruptcy proceedings, the remittance of certain securitized utility tariff charges by the servicer prior to the date of bankruptcy might constitute preferences, which means these funds might be unavailable to pay amounts owed on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

In the event of a bankruptcy of the servicer, a party in interest might take the position that the remittance of funds prior to bankruptcy of the servicer, pursuant to the servicing agreement, constitutes a preference under bankruptcy law if the remittance of those funds was deemed to be paid on account of a preexisting debt. If a court were to hold that the remittance of funds constitutes a preference, any such remittance within 90 days of the filing of the bankruptcy petition could be avoidable, and the funds could be required to be returned to the bankruptcy estate of the servicer. To the extent that securitized utility tariff charges have been commingled with the general funds of the servicer, the risk that a court would hold that a remittance of funds was a preference would increase. Also, if we are considered to be an “insider” of the servicer, any such remittance made within one year of the filing of the bankruptcy petition could be avoidable as well if the court were to hold that such remittance constitutes a preference. In either case, we or the trustee would merely be an unsecured creditor of the servicer. If any funds were required to be returned to the bankruptcy estate of the servicer, we would expect that the amount of any future securitized utility tariff charges would be increased through the true-up mechanism to recover such amount, though this would not eliminate the risk of payment delays or losses on your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Claims against Atmos Energy might be limited in the event of its bankruptcy.

If the seller, Atmos Energy, were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, claims, including indemnity claims, by us against the seller under the sale agreement and the other documents executed in connection with the sale agreement could be unsecured claims and would be disposed of in the bankruptcy case. In addition, the bankruptcy court might estimate any contingent claims that we have against Atmos Energy and, if it determines that the contingency giving rise to these claims is unlikely to occur, estimate the claims at a lower amount. A

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party in interest in the bankruptcy of Atmos Energy might challenge the enforceability of the indemnity provisions in the sale agreement. If a court were to hold that the indemnity provisions were unenforceable, we would be left with a claim for actual damages against Atmos Energy based on breach of contract principles, which would be subject to estimation and/or calculation by the court. We cannot give any assurance as to the result if any of the above-described actions or claims were made. Furthermore, we cannot give any assurance as to what percentage of their claims, if any, unsecured creditors would receive in any bankruptcy proceeding involving Atmos Energy.

The bankruptcy of Atmos Energy might limit the remedies available to the trustee.

Upon an event of default for the securitized utility tariff bonds under the Indenture, the Securitization Act permits the trustee to enforce the security interest in the securitized utility tariff property in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. In this capacity, the trustee is permitted to request the Kansas commission or a court of appropriate jurisdiction for an order of sequestration and payment to all securitized utility tariff bondholders of all revenues arising with respect to the related securitized utility tariff property. There can be no assurance, however, that the Kansas commission or such court would issue this order after a Atmos Energy bankruptcy in light of the automatic stay provisions of Section 362 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In that event, the trustee would be required to seek an order from the bankruptcy court lifting the automatic stay to permit this action by the Kansas court, and an order requiring an accounting and segregation of the revenues arising from the securitized utility tariff property. There can be no assurance that a court would grant either order.

Other risks associated with an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds

Atmos Energy’s indemnification obligations under the sale agreement and the servicing agreement are limited and might not be sufficient to protect your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Atmos Energy is obligated under the sale agreement to indemnify us and the trustee, for itself and on behalf of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, only in specified circumstances and will not be obligated to repurchase any securitized utility tariff property in the event of a breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants regarding the securitized utility tariff property. Similarly, Atmos Energy is obligated under the servicing agreement to indemnify us and the trustee, for itself and on behalf of the securitized utility tariff bondholders only in specified circumstances. Please read “THE SALE AGREEMENT” and “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT” in this prospectus.

Neither the trustee nor the securitized utility tariff bondholders will have the right to accelerate payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds as a result of a breach under the sale agreement or servicing agreement, absent an event of default under the Indenture governing the securitized utility tariff bonds as described in “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—What Constitutes an Event of Default on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.” Furthermore, Atmos Energy might not have sufficient funds available to satisfy its indemnification obligations under these agreements, and the amount of any indemnification paid by Atmos Energy might not be sufficient for you to recover all of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds. In addition, if Atmos Energy becomes obligated to indemnify securitized utility tariff bondholders, the ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds will likely be downgraded as a result of the circumstances causing the breach and the fact that securitized utility tariff bondholders will be unsecured creditors of Atmos Energy with respect to any of these indemnification amounts. Atmos Energy will not indemnify any person for any loss, damages, liability, obligation, claim, action, suit or payment resulting solely from a downgrade in the ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds, or for any consequential damages, including any loss of market value of the securitized utility tariff bonds resulting from a default or a downgrade of the ratings of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “THE SALE AGREEMENT—Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties” and “—Atmos Energy’s Obligation to Indemnify Us and the Trustee and to Take Legal Action” in this prospectus.

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If the ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds are withdrawn or revised, the value of the bonds may be adversely affected.

We expect that the securitized utility tariff bonds will receive credit ratings from two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSRO”). A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The ratings merely analyze the probability that we will repay the total principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds at the final maturity date (which is later than the scheduled final payment date) and will make timely interest payments. The ratings are not an indication that the rating agencies believe that principal payments are likely to be paid on time according to the expected sinking fund schedule.

Under Rule 17g-5 of the Exchange Act, NRSROs providing Atmos Energy, as the sponsor, with the requisite certification will have access to all information posted on a website by Atmos Energy for the purpose of determining the initial rating and monitoring the rating after the closing date in respect of the securitized utility tariff bonds. As a result, an NRSRO other than an NRSRO hired by Atmos Energy (the “hired NRSRO”) may issue ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds (“Unsolicited Ratings”), which may be lower, and could be significantly lower, than the ratings assigned by the hired NRSROs. The Unsolicited Ratings may be issued prior to, or after, the issuance date of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Issuance of any Unsolicited Rating will not affect the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Issuance of an Unsolicited Rating lower than the ratings assigned by the hired NRSRO on the securitized utility tariff bonds might adversely affect the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds and, for regulated entities, could affect the status of the securitized utility tariff bonds as a legal investment or the capital treatment of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Investors in the securitized utility tariff bonds should consult with their legal counsel regarding the effect of the issuance of a rating by a non-hired NRSRO that is lower than the rating of a hired NRSRO. None of Atmos Energy, us, the underwriter or any of our or their affiliates will have any obligation to inform you of any Unsolicited Ratings assigned after the date of this prospectus. In addition, if we or Atmos Energy fail to make available to a non-hired NRSRO any information provided to any hired rating agency for the purpose of assigning or monitoring the ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds, a hired NRSRO could withdraw its ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds, which could adversely affect the market value of the securitized utility tariff bonds and/or limit your ability to resell the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Atmos Energy’s credit ratings might affect the market value of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Although Atmos Energy is not an obligor on the securitized utility tariff bonds, a downgrading of the credit ratings on the debt of Atmos Energy might have an adverse effect on the market value of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Atmos Energy is rated by S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc. and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. Credit ratings may change at any time by the rating agencies. A NRSRO has the authority to revise or withdraw its rating based solely upon its own judgment.

The absence of a secondary market for the securitized utility tariff bonds might limit your ability to resell the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The underwriter for the securitized utility tariff bonds might assist in resales of the securitized utility tariff bonds, but it is not required to do so. A secondary market for the securitized utility tariff bonds might not develop. If a secondary market does develop, it might not continue or it might not be sufficiently liquid to allow you to resell any of the securitized utility tariff bonds. We do not anticipate that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be listed on any securities exchange. Please read “PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION” in this prospectus.

You might receive principal payments for the securitized utility tariff bonds later than you expect.

The amount and the rate of collection of the securitized utility tariff charges for the securitized utility tariff bonds, together with the related securitized utility tariff charge adjustments, will generally determine whether there is a delay in the scheduled repayments for the securitized utility tariff bond principal. If the servicer collects

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the securitized utility tariff charges at a slower rate than expected, it might have to request adjustments of the securitized utility tariff charges. If those adjustments are not timely and accurate, you might experience a delay in payments of principal and interest and a decrease in the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS” in this prospectus.

Atmos Energy may cause the issuance, by another subsidiary or affiliated entity, of additional securitized utility tariff bonds in Kansas secured by additional securitized utility tariff property that includes a nonbypassable charge on retail customers.

Any new issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds by another subsidiary or affiliated entity of Atmos Energy in Kansas may include terms and provisions that would be unique to that particular issuance. In the event a retail customer does not pay in full all amounts owed under any bill, including securitized utility tariff charges, Atmos Energy, as servicer, is required to allocate any resulting shortfalls in securitized utility tariff charges ratably based on the amounts of securitized utility tariff charges owed in respect of the securitized utility tariff bonds, and amounts owed in respect of other securitized utility tariff bonds. However, if a dispute arises with respect to the allocation of such securitized utility tariff charges or other delays occur on account of the administrative burdens of making such allocation, we cannot assure you that any issuance of other securitized utility tariff bonds by another subsidiary or affiliated entity of Atmos Energy in Kansas would not cause reductions or delays in payment of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

If the investment of collected securitized utility tariff charges and other funds held by the trustee in the collection account results in investment losses or the investments become illiquid, you may receive payment of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds later than you expect.

Funds held by the trustee in the collection account will be invested in eligible investments at the written direction of the servicer. Eligible investments include commercial paper, money market funds and repurchase obligations with respect to United States treasuries, among other items. Although the eligible investments as defined in the Indenture governing the securitized utility tariff bonds have traditionally been viewed as highly liquid with a low probability of loss, illiquidity and losses have been experienced by investors in certain eligible investments as a result of disruptions in the financial markets in recent years. If investment losses or illiquidity is experienced, you might experience a delay in payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and a decrease in the value of your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

A deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect Atmos Energy’s retail customers which could adversely affect the billing and collection of securitized utility tariff charges.

Any adverse changes in economic conditions could adversely affect the financial resources of many of Atmos Energy’s retail customers. As a result, Atmos Energy’s retail customers could seek to use less gas and it may be more difficult for them to pay their gas bills. This would likely lead to slower collections and increased risk of nonpayment by retail customers. Additionally, should economic conditions deteriorate, Atmos Energy’s industrial customers could seek alternative energy sources. This could reduce Atmos Energy’s retail customer count, resulting in higher securitized utility tariff charges for Atmos Energy’s remaining retail customers. This, in turn, could adversely impact the billing and collection of securitized utility tariff charges, thereby increasing the risk of nonpayment by retail customers.

Regulatory provisions affecting certain investors could adversely affect the liquidity and the regulatory treatment of investments in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

European Union (“EU”) legislation comprising Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 (as amended, the “EU Securitization Regulation”) and certain related regulatory technical standards, implementing technical standards and official guidance (together, the “European Securitization Rules”) imposes certain restrictions and obligations with regard to securitizations (as such term is defined for purposes of the EU Securitization Regulation). The

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European Securitization Rules are in force throughout the EU (and are expected also to be implemented in the non-EU member states of the European Economic Area).

Pursuant to the European Securitization Rules, EU Institutional Investors investing in a securitisation (as so defined) must, amongst other things, verify that (a) certain credit-granting requirements are satisfied, (b) the originator, sponsor or original lender retains on an ongoing basis a material net economic interest which, in any event, shall not be less than 5%, determined in accordance with Article 6 of the EU Securitization Regulation, and discloses that risk retention, (c) the originator, sponsor or relevant securitization special purpose entity has, where applicable, made available information as required by Article 7 of the EU Securitization Regulation and (d) they have carried out a due-diligence assessment that enables the EU Institutional Investors to assess the risks involved, considering at least (i) the risk characteristics of the securitisation position and the underlying exposures and (ii) all the structural features of the securitization that can materially impact the performance of the securitisation position.

EU Institutional Investors include: (a) insurance undertakings and reinsurance undertakings as defined in Directive 2009/138/EC, as amended, (b) institutions for occupational retirement provision falling within the scope of Directive (EU) 2016/2341 (subject to certain exceptions), and certain investment managers and authorized entities appointed by such institutions, (c) alternative investment fund managers as defined in Directive 2011/61/EU which manage and/or market alternative investment funds in the EU, (d) certain internally managed investment companies authorized in accordance with Directive 2009/65/EC, and managing companies as defined in that Directive, (e) credit institutions as defined in Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 (CRR) (and certain consolidated affiliates thereof); and (f) investment firms as defined in CRR (and certain consolidated affiliates thereof).

With respect to the United Kingdom (UK), relevant UK-established or UK-regulated persons (as described below) are subject to the restrictions and obligations of the EU Securitization Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by operation of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended, the “EUWA”), and as amended by the Securitisation (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and as further amended from time to time, the UK Securitization Regulation. The UK Securitization Regulation, together with (a) all applicable binding technical standards made under the UK Securitization Regulation, (b) any EU regulatory technical standards or implementing technical standards relating to the EU Securitization Regulation (including such regulatory technical standards or implementing technical standards that are applicable pursuant to any transitional provisions of the EU Securitization Regulation) forming part of UK domestic law by operation of the EUWA, (c) all relevant guidance, policy statements or directions relating to the application of the UK Securitization Regulation (or any binding technical standards) published by the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) and/or the Prudential Regulation Authority (the “PRA”) (or their successors), (d) any guidelines relating to the application of the EU Securitization Regulation that are applicable in the UK, (e) any other transitional, saving or other provision relevant to the UK Securitization Regulation by virtue of the operation of the EUWA and (f) any other applicable laws, acts, statutory instruments, rules, guidance or policy statements published or enacted relating to the UK Securitization Regulation, in each case, as may be further amended, supplemented or replaced, from time to time, are referred to in this prospectus as the UK Securitization Rules.

Article 5 of the UK Securitization Regulation places certain conditions on investments in a “securitisation” (as defined in the UK Securitization Regulation) by a UK Institutional Investor. UK Institutional Investors include: (a) an insurance undertaking as defined in section 417(1) of the Financial Services And Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the “FSMA”), (b) a reinsurance undertaking as defined in section 417(1) of the FSMA, (c) an occupational pension scheme as defined in section 1(1) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 that has its main administration in the UK, or a fund manager of such a scheme appointed under section 34(2) of the Pensions Act 1995 that, in respect of activity undertaken pursuant to that appointment, is authorized for the purposes of section 31 of the FSMA, (d) an alternative investment fund manager as defined in regulation 4(1) of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulation 2013 that markets or manages alternative investments funds (as defined in regulation 3 of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulation 2013) in the UK, (e) a

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management company as defined in section 237(2) of the FSMA, (f) an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities as defined by section 236A of the FSMA, which is an authorized open ended investment company as defined in section 237(3) of the FSMA, and (g) a CRR firm as defined in Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (and certain consolidated affiliates thereof).

Prior to investing in (or otherwise holding an exposure to) a “securitisation position” (as defined in the UK Securitization Regulation), a UK Institutional Investor, other than the originator, sponsor or original lender (each as defined in the UK Securitization Regulation), must, among other things: (a) verify that, where the originator or original lender is established in a third country (i.e. not within the UK), the originator or original lender grants all the credits giving rise to the underlying exposures on the basis of sound and well-defined criteria and clearly established processes for approving, amending, renewing and financing those credits and has effective systems in place to apply those criteria and processes to ensure that credit granting is based on a thorough assessment of the obligor’s creditworthiness, (b) verify that, if established in the third country (i.e. not within the UK), the originator, sponsor or original lender retains on an ongoing basis a material net economic interest that, in any event, shall not be less than 5%, determined in accordance with Article 6 of the UK Securitization Regulation, and discloses the risk retention to the affected investors, (c) verify that, where established in a third country (i.e. not within the UK), the originator, sponsor or relevant securitization special purpose entity, where applicable, made available information that is substantially the same as that which it would have made available under Article 7 of the UK Securitization Regulation (which sets out certain transparency requirements) if it had been established in the UK and has done so with such frequency and modalities as are substantially the same as those with which it would have made information available if it had been established in the UK, and (d) carry out a due-diligence assessment that enables the UK Institutional Investors to assess the risks involved, considering at least (i) the risk characteristics of the securitisation position and the underlying exposures and (ii) all the structural features of the securitization that can materially impact the performance of the securitisation position.

We and Atmos Energy do not believe that the securitized utility tariff bonds fall within the definition of a “securitization” for purposes of the EU Securitization Regulation or the UK Securitization Regulation as there is no tranching of credit risk associated with exposures under the transactions described in this prospectus. Therefore, we and Atmos Energy believe such transactions are not subject to the European Securitization Rules or the UK Securitization Rules. As such, neither we nor Atmos Energy, nor any other party to the transactions described in this prospectus, intend, or are required under the transaction documents, to retain a material net economic interest in respect of such transactions, or to take, or to refrain from taking, any other action, in a manner prescribed or contemplated by the European Securitization Rules or the UK Securitization Rules. In particular, no such Person undertakes to take, or to refrain from taking, any action for purposes of compliance by any investor (or any other Person) with any requirement of the European Securitization Rules or the UK Securitization Rules to which such investor (or other Person) may be subject at any time.

However, if a competent authority were to take a contrary view and determine that the transactions described in this prospectus do constitute a securitization for purposes of the EU Securitization Regulation or the UK Securitization Regulation, then any failure by an EU Institutional Investor or a UK Institutional Investor (as applicable) to comply with any applicable European Securitization Rules or UK Securitization Rules (as applicable) with respect to an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds may result in the imposition of a penalty regulatory capital charge on that investment or of other regulatory sanctions and remedial measures.

Consequently, the securitized utility tariff bonds may not be a suitable investment for EU Institutional Investors or UK Institutional Investors. As a result, the price and liquidity of the securitized utility tariff bonds in the secondary market may be adversely affected.

Prospective investors are responsible for analyzing their own legal and regulatory position and are advised to consult with their own advisors and any relevant regulator or other authority regarding the scope, applicability and compliance requirements of the European Securitization Rules and the UK Securitization Rules, and the

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suitability of the securitized utility tariff bonds for investment. Neither we nor Atmos Energy, nor any other party to the transactions described in this prospectus, make any representation as to any such matter, or have any liability to any investor (or any other Person) for any non-compliance by any such Person with the European Securitization Rules, the UK Securitization Rules or any other applicable legal, regulatory or other requirements.

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REVIEW OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY

Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Atmos Energy, as sponsor, has performed, as described below, a review of the securitized utility tariff property underlying the securitized utility tariff bonds. As required by these rules, the review was designed and effected to provide reasonable assurance that disclosure regarding the securitized utility tariff property is accurate in all material respects. Atmos Energy did not engage a third party in conducting its review.

The securitized utility tariff bonds will be secured under the Indenture by the Indenture’s trust estate. The principal asset of the Indenture’s trust estate is the securitized utility tariff property. The securitized utility tariff property is a present contract right authorized and created pursuant to the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act and an irrevocable financing order. The securitized utility tariff property includes the irrevocable right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive nonbypassable securitized utility tariff charges in amounts sufficient to timely pay scheduled principal and interest and ongoing financing costs in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds. The securitized utility tariff charges are nonbypassable charges that will be paid by all existing and future retail customers receiving natural gas service from Atmos Energy or its successors or assignees under the rate schedules or special contracts approved by the Kansas commission, even if a retail customer elects to purchase natural gas from an alternative natural gas supplier following a fundamental change in regulation of public utilities in Kansas; provided, however, if a customer disconnects from Atmos Energy’s gas distribution system and ceases to purchase natural gas by switching to an alternative source of energy that meets all of its energy needs, such customer would no longer be a retail customer and would not be subject to paying securitized utility tariff charges. During the 12 months ended September 30, 2022, approximately 68% of Atmos Energy’s total gas deliveries were to residential retail customers and approximately 32% were to non-residential retail customers.

The securitized utility tariff property is not a static pool of receivables or assets. Securitized utility tariff charges authorized in the financing order are irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment, or adjustment by further action of the Kansas commission except that securitized utility tariff charges are subject to semi-annual and other interim true-up adjustments to correct any over-collections or under-collections of securitized utility tariff charges during the previous six months and to ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds. All revenues and collections resulting from securitized utility tariff charges provided for in the financing order are part of the securitized utility tariff property. The securitized utility tariff charges will be calculated on a fixed monthly charge per retail customer. The securitized utility tariff property is described in more detail under “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY” in this prospectus.

In the financing order, the Kansas commission, among other things:

• orders that Atmos Energy, as servicer, shall impose and collect from all Atmos Energy retail customers the securitized utility tariff charges that are nonbypassable in an amount calculated as provided in the financing order;

• orders that upon the transfer of the securitized utility tariff property to us by Atmos Energy, we shall be the owner of the rights to the securitized utility tariff property and that Atmos Energy as servicer is merely the collection agent for us; and

• pledges that it will act under the financing order as expressly authorized by the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act to ensure the projected recovery of securitized utility tariff charge revenues are sufficient to provide timely payment of the scheduled principal of and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Please read “THE SECURITIZATION ACT” and “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER” in this prospectus for more information.

The characteristics of securitized utility tariff property are unlike the characteristics of assets underlying mortgage and other commercial asset securitizations because securitized utility tariff property is a creature of statute and state regulatory commission proceedings. Because the nature and characteristics of the securitized

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utility tariff property and many elements of the securitized utility tariff bond securitization are set forth and constrained by the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, Atmos Energy, as sponsor, does not select the assets to be securitized in ways common to many securitizations. Moreover, the securitized utility tariff bonds do not contain origination or underwriting elements similar to typical mortgage or other loan transactions involved in other forms of asset-backed securities. The securitization provisions of the Securitization Act and the Kansas commission require the imposition on, and collection of securitized utility tariff charges from, existing and future retail customers receiving natural gas service from Atmos Energy or it successors or assignees under Kansas commission-approved rate schedules or under special contracts, even if a retail customer elects to purchase natural gas from an alternative natural gas supplier following a fundamental change in regulation of public utilities in Kansas subject to certain exceptions discussed elsewhere in this prospectus. Since the securitized utility tariff charges are assessed against all retail customers and the true-up adjustment mechanism adjusts for the impact of retail customer defaults, the collectability of the securitized utility tariff charges is not ultimately dependent upon the credit quality of particular Atmos Energy retail customers, as would be the case in the absence of the true-up adjustment mechanism.

The review by Atmos Energy of the securitized utility tariff property underlying the securitized utility tariff bonds has involved a number of discrete steps and elements as described in more detail below. First, Atmos Energy has analyzed and applied the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act’s requirements for securitization of qualified extraordinary costs in seeking approval of the Kansas commission for the issuance of the financing order and in its application for a financing order with respect to the characteristics of the securitized utility tariff property to be created pursuant to the financing order. Atmos Energy worked with its counsel in preparing the application for a financing order and with the Kansas commission on the terms of the financing order. Moreover, Atmos Energy worked with its counsel, its structuring agent and counsel to the underwriter in preparing the legal agreements that provide for the terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds and the security for the securitized utility tariff bonds. Atmos Energy has analyzed economic issues and practical issues for the scheduled payment of the securitized utility tariff bonds in terms of impacts of economic factors, potentials for disruptions due to weather or catastrophic events and its own forecasts for retail customer growth as well as the historic accuracy of its prior forecasts.

In light of the unique nature of the securitized utility tariff property, Atmos Energy has taken (or prior to the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds, will take) the following actions in connection with its review of the securitized utility tariff property and the preparation of the disclosure for inclusion in this prospectus describing the securitized utility tariff property, the securitized utility tariff bonds and the proposed securitization:

• reviewed the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, the rules and regulations of the Kansas commission as they relate to the securitized utility tariff property in connection with the preparation and filing of the application with the Kansas commission for the approval of the financing order in order to confirm that the application and proposed financing order satisfied applicable statutory and regulatory requirements;

• actively participated in the proceeding before the Kansas commission relating to the approval of the requested financing order;

• compared the financing order, as issued by the Kansas commission, to the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act and the rules and regulations of the Kansas commission as they relate to the securitized utility tariff property to confirm that the financing order met such requirements;

• compared the proposed terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds to the applicable requirements in the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, the financing order and the regulations of the Kansas commission to confirm that they met such requirements;

• prepared and reviewed the agreements to be entered into in connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds and compared such agreements to the applicable requirements in the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, the financing order and the regulations of the Kansas commission to confirm that they met such requirements;

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• reviewed the disclosure in this prospectus regarding the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, the financing order and the agreements to be entered into in connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, and compared such descriptions to the relevant securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, the financing order and such agreements to confirm the accuracy of such descriptions;

• consulted with legal counsel to assess if there is a basis upon which the securitized utility tariff bondholders (or the trustee acting on their behalf) could successfully challenge the constitutionality of any legislative action by the State of Kansas (including the Kansas commission) that could repeal or amend the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act that could substantially impair the value of the securitized utility tariff property, or substantially reduce, alter or impair the securitized utility tariff charges;

• reviewed the process and procedures in place for it, as servicer, to perform its obligations under the servicing agreement, including without limitation, billing and collecting the securitized utility tariff charges to be provided for under the securitized utility tariff property, forecasting securitized utility tariff charge revenues, preparing and filing applications for true-up adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges and enforcing credit standards;

• reviewed the methodology and procedure of the true-up mechanism for adjusting securitized utility tariff charge levels to meet the scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds; and

• with the assistance of its structuring agent and the underwriter, prepared financial models in order to set the initial securitized utility tariff charges to be provided for under the securitized utility tariff property at a level sufficient to pay on a timely basis scheduled principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

In connection with the preparation of such models, Atmos Energy:

• reviewed (i) the historical natural gas usage and retail customer growth within Atmos Energy’s retail customer base and (ii) forecasts of expected sales and retail customer growth; and

• analyzed the sensitivity of the weighted average life of the securitized utility tariff bonds in relation to variances in actual retail customer count from forecasted levels and in relation to the true-up mechanism in order to assess the probability that the weighted average life of the securitized utility tariff bonds may be extended as a result of such variances, and in the context of the operation of the true-up mechanism for adjustment of securitized utility tariff charges to address under- or over-collections in light of scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

As a result of this review, Atmos Energy has concluded that:

• the securitized utility tariff property, the financing order and the agreements to be entered into in connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds meet in all material respects the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements;

• the disclosure in this prospectus regarding the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, the financing order and the agreements to be entered into in connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds is as of its date, accurate in all material respects;

• the servicer has adequate processes and procedures in place to perform its obligations under the servicing agreement;

• securitized utility tariff charge revenues, as adjusted from time to time as provided in the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act and the financing order, are expected to be sufficient to pay on a timely basis scheduled principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds; and

• the design and scope of Atmos Energy’s review of the securitized utility tariff property as described above is effective to provide reasonable assurance that the disclosure regarding the securitized utility tariff property in this prospectus is accurate in all material respects.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF PROPERTY

Creation of Securitized Utility Tariff Property; Financing Order

The Securitization Act defines securitized utility tariff property as, “All rights and interests of a public utility, its successor or assignee under a financing order, including the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges authorized under the financing order and to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges authorized under this section and as provided in the financing order; and all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money or proceeds arising from the rights and interests specified in the financing order, regardless of whether such revenues, collections, claims, rights to payment, payments, money or proceeds are imposed, billed, received, collected or maintained together with or commingled with other revenues, collections, rights to payment, payments, money or proceeds.” The securitized utility tariff bonds will be secured by the securitized utility tariff property, as well as the other collateral described under “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—The Security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.”

In addition to the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges, the financing order:

• Authorizes the transfer of the securitized utility tariff property to us and the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds;

• Establishes procedures for periodic true-up adjustments to securitized utility tariff charges in the event of over-collection or under-collection; and

• Provides and pledges that after the earlier of the transfer of the securitized utility tariff property to an assignee or the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds authorized by the financing order, the financing order is irrevocable and may not be amended, modified, or terminated by any subsequent action of the Kansas commission.

A form of issuance advice letter and a form of tariff (called the “Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider” or “WESCR”) are attached to the financing order. We will complete and file both documents with the Kansas commission immediately after the pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds. The issuance advice letter confirms to the Kansas commission the interest rate and expected sinking fund schedule for the securitized utility tariff bonds and sets forth the actual dollar amount of the initial securitized utility tariff charges as described below under “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—Issuance Advice Letter.” The Kansas commission’s review of the issuance advice letter will be limited to determining that the final structuring, terms and pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds are consistent with the criteria established in the financing order and that the mathematical calculations are accurate.

Tariff; Securitized Utility Tariff Charges

The tariff establishes the initial securitized utility tariff charges. It also implements the procedures for periodic adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges, the payment of securitized utility tariff charges and the semi-annual procedures allowing Atmos Energy as servicer to reconcile the amount of securitized utility tariff charge remittances with the periodic payment requirement.

The securitized utility tariff charges will be payable by all existing or future retail customers receiving natural gas service from Atmos Energy or its successors or assignees under Kansas commission-approved rate schedules or under special contracts, even if a retail customer elects to purchase natural gas from an alternative natural gas supplier following a fundamental change in regulation of public utilities in Kansas.

For purposes of billing securitized utility tariff charges, each retail customer will be designated as a customer belonging to one of the securitized utility tariff charge retail customer classes set forth below. Under

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the terms of the financing order, Atmos Energy will allocate the securitized utility tariff charges among the securitized utility tariff charge retail customer classes based on the percentage of the total estimated February 2021 sales volumes, as follows:

Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Retail Customer Classes

Retail Customer Class	Estimate of February 2021 Usage (Mcf)		Allocation Percentage
Residential:		23,505,675		75.015%
Non-residential:
Commercial/Public Authority		7,572,483		24.167%
School Sales Service		82,668		0.264%
Industrial Sales Service		50,073		0.160%
Small Generator		31		0.000%
Irrigation Engine		123,509		0.394%
TOTAL		31,334,439		100.000%

The nonbypassable charge applicable to each securitized utility tariff charge retail customer class for any period will be determined based on the allocation percentage of such class, the amount necessary to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds for the related period, and as set forth in the Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider, contained in the form of tariff, attached to the financing order as Appendix B. Securitized utility tariff charges will be calculated on a fixed monthly charge per retail customer, which will be adjusted semi-annually pursuant to the true-up adjustment methodology approved in the financing order. The per retail customer charge will initially be calculated using the retail customer count reported in the most recent Atmos Energy Annual Report filed with the Kansas commission and will be updated semi-annually. The true-up adjustment methodology approved in the financing order is cross collateralized across retail customer classes and requires that any delinquencies or under-collections in one retail customer class will be taken into account in the application of the true-up mechanism to adjust the securitized utility tariff charges for all retail customers, not just the class of retail customers from which the delinquency or under-collection arose.

The securitized utility tariff charges will be reflected as a separate line item on retail customers’ bills and identified as “Winter Event Securitized Cost.” These securitized utility tariff charges will be adjusted semi-annually, or more frequently under certain circumstances, by the servicer in accordance with its filings with the Kansas commission.

Atmos Energy estimates that on an annualized basis the initial securitized utility tariff charges would represent approximately                % of the total bill received by an average residential customer based on rates as of                .

Billing and Collection Terms and Conditions

Generally, bills are rendered monthly to all customers and are payable within 28 days from mailing for residential customers and within 28 days of mailing for nonresidential customers. Billing will begin with the first cycle of the month following the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Customers are billed in established cycles, with the total number of days between meter readings generally ranging from 28 to 32 days.

Atmos Energy, as the initial servicer of the securitized utility tariff property will bill and collect the securitized utility tariff charges as described in the servicing agreement, and remit those amounts to the trustee on our behalf. We are a Delaware limited liability company subsidiary special purpose entity created by Atmos Energy to facilitate the securitization. The servicer will perform these functions for us in accordance with the

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servicing agreement by and between Atmos Energy, as the initial servicer, and us. If the servicer defaults on its obligations under the servicing agreement, the trustee may appoint a successor servicer, subject to the terms and conditions of the servicing agreement.

The securitized utility tariff bonds will be issued pursuant to an indenture and series supplement administered by the trustee. The Indenture will include provisions for a collection account and subaccounts for the collection and administration of the securitized utility tariff charges and payment or funding of the principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and other costs. We will establish a collection account as a trust account to be held by the trustee as collateral for the payment of the scheduled principal, interest, and other costs approved in the financing order. The collection account will include the general subaccount, the capital subaccount, and the excess funds subaccount, and may include other subaccounts. The servicer will remit securitized utility tariff charges to the trustee, which will deposit such remittances into a general subaccount. Upon issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, Atmos Energy will make a capital contribution to us and we will deposit such contribution into a capital subaccount. The capital subaccount will serve as collateral for timely payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds. An excess funds subaccount will hold any securitized utility tariff charge remittances and investment earnings on the collection account (other than earnings attributable to the capital subaccount and released under the terms of the Indenture) in excess of the amounts needed to pay principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and to pay ongoing costs related to the securitized utility tariff bonds (including replenishing the capital subaccount). Any balance in or allocated to the excess funds subaccount on a true-up adjustment date will be subtracted from the payments to be made on the next payment date for purposes of the true-up adjustment. The servicer is required to make semi-annual adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges to correct any under-collection or over-collection of securitized utility tariff charges during the preceding six months and ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds. If remitted securitized utility tariff charges are insufficient to make payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and other components of the periodic payment requirement, then the excess funds subaccount, and the capital subaccount will be drawn down, in that order, to make those payments. The servicer may perform periodic true-ups as necessary to ensure that the amount collected from securitized utility tariff charges is sufficient to service the securitized utility tariff bonds. Within the 30-day period that follows the scheduled payment date that is one year prior to the scheduled final payment date and quarterly thereafter, there will be quarterly true-up adjustments for the securitized utility tariff bonds that remain outstanding.

The obligation to pay securitized utility tariff charges is not subject to any right of set-off, counterclaim or surcharge in connection with the bankruptcy or insolvency of Atmos Energy or any other entity. Securitized utility tariff charges are “nonbypassable” in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Securitization Act and the financing order.

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THE SECURITIZATION ACT

Overview

In April 2021, the Kansas Legislature established the Securitization Act (a Kansas senate substitute for House Bill 2072 (Volume 40 - Issue 16 - April 22, 2021), as codified at K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240 - 66-1,253), providing for a financing mechanism through which certain utilities can use securitization financing to recover qualified extraordinary costs (as defined in the Securitization Act) resulting from Winter Storm Uri, by issuing securitized utility tariff bonds. Securitized utility tariff bonds must be approved in a financing order issued by the Kansas commission. A Kansas utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Kansas commission must apply to the Kansas commission in order to obtain a financing order under the Securitization Act to authorize the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds.

In February 2021, Kansas experienced sub-zero temperatures brought by Winter Storm Uri, which led to a significant increase in demand for electricity and natural gas. On February 14, 2021, a State of Disaster Emergency was issued by Kansas Governor Kelly due to expected prolonged low temperatures and the strain on natural gas and utility providers; at the time, wholesale natural gas prices were reflecting increases from 10 to 100 times their normal rates. On February 15, 2021, the Kansas commission issued an Emergency Order in Docket No. 21-GIMX-303-MIS (Docket 21-303), directing jurisdictional natural gas utilities to coordinate efforts and take all reasonably feasible, lawful, and appropriate actions to ensure adequate transportation of natural gas to interconnected, non-jurisdictional Kansas utilities. Jurisdictional natural gas utilities were ordered to do everything necessary to ensure that natural gas service continued to be provided to their customers in Kansas. The Kansas commission authorized every jurisdictional natural gas distribution utility to defer extraordinary costs incurred during the Winter Event to a regulatory asset account. On May 25, 2022, Atmos Energy applied for a financing order under the Securitization Act, which was issued by the Kansas commission on October 25, 2022.

Under the Securitization Act and the financing order, Atmos Energy retail customers will pay securitized utility tariff charges, which are nonbypassable charges included in their monthly charges. Securitized utility tariff charges will fund payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds, together with related financing costs. Securitized utility tariff charges will be collected by Atmos Energy, as initial servicer, or its successor, as provided for in the financing order and servicing agreement. Pursuant to the financing order, securitized utility tariff charges are required to be adjusted at least semi-annually, and more frequently as necessary, to ensure the recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payment of the scheduled principal, interest and other required amounts in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds during the preceding six-month period.

Atmos Energy May Securitize Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Related Upfront and Ongoing Financing Costs

Atmos May Issue Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to Recover Atmos Energy’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs.

Under the Securitization Act, the Kansas commission may issue financing orders approving the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds to recover certain costs of a natural gas utility, including qualified extraordinary costs and related upfront and ongoing financing costs. A utility, its successors or an assignee of a utility may issue securitized utility tariff bonds. The Securitization Act requires the proceeds of the securitized utility tariff bonds to be used for the purposes of recovering or financing qualified extraordinary costs and related upfront and ongoing costs, as determined by the Kansas commission. Securitized utility tariff bonds are secured by or payable from securitized utility tariff property, which includes the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges, to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges as provided in the financing order and all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money or proceeds arising from the foregoing rights and interests. Under the financing order, the securitized utility tariff bonds may have a legal maximum maturity of 32 years from the issuance date of the bonds.

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Securitized utility tariff charges and related financing costs will be allocated to Atmos Energy retail customer classes based on the class percentage of the total estimated February 2021 sales volumes. Securitized utility tariff charges can be imposed only when and to the extent that securitized utility tariff bonds are issued.

The Securitization Act contains a number of provisions designed to facilitate the securitization of qualified extraordinary costs and related upfront and ongoing financing costs.

Creation of Securitized Utility Tariff Property.

The Securitization Act and financing order provide for the creation and establishment of the securitized utility tariff property, which is a present contract right in favor of Atmos Energy, its transferees and other financing parties, to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges from Atmos Energy’s existing and future retail customers, as well as to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges as provided in the financing order.

A Financing Order is Irrevocable.

A financing order, once effective, together with the securitized utility tariff charges authorized in such financing order, is irrevocable and not subject to amendment, modification or termination by the Kansas commission, except for adjustments pursuant to the Securitization Act in order to correct over-collections or under-collections and to ensure the projected recovery of amounts sufficient to provide timely payment of debt service and all other upfront and ongoing financing costs in connection with the related securitized utility tariff bonds. Although a financing order is irrevocable, the Securitization Act allows for Atmos Energy (or any assignee) to apply for one or more new financing orders to provide for refinancing, retiring and refunding securitized utility tariff bonds upon a showing that statutory criteria are met.

State and Commission Pledges.

The State of Kansas and its agencies, including the Kansas commission, have pledged and agreed with bondholders, the owners of the securitized utility tariff property and other financing parties that, pursuant to the Securitization Act, the state and its agencies will not: (a) alter the statute that authorizes the Kansas commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a financing order, to create securitized utility tariff property and to make the securitized utility tariff charges imposed by a financing order irrevocable, binding or nonbypassable charges for all existing and future retail customers within the service area of the public utility, (b) take or permit any action that impairs or would impair the value of securitized utility tariff property or the security for the securitized utility tariff bonds, or revises the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs (as defined in the Securitization Act) for which recovery is authorized, (c) impair the rights and remedies of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way, or (d) except for changes made pursuant to the true-up adjustment mechanism expressly allowed by law, reduce, alter, or impair the securitized utility tariff charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected, and remitted for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, financing costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid and performed in full.

The Kansas commission has jurisdiction over Atmos Energy and its application for a financing order to recover qualified extraordinary costs and related financing costs pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,241(b).

Constitutional Matters

To date, no federal or Kansas cases addressing the repeal or amendment of the Securitization Act or securitization provisions analogous to those contained in the Securitization Act have been decided. There have been cases in which courts have applied the Contract Clause of the United States Constitution to strike down

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legislation regarding similar matters, such as legislation reducing or eliminating taxes, public charges or other sources of revenues servicing other types of bonds issued by public instrumentalities or private issuers, or otherwise substantially impairing or eliminating the security for bonds or other indebtedness. Based upon this case law, Sidley Austin LLP, as counsel to Atmos Energy and us, expects to deliver an opinion, prior to the closing of the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds described in this prospectus, to the effect that the State pledge described above unambiguously indicates the State’s intent to be bound with the securitized utility tariff bondholders and, subject to all of the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth in its opinion, supports the conclusion that the State pledge constitutes a binding contractual relationship between the State and the securitized utility tariff bondholders for purposes of the Federal Contract Clause and, with regard to Kansas, Husch Blackwell LLP, as Kansas counsel to Atmos Energy and us, expects to deliver an opinion to the effect that Kansas courts apply the Federal Contract Clause in these circumstances. Subject to all of the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth in each respective opinion, including that any impairment of the contract be “substantial,” the opinion of Sidley Austin LLP and Husch Blackwell LLP, respectively, are each expected to state that a reviewing court of competent jurisdiction would hold that the State of Kansas could not constitutionally repeal or amend the Securitization Act or take any other action contravening the State pledge and creating an impairment (without, as the Securitization Act requires, providing full compensation by law for the full protection of the securitized utility tariff charges to be collected pursuant to the financing order and full protection of the securitized utility tariff bondholders), unless such court would determine that such impairment clearly is a reasonable and necessary exercise of the State of Kansas’ sovereign powers based upon reasonable conditions and of a character reasonable and appropriate to the emergency or other significant and legitimate public purpose justifying such action.

Sidley Austin LLP, subject to all of the qualifications, limitations and assumptions (including the assumption that any impairment would be “substantial”) set forth in its opinion, is also expected to state in its opinion that a Kansas state court reviewing an appeal of Kansas commission action of a legislative character would conclude that the Kansas commission pledge (i) creates a binding contractual obligation of the State of Kansas for purposes of the Federal Contract Clause, and (ii) provides a basis upon which the securitized utility tariff bondholders could challenge successfully on appeal any such action by the Kansas commission of a legislative character, including the rescission or amendment of the financing order, that such court determines violates the Kansas commission pledge in a manner that substantially reduces, limits or impairs the value of the securitized utility tariff property including the securitized utility tariff charges, prior to the time that the securitized utility tariff bondholders are fully paid and discharged, unless there is a judicial finding that the Kansas commission action clearly is exercised for a public end and is reasonably necessary to the accomplishment of that public end so as not to be arbitrary, capricious or an abuse of authority.

In addition, any action of the Kansas legislature adversely affecting the securitized utility tariff property or the ability to collect securitized utility tariff charges may be considered a “taking” under the United States or Kansas Constitutions. Sidley Austin LLP has advised us that it is not aware of any federal, and Husch Blackwell LLP has advised us that it is not aware of any Kansas, court cases addressing the applicability of the Takings Clause of the United States or Kansas Constitution respectively in a situation analogous to that which would be involved in an amendment or repeal of the Securitization Act. It is possible that a court would decline even to apply a Takings Clause analysis to a claim based on an amendment or repeal of the Securitization Act, since, for example, a court might determine that a Contract Clause analysis rather than a Takings Clause analysis should be applied. Assuming a Takings Clause analysis were applied under the United States Constitution or the Kansas Constitution, Sidley Austin LLP and Husch Blackwell LLP respectively expect to render an opinion, prior to the closing of the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds described in this prospectus, to the effect that, under the existing case law of the respective courts each opinion is covering, a reviewing court of competent jurisdiction would hold (or with respect to the opinion of Husch Blackwell LLP, more likely than not, would hold), subject to all of the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth in each respective opinion, if it concludes that the securitized utility tariff property is protected by the Takings Clause of the United States Constitution (or the Takings Clause of the Kansas Constitution with respect to the opinion of Husch Blackwell LLP), that the State would be required to pay just compensation to the securitized utility tariff bondholders, as determined by such court, if the Kansas legislature repealed or amended the Securitization Act or took any other action contravening the State pledge, if the court determines doing so constituted a permanent appropriation of a

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substantial property interest of the securitized utility tariff bondholders in the securitized utility tariff property and deprived the securitized utility tariff bondholders of their reasonable expectations arising from their investments in the securitized utility tariff bonds. In examining whether action of the Kansas legislature amounts to a regulatory taking, both federal and state courts will consider the character of the governmental action, the economic impact of the governmental action on the securitized utility tariff bondholders, and the extent to which the governmental action interferes with distinct investment-backed expectations. There is no assurance, however, that, even if a court were to award just compensation, it would be sufficient for you to recover fully your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

In connection with the foregoing, Sidley Austin LLP has advised us that issues relating to the Contract and Takings Clause of the United States Constitution, and Husch Blackwell LLP has advised us that issues relating to the Takings Clause of the Kansas Constitution, are essentially decided on a case-by-case basis and that the courts’ determinations, in most cases, appear to be strongly influenced by the facts and circumstances of the particular case, and has further advised us that there are no reported controlling judicial precedents that are directly on point. The opinions described above will be subject to the qualifications included in them. The degree of impairment necessary to meet the standards for relief under a Takings Clause analysis or Contract Clause analysis could be substantially in excess of what a securitized utility tariff bondholder would consider material.

In addition, Sidley Austin LLP expects to render an opinion, prior to the closing of the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds described in this prospectus, to the effect that under existing case law, a reviewing court of competent jurisdiction would hold that the Securitization Act is constitutional in all material respects under the United States Constitution and, subject to all of the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth in its opinion, that the State pledge does not constitute an impermissible attempt to “contract away” the police power of the State of Kansas, and will not be disregarded under the reserved powers doctrine, and Husch Blackwell LLP expects to render an opinion, prior to the closing of the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds described in this prospectus, to the effect that the Securitization Act has been duly enacted by the Kansas legislature and is in effect as of the closing of the offering, and that Husch Blackwell LLP is not aware of any constitutional infirmities with respect to the Securitization Act.

We and Atmos Energy will file a copy of each of the Sidley Austin LLP and Husch Blackwell LLP opinions as exhibits to an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or to one of our periodic filings with the SEC.

For a discussion of risks associated with potential judicial, legislation or regulatory actions, please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions.”

The Kansas Commission May Adjust Securitized Utility Tariff Charges

The Securitization Act authorizes the Kansas commission to provide, and the Kansas commission has provided, in the financing order, that securitized utility tariff charges be adjusted at least semi-annually. These true-up adjustments are designed to:

• Correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding six months; and

• Ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are Nonbypassable

The Securitization Act provides that the securitized utility tariff charges are nonbypassable subject to the terms of the financing order. Under the financing order, “nonbypassable” means Atmos Energy is required to collect and must remit, consistent with the financing order, the nonbypassable securitized utility tariff charges that are applied to all existing and future retail customers within Atmos Energy’s service area in Kansas, as such

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service area exists on the date of the financing order, and as such service area may, at the discretion of Atmos Energy, be expanded or acquired as provided for in the financing order. If a customer disconnects from Atmos Energy’s gas distribution system and ceases to purchase natural gas by switching to an alternative source of energy that meets all of its energy needs, such customer would no longer be a retail customer and would not be subject to paying securitized utility tariff charges. Retail customers who become transportation customers when securitized utility tariff charges are being recovered are required to pay a settlement fee prior to becoming a transportation customer. The settlement fee owed by the customer is to be based on the estimated present value of the expected charges the customer would have paid as a retail customer over the remaining period in which the securitized utility tariff charge is being recovered. The settlement fee will be credited to Atmos Energy’s other retail customers once per year.

The Securitization Act Protects Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders’ Security Interest on Securitized Utility Tariff Property

The Securitization Act provides that a valid and enforceable security interest in securitized utility tariff property will attach only after the issuance of a financing order, the execution and delivery of a security agreement in connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, the debtor having rights in the securitized utility tariff property or the power to transfer rights in the securitization utility tariff property and the receipt of value for the securitized utility tariff bonds. The security interest attaches automatically at the time when all of the foregoing conditions have been met without physical delivery of collateral or other act.

Upon perfection by filing a financing statement, under K.S.A. § 66-1,245(d), the security interest will be a perfected security interest in the securitized utility tariff property and will have priority in the order of perfection and take precedence over all claims of lien creditors and all competing security interests and other claims other than any security interest previously perfected. The servicer pledges in the servicing agreement to maintain the effectiveness of such financing statement.

The Securitization Act (K.S.A. §§ 66-1,245(e) and (f)) provides that priority of transfers of and security interests in securitized utility tariff property will not be affected by:

• The commingling of funds arising from securitized utility tariff charges with other funds; or

• Any later change in the securitized utility tariff charges pursuant to the true-up adjustment mechanism.

Furthermore, any other security interest that may apply to those funds will be terminated when they are transferred to a segregated account for an assignee or a financing party.

The Securitization Act Characterizes the Transfer of Securitized Utility Tariff Property as a True Sale

The Securitization Act (K.S.A. §66-1,246(a)) provides that any sale, assignment or other transfer of securitized utility tariff property is a “true sale” of and an absolute transfer and not a pledge of or secured transaction relating to, the seller’s right, title, and interest in, to, and under the securitized utility tariff property if the documents governing the transaction expressly state that the transaction is a sale or other absolute transfer other than for federal and state income tax purposes. The Securitization Act (K.S.A. §66-1,246(a)) provides that for all purposes other than federal and state income tax purposes, the parties’ characterization of a transaction as a sale of an interest in securitized utility tariff property is conclusive that the transaction is a true sale and that ownership has passed to the party characterized as the purchaser, regardless of whether the purchaser has possession of any documents evidencing or pertaining to such interest in securitized utility tariff property.

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ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER

Background. In mid-February 2021, Kansas experienced sub-zero temperatures brought by Winter Storm Uri, which led to a significant increase in demand for electricity and natural gas. On February 14, 2021, a State of Disaster Emergency was issued by Kansas Governor Kelly due to expected prolonged low temperatures and the strain on natural gas and utility providers; at the time, wholesale natural gas prices were reflecting increases from 10 to 100 times their normal rates. On February 15, 2021, pursuant to K.S.A. § 77-536(a), the Kansas commission issued an Emergency Order in Docket No. 21-GIMX-303-MIS (Docket 21-303), directing jurisdictional natural gas utilities to take all reasonably feasible, lawful, and appropriate actions to ensure adequate transportation of natural gas to interconnected, non-jurisdictional Kansas utilities. Jurisdictional natural gas utilities were ordered to do everything necessary to ensure that natural gas service continued to be provided to their customers in Kansas. The Kansas commission authorized every jurisdictional natural gas distribution utility to defer extraordinary costs incurred during the winter event to a regulatory asset account.

In April 2021, the Kansas Legislature established the Utility Financing and Securitization Act (referred to in this prospectus as the Securitization Act), providing for a financing mechanism through which certain utilities can use securitization financing to recover “qualified extraordinary costs” (as defined in the Securitization Act) resulting from Winter Storm Uri, by issuing securitized utility tariff bonds. Securitized utility tariff bonds must be approved in a financing order issued by the Kansas commission. This provision of Kansas law, the Securitization Act—a Kansas senate substitute for House Bill 2072 (Volume 40 - Issue 16 - April 22, 2021)—is codified at K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240 - 66-1,253. A Kansas utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Kansas commission must apply to the Kansas commission in order for a financing order under the Securitization Act to authorize the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds.

On May 25, 2022 Atmos Energy applied for a financing order under the Securitization Act. Under the Securitization Act and the financing order, Atmos Energy retail customers will pay securitized utility tariff charges, which are nonbypassable charges included in their monthly charges. Securitized utility tariff charges will fund payments of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds, together with related financing costs. Securitized utility tariff charges will be collected by Atmos Energy, as initial servicer, or its successor, as provided for in the financing order. Securitized utility tariff charges are required to be adjusted at least semi-annually, and more frequently as necessary, to ensure the projected recovery of amounts sufficient to provide timely payment of the scheduled principal, interest and other required amounts in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds during the preceding six-month period.

On October 25, 2022, the Kansas commission issued its final order determining that Atmos Energy is entitled, pursuant to the Securitization Act, to finance, through the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds in one or more tranches with an estimated aggregate principal amount equal to approximately $92.7 million (the qualified extraordinary costs less related financing costs and interest expense). The financing order also: (1) authorizes the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed the qualified extraordinary costs and financing costs (2) approves the creation of the securitized utility tariff property consisting of the right to impose and collect securitized utility tariff charges in an amount to be calculated as provided in the financing order; (3) approves the form of tariff, as provided in the financing order, to implement securitized utility tariff charges; (4) approves the securitization of the securitized utility tariff charges associated with the qualified extraordinary costs and financing costs, including the upfront financing costs and ongoing financing costs estimates (subject to review of the Kansas commission’s designated representative); and (5) approves the review of the structure of the proposed securitization financing through a pre-issuance review and an issuance advice letter process. The financing order became final and nonappealable on November 9, 2022.

Atmos Energy has filed the financing order with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. The financing order authorizes Atmos Energy to cause us to issue securitized utility tariff bonds in an estimated aggregate principal amount of $92,684,233. Securitized

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utility tariff bonds are limited to a term of not longer than 32 years and are secured by or payable from securitized utility tariff property. The net proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds must be used to directly or indirectly to recover, finance or refinance qualified extraordinary costs.

Collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The financing order authorizes Atmos Energy to collect securitized utility tariff charges from its retail customers in an amount sufficient to provide for recovery of Atmos Energy’s qualified extraordinary costs and upfront and ongoing financing costs, which include principal and interest and certain ongoing fees and expenses associated with the securitized utility tariff bonds.

There is no “cap” on the level of securitized utility tariff charges that may be imposed on retail customers to pay on a timely basis scheduled principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds. There is also no limit on how long securitized utility tariff charges may be imposed; pursuant to the financing order, the charges will be imposed until the securitized utility tariff bonds and all related financing costs have been paid in full.

Issuance Advice Letter. Following the determination of the final terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds and prior to their issuance, Atmos Energy is required to submit an issuance advice letter to the Kansas commission no later than the end of the first day after the pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds. The issuance advice letter will:

• Demonstrate compliance with the provisions of the financing order;

• Indicate the final structure of the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• Provide the dollar amount of the initial securitized utility tariff charges and other information specific to the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• Provide the best available estimate of total ongoing financing costs;

• Report the initial securitized utility tariff charges and other information specific to the securitized utility tariff bonds to be issued, as the Kansas commission requires;

• Require Atmos Energy to update the benefit analysis to verify that the final structure of the securitization satisfies the statutory financial tests;

• Certify to the Kansas commission that the structure and pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds results in the lowest securitized utility tariff charges consistent with market conditions at the time that the securitized utility tariff bonds are priced utilizing the lowest cost standard; and

• Specify the scheduled final payment dates of the securitized utility tariff bond tranches and the legal maturity for the securitized utility tariff bond tranches.

The initial securitized utility tariff charges and the final terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds set forth in the issuance advice letter shall become effective on the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds (which shall not occur prior to the fifth business day after pricing) unless prior to noon on the fourth business day after pricing the Kansas commission issues a disapproval letter finding that the proposed issuance advice letter does not comply with the Securitization Act and the financing order.

Form of Tariff: Winter Event Securitized Cost Rider (WESCR). Atmos Energy is required, prior to the issuance of any securitized utility tariff charges, to complete and file rate schedules in the form of tariff attached to the financing order. The WESCR establishes the initial securitized utility tariff charges. The WESCR also implements the procedures for periodic adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges.

True-Ups. The financing order provides that securitized utility tariff charges will be reviewed and adjusted semi-annually to:

• Correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding six months; and

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• Ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Amounts remaining unpaid after final legal maturity of the securitized utility tariff bonds may be recovered but only to the extent that the securitized utility tariff charges are attributable to services rendered prior to the final legal maturity of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

In addition to semi-annual true-up adjustments, true-up adjustments may be made by the servicer more frequently at any time during the term of the securitized utility tariff bonds to correct any under-collection or over-collection to ensure timely payment of securitized utility tariff bonds as scheduled. In the event an interim true-up is necessary, the interim true-up adjustment should be filed by the 15th day of the current month for implementation in the first billing cycle of the following month. In no event would such interim true-up adjustments occur more frequently than every six months; provided, however, that there shall be quarterly true-up adjustments for the securitized utility tariff bonds remaining outstanding during the year immediately preceding the scheduled final payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Any delinquencies or under-collections in one retail customer class will be taken into account in the true-up mechanism to adjust the securitized utility tariff charges for all retail customers of Atmos Energy, not just the class of retail customers from which the delinquency or under-collection arose.

The financing order requires the servicer to make true-up adjustment filings with the Kansas commission. True-up adjustment filings must set forth the servicer’s calculation of the true-up adjustment to the securitized utility tariff charges. The Kansas commission has 30 days after the date of a true-up adjustment filing to confirm the mathematical accuracy of the servicer’s adjustment and to confirm that there are no clerical errors. Any true-up adjustment filed with the Kansas commission should be effective on its proposed effective date, which shall be not less than 30 days after filing. Any necessary corrections to the true-up adjustment, due to mathematical or clerical errors in the calculation of such adjustment or otherwise, must be made in future true-up adjustment filings.

The financing order provides that upon issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds or transfer of the securitized utility tariff property to the issuing entity, whichever occurs first, the financing order and the securitized utility tariff charges authorized by the financing order will become irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment, or adjustment by further act of the Kansas commission, except for any true-up adjustments made in accordance with the true-up adjustment mechanism in the financing order; provided, however, that such irrevocability shall not preclude the Kansas commission from extending the deadline for the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds if requested to do so by Atmos Energy.

For more discussion of the true-up mechanism, see “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT—Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process” in this prospectus.

State and Commission Pledges. The State of Kansas and its agencies, including the Kansas commission, have pledged and agreed with bondholders that, pursuant to the Securitization Act, the state and its agencies will not: (a) alter the statute that authorizes the Kansas commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a financing order, to create securitized utility tariff property and to make the securitized utility tariff charges imposed by a financing order irrevocable, binding or nonbypassable charges for all existing and future retail customers within the service area of the public utility, (b) take or permit any action that impairs or would impair the value of securitized utility tariff property or the security for the securitized utility tariff bonds, or revises the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs (as defined in the Securitization Act) for which recovery is authorized, (c) impair the rights and remedies of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way, or (d) except for changes made pursuant to the true-up adjustment mechanism expressly allowed by law, reduce, alter, or impair the securitized utility tariff charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected, and remitted for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, any assignee, and any

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other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, financing costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid and performed in full.

The Kansas commission has jurisdiction over Atmos Energy and its application for a financing order to recover qualified extraordinary costs and related financing costs pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,241(b).

The Securitization Act and financing order provides that securitized utility tariff property (whether associated with a single bond series covering the entire qualified extraordinary costs or with one of multiple bond series covering only a portion of the qualified extraordinary costs) constitutes a present property right for purposes of contracts concerning the sale or pledge of property and the property will continue to exist until securitized utility tariff bonds issued pursuant to the financing order have been paid in full and all financing costs and other costs of such securitized utility tariff bonds have been recovered in full. In addition, the interests of an assignee or pledgee in securitized utility tariff property (as well as the revenues and collections arising from the property) are not subject to setoff, counterclaim, surcharge, or defense by the utility or any other person or in connection with the bankruptcy of the utility or any other entity. The State of Kansas has pledged in the Securitization Act that it will not alter the provisions of the part of the Securitization Act which authorizes the Kansas commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a financing order, to create securitized utility tariff property, and to make the securitized utility tariff charges imposed by a financing order irrevocable, binding and nonbypassable charges, take or permit any action that impairs or would impair the value of the securitized utility tariff property, or, except for adjustments discussed in “—True-ups” and “The Servicing Agreement—Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process,” reduce, alter or impair the securitized utility tariff charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected and remitted for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, financing costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid and performed in full. However, nothing will preclude limitation or alteration if full compensation is made by law for the full protection of the securitized utility tariff charges collected pursuant to the financing order and the full protection of the bondholders and any assignee or financing party. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions.”

Adjustments to Allocation of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The financing order provides that Atmos Energy will allocate securitized utility tariff charges to its retail customer classes based on each retail customer classes’ percentage of the total estimated February 2021 sales volumes (“initial percentages”). The initial percentages will remain in effect throughout the life of the securitized utility tariff bonds; provided, however, if the customer count for a particular retail class declines by more than 10 percent from that identified in the 2021 Annual Report, then the allocation factors will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather normalized volume for each retail customer class. Furthermore, retail customer classes are cross-collateralized in the true-up adjustment mechanism, that is, projected revenue shortfalls in one retail customer class are remedied by adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges for each retail customer class, not only the retail customer class with the projected revenue shortfalls. Please read “—Additional Other Similar Bonds.”

Any delinquencies or under-collections in one retail customer class will be taken into account in the true-up mechanism to adjust the securitized utility tariff charge for all retail customers of Atmos Energy, not just the class of retail customers from which the delinquency or under-collection arose.

Servicing Agreement. In the financing order, the Kansas commission authorized Atmos Energy, as the initial servicer, to enter into the servicing agreement which is described under “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT” in this prospectus.

Additional Other Similar Bonds. Atmos Energy, upon receipt of an additional financing order, may finance qualified extraordinary costs through the issuance of additional securitized utility tariff bonds in Kansas issued

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by another subsidiary or affiliated entity of Atmos Energy pursuant to a separate financing order and secured by separate securitized utility tariff property.

Binding on Successors. The financing order, along with the securitized utility tariff charges authorized in the financing order, is binding on:

• Atmos Energy;

• Any successor to Atmos Energy;

• Any other entity responsible for billing and collecting securitized utility tariff charges on behalf of us; and

• Any successor to the Kansas commission.

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THE DEPOSITOR, SELLER, INITIAL SERVICER AND SPONSOR

About Atmos Energy

Background Information. Atmos Energy, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and incorporated in Texas and Virginia, is the country’s largest natural-gas-only distributor based on number of customers. Atmos Energy serves approximately 3.3 million residential, commercial, public authority and industrial customers located primarily in the South. At September 30, 2022, Atmos Energy had 4,791 employees, including 173 employees in Kansas. Atmos Energy, as a regulated utility, is subject to the regulations and oversight of various state and local regulatory authorities as well as the United States Department of Transportation. Additionally, Atmos Energy’s operations are also subject to state and federal laws regulation environmental matters. Generally, Atmos Energy, acting as the initial servicer, and any successor servicer, referred to in this prospectus as the “servicer,” will service the securitized utility tariff property securing the securitized utility tariff bonds under a servicing agreement with us. Neither Atmos Energy nor any other affiliate (other than us) is an obligor on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Service Area. As of September 30, 2022, Atmos Energy owned approximately 4,100 miles of pipeline and served 107 communities in Kansas. Atmos Energy’s service area in Kansas includes all territory within the State of Kansas subject to the jurisdiction of the Kansas commission in which Atmos Energy provides natural gas distribution service as of October 25, 2022 (the date of the financing order). As of September 30, 2022, Atmos Energy supplied natural gas service to approximately 139,000 customers in Kansas, of which approximately 99.65% will be subject to the securitized utility tariff charges. During its fiscal year 2022, Atmos Energy had $43 million in capital expenditures and spent $467,000 towards charitable giving in Kansas.

Municipalization. Kansas securitization legislation allows a natural gas public utility, in its sole discretion, to apply to the Kansas commission for a financing order to recover qualified extraordinary costs through the issuance of bonds. The Securitization Act specifies that securitized utility tariff charges approved by a financing order shall be collected by a utility as well as its “successors or assignees.” In the servicing agreement, Atmos Energy has covenanted to assert in an appropriate forum that any municipality that acquires any portion of Atmos Energy’s natural gas distribution facilities by expropriation, including upon the expiration of any franchise agreement, must be treated as a successor to Atmos Energy under the Securitization Act and the financing order. However, the involved municipality might assert that it should not be treated as a successor to Atmos Energy for these purposes and that its distribution customers are not responsible for payment of securitized utility tariff charges. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential judicial, legislative or regulatory actions—A municipal entity may seek to acquire portions of Atmos Energy’s gas distribution facilities and avoid payment of the securitized utility tariff charges” in this prospectus.

Executive Offices. Atmos Energy’s principal executive offices are located at 1800 Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240. The phone number at this address is (972)-934-9227.

Where to Find Information About Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy is required to file periodic reports with the SEC. These SEC filings are available to the public over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and are also available free of charge at Atmos Energy’s website, www.atmosenergy.com, under “Publications and SEC Filings” under the “Investors” tab under “Our Company.” Except as specifically provided in this prospectus, no other information contained on or accessible through Atmos Energy’s website constitutes part of this prospectus.

Atmos Energy’s Retail Customer Base and Natural Gas Consumption Within the Service Area

The following tables show the natural gas usage billed to retail customers, natural gas billed revenues and number of retail customers by residential and non-residential customer types for the five preceding years ended September 30, within Kansas. There can be no assurances that the retail natural gas sales, retail natural gas revenues and number of retail customers or the composition of any of the foregoing will remain at or near the levels reflected in the following tables.

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Natural Gas Sales Volumes (as Measured by MMcf)

Retail Customer	2018			2019			2020			2021			2022
Residential		10,313	71%		11,025	72%		10,021	70%		10,486	70%		9,803	68%
Non-residential		4,172	29%		4,269	28%		4,320	30%		4,396	30%		4,686	32%
Total		14,485	100%		15,294	100%		14,341	100%		14,882	100%		14,489	100%

Total Natural Gas Sales Revenues by Retail Customer Type (in $000s)

Retail Customer	2018			2019			2020			2021			2022
Residential	$	94,285	75%	$	85,759	76%	$	82,945	75%	$	81,980	75%	$	98,634	71%
Non-residential		31,778	25%		27,450	24%		28,378	25%		27,350	25%		39,328	29%
Total	$	126,063	100%	$	113,209	100%	$	111,323	100%	$	109,330	100%	$	137,962	100%

Average Number of Customers by Retail Customer Type

Retail Customer	2018			2019			2020			2021			2022
Residential		124,270	92%		125,219	92%		126,261	92%		127,836	93%		128,997	93%
Non-residential		10,225	8%		10,268	8%		10,242	8%		10,326	7%		10,334	7%
Total		134,495	100%		135,487	100%		136,503	100%		138,162	100%		139,331	100%

Credit Policy

Atmos Energy is required to service all applicants in its service area, subject to certain exceptions enumerated by the Kansas commission. To minimize credit risk, Atmos Energy assesses the credit worthiness of new customers, requires deposits when necessary, assesses late fees, pursues collection activities and disconnects service for nonpayment. After disconnection, accounts are written off when deemed uncollectible. At each reporting period, Atmos Energy assesses the allowance for uncollectible accounts based on historical experience, current conditions and consideration of expected future conditions. Circumstances that could affect allowance estimates include but are not limited to customer issues, natural gas prices, customer deposits, and general economic conditions. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, Atmos Energy suspended its activity of disconnecting due to non-payment beginning in 2020. Atmos Energy resumed disconnecting due to non-payment in July 2021.

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Billing Process and Payment Options

Atmos Energy reads meters and bills customers on a monthly cycle basis. Atmos Energy estimates volumes from the last meter read to the balance sheet date and accrues revenue for gas delivered but not yet billed. Atmos Energy customers have a variety of payment options, including autopay, website/phone, mailing in checks, and payment stations. The graph below is illustrative of the utilization of various payment options by Atmos Energy’s customers for fiscal year 2022.

Collection, Termination of Service and Write-off Policy

Accounts receivable arise from natural gas sales to residential, commercial, industrial, public authority, and other customers. Accounts receivable balances include unbilled amounts which represent a customer’s consumption of gas from the date of the last cycle through the last day of the month. The receivable balances are short term and generally do not extend beyond one month.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, regulators issued collection moratoriums, which required Atmos Energy to temporarily suspend customer collection activities and to stop charging late fees. After regulators lifted these moratoriums, Atmos Energy resumed customer collection activities during the third quarter of fiscal 2021. These regulatory orders influenced Atmos Energy’s bad debt expense and writeoffs from fiscal 2020 through 2022.

Atmos Energy is actively working with customers experiencing financial hardship to offer flexible payment options and to direct them to aid agencies for financial assistance. The allowance for uncollectible accounts reflects the expected impact on the customers’ ability to pay. The allowance for uncollectible accounts also reflects the fact that Atmos Energy has the ability to recover the gas cost portion of uncollectible accounts through Atmos Energy’s gas cost recovery mechanisms in five states, which covers approximately 81% of Atmos Energy’s residential and commercial customers.

Write-off and Delinquency Experience

The following tables set forth information relating to the total billed revenues and write-off experience for the past five years. Such historical information is presented because Atmos Energy’s actual experience with respect to write-offs and delinquencies may be indicative of its future experience, which will affect the timing of securitized utility tariff charge collections. Atmos Energy does not expect, but there can be no certainty, that the delinquency or write-off experience with respect to securitized utility tariff charge collections will differ substantially from the rates indicated. Write-off and delinquency data is affected by factors such as the overall economy, weather and changes in collection practices. The net write-off and delinquency experience is expected, but there can be no certainty, to be similar to Atmos Energy’s previous experience.

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The following table sets forth information relating to Atmos Energy’s average days sales outstanding for all retail customers in its service area in Kansas for the past five fiscal years. Average days sales outstanding is a measure of the average number of days that Atmos Energy takes to collect its revenue.

Annual Average Days Sales Outstanding ¹

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
Average Days		28.4		23.9		22.7		26.7		25.1

1 Days sales outstanding figures calculated using booked residential and commercial sales revenues (i.e., excludes unbilled revenues) and represents averages for the period presented.

The following table sets forth information relating to Atmos Energy’s gross and net write-offs for residential and non-residential retail customers in its service area in Kansas for the past five fiscal years.

Write-offs as a Percentage of Revenues (in $000s)¹

Total Residential and Non-Residential	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
Total Gross Write-offs	$	537	$	630	$	507	$	323	$	767
Total Net Write-offs	$	456	$	558	$	435	$	276	$	723
Total Revenue	$	126,063	$	113,209	$	111,323	$	109,330	$	137,962
Gross Write-Off (%)		0.43%		0.56%		0.46%		0.30%		0.56%
Net Write-offs (% of Revenue)		0.36%		0.49%		0.39%		0.25%		0.52%

1 Revenues include taxes.

Delinquencies

The following tables set forth information relating to the delinquency experience of Atmos Energy for residential and non-residential retail customers in its service area in Kansas for the past five fiscal years.

Average Delinquencies as a Percentage of Revenues for the Period Shown (Residential)¹

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
31 - 60 days past due		0.33%		0.22%		0.14%		0.31%		0.29%
61 - 90 days past due		0.18%		0.16%		0.14%		0.23%		-0.01%
90+ days past due		0.37%		0.23%		0.24%		1.27%		0.52%
Total		0.88%		0.61%		0.52%		1.81%		0.80%

Average Delinquencies as a Percentage of Revenues for the Period Shown (Non-residential)¹

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
31 - 60 days past due		0.17%		0.06%		0.13%		0.16%		0.13%
61 - 90 days past due		0.02%		0.02%		0.07%		0.11%		0.02%
90+ days past due		-0.04%		-0.01%		-0.04%		0.47%		0.08%
Total		0.15%		0.07%		0.16%		0.74%		0.23%

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Average Delinquencies as a Percentage of Revenues for the Period Shown (Total)¹

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
31 - 60 days past due		0.29%		0.18%		0.14%		0.27%		0.24%
61 - 90 days past due		0.14%		0.13%		0.12%		0.20%		0.00%
90+ days past due		0.27%		0.17%		0.17%		1.07%		0.40%
Total		0.70%		0.48%		0.43%		1.54%		0.64%

1 Delinquency calculations are based on arrears and revenue data provided by Atmos Energy. Data represents average past due amounts as of quarter end for each fiscal year, shown as a percentage of revenues for the full fiscal year.

Competition and Alternatives to Gas as An Energy Source for Atmos Energy Customers

Atmos Energy competes with other natural gas suppliers and suppliers of alternative fuels for sales to industrial customers. Atmos Energy competes in every aspect of the business with alternative energy sources including electricity. Electric utilities offer electricity as a rival energy source for the space heating, water heating and cooking markets. Promotional incentives, improved equipment efficiencies and promotional rates all contribute to the acceptability of electrical equipment. The principal means to compete against alternative fuels is lower prices, and natural gas historically has maintained its price advantage in the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Atmos Energy’s pipeline and storage operations have historically faced competition from other existing intrastate pipelines seeking to provide transportation and other services for customers. Over the last few years, new pipelines have been completed which has increased the level of competition in this segment of Atmos Energy’s business.

Additional Natural Gas Utility Considerations

An objective of Atmos Energy’s supply-sourcing strategy is to provide value to its customers through reliable, competitively priced and flexible natural gas supply and transportation from multiple production areas and suppliers. This strategy is designed to mitigate the impact on Atmos Energy’s supply from physical interruption, financial difficulties of a single supplier, natural disasters and other unforeseen force majeure events, as well as to ensure that adequate supply is available to meet the variations of customer demand.

Atmos Energy maintains supply contracts with several vendors that generally cover a period of up to one year. Commitments for estimated base gas volumes are established under these contracts on a monthly basis at contractually negotiated prices. Atmos Energy does not anticipate problems with securing natural gas supply to satisfy customer demand.

Weather Rules

Kansas statutory requirements and the rules and regulations of the Kansas commission, which may change from time to time, regulate and control the right to disconnect service. The Kansas commission enforces specific weather rules on Atmos Energy in extreme weather conditions. A natural gas utility must not disconnect service for a residential customer on a day when the temperature is predicted to fall below 35 degrees Fahrenheit within the following 48 hours, according to the applicable local National Weather Service forecast. To the extent these customers do not pay for their natural gas service, Atmos Energy will not be able to collect securitized utility tariff charges from these customers. Weather moratoriums prohibit Atmos Energy from disconnecting a customer for a short period of time during a weather event, typically a few days.

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Forecasting Natural Gas Customers

For all classes, including residential and small commercial, Atmos Energy forecasts natural gas customer counts based on trends and reasonable expectations of future growth. Past data for residential and commercial customers shows trends to be at a consistent rate of increase for Atmos Energy’s service area. Historically, the number of Atmos Energy’s larger industrial customers has not changed significantly and Atmos Energy does not usually forecast any industrial customer growth unless there is a known customer coming into its service area.

Once per year (typically in the fourth quarter), Atmos Energy completes a five-year forecast of customers where the models are completely re-estimated and where large individual customers are evaluated. The output of this exercise is the customer count and sales forecast that underlies Atmos Energy’s annual five-year business plan. This forecast is typically the first step in a multi-stage planning process that determines customer growth, average volume usage, and revenue.

Annual Forecast Variance

The following table sets forth information related to annual forecast variance for retail customer counts in Atmos Energy’s service area in Kansas by customer type (residential or non-residential) for the past five fiscal years. Variances between actual customer counts and forecasted customer counts can be caused by a number of factors such as: the timing of completion of new housing development (i.e., when meter connected), delinquent customers not disconnected due to COVID-19 moratoriums during 2020 and 2021, the timing of completion of Atmos Energy capital projects, abnormal weather conditions (i.e., colder or warmer than normal) impacting the timing of when a customer reconnects or disconnects service, and the health of the overall economy.

Annual Forecast Variance for Retail Customer Count by Customer Type

	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022
Residential
Forecast		123,591		124,765		125,334		126,054		128,419
Actual		124,270		125,219		126,261		127,836		128,997
Variance (%)		0.55%		0.36%		0.74%		1.41%		0.45%
Non-residential
Forecast		9,974		10,088		9,984		10,258		10,152
Actual		10,225		10,268		10,242		10,326		10,334
Variance (%)		2.52%		1.78%		2.58%		0.66%		1.79%
Total
Forecast		133,565		134,853		135,318		136,312		138,571
Actual		134,495		135,487		136,503		138,162		139,331
Variance (%)		0.70%		0.47%		0.88%		1.36%		0.55%

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ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC, THE ISSUING ENTITY

General

We are a special purpose limited liability company formed under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act pursuant to a limited liability company agreement executed by our sole member, Atmos Energy, and the filing of a certificate of formation with the Secretary of State of Delaware. We were formed on October 28, 2022.

We have been organized as a wholly owned special purpose limited liability company subsidiary of Atmos Energy for the limited purposes described under “—Restricted Purposes” below. At the time of the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, our assets will consist primarily of the securitized utility tariff property and the other collateral held under the Indenture and the series supplement for the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Our limited liability agreement will be amended and restated prior to the issuance date and references in this prospectus to the LLC Agreement mean our amended and restated limited liability company agreement. The LLC Agreement restricts us as the issuing entity from engaging in activities other than those activities related to the purposes described in this section or those authorized by the terms of the basic documents or the other agreements referenced under “—Restricted Purposes” below. Other than purchasing the securitized utility tariff property and issuing the securitized utility tariff bonds, we have no business operations, but we will pay our sole member Atmos Energy an administration fee for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with its services to us in accordance with the LLC Agreement. Selected provisions of the LLC Agreement, a copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, are summarized below. On the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, our capital will be equal to                 % of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds issued on the issuance date or such other amount as may allow the securitized utility tariff bonds to achieve the desired security rating and treat the securitized utility tariff bonds as debt under applicable guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service, which we also refer to as the IRS.

As of the date of this prospectus, we have not carried on any business activities and have no operating history. Our fiscal year end is September 30.

Our assets will consist of:

• the securitized utility tariff property;

• our rights under the sale agreement, under the administration agreement and under the bill of sale delivered by Atmos Energy under the sale agreement;

• our rights under the servicing agreement and any subservicing, agency, administration, intercreditor or collection agreements executed in connection with the servicing agreement;

• the collection account and all subaccounts of the collection account;

• all present and future claims, demands, causes and choses in action in respect of any or all of the foregoing; and

• all payments on or under and all proceeds in respect of any of the foregoing.

The Indenture provides that the securitized utility tariff property, as well as our other assets, will be pledged by us to the trustee to secure our obligations in respect of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Pursuant to the Indenture, the collected securitized utility tariff charges remitted to the trustee by the servicer must be used to pay principal of and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and our other obligations specified in the Indenture.

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Restricted Purposes

We have been created for the sole purpose of:

• Acquiring securitized utility tariff property;

• financing, purchasing, owning, administering, managing and servicing the securitized utility tariff property and the other collateral for the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• authorizing, executing, issuing, delivering and registering the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• making payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• distributing amounts released to us;

• managing, selling, assigning, pledging, collecting amounts due on, or otherwise dealing in securitized utility tariff property and the other collateral for the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• negotiating, executing, assuming and performing our obligations under the basic documents and any other agreement, instrument or document relating to the above activities;

• pledging our interest in the securitized utility tariff property and the other collateral for the securitized utility tariff bonds to a trustee under the Indenture and one or more series supplements in order to secure the securitized utility tariff bonds; and

• performing activities that are necessary, suitable or convenient to accomplish these purposes.

The LLC Agreement and the Indenture do not permit us to engage in any activities not directly related to these purposes, including issuing securities (other than the securitized utility tariff bonds), acquiring obligations or making loans to other persons. The list of permitted activities set forth in the LLC Agreement may not be altered, amended or repealed without the affirmative vote of a majority of our managers, which vote must include the affirmative vote of our independent manager. The LLC Agreement and the Indenture will prohibit us from issuing any securitized utility tariff bonds (as such term is defined in the Securitization Act) other than the securitized utility tariff bonds being offered pursuant to this prospectus.

Our Relationship with Atmos Energy

On the issuance date for the securitized utility tariff bonds, Atmos Energy will sell the securitized utility tariff property to us pursuant to the sale agreement between us and Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy will service such securitized utility tariff property pursuant to the servicing agreement between us and Atmos Energy related to the securitized utility tariff bonds. Atmos Energy will provide certain administrative services to us pursuant to the administration agreement between us and Atmos Energy.

Managers and Officers

Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, our business will be managed initially by three or more managers (with such number being increased or decreased from time to time in the sole and absolute discretion of Atmos Energy as permitted by the LLC Agreement), with one of the managers being an independent manager, in each case appointed from time to time by Atmos Energy or, in the event Atmos Energy transfers its interest in us, by the owner or owners of us. Following the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, we will have at least one independent manager, who, among other things, is an individual who (1) has prior experience as an independent director, independent manager or independent member for special-purpose entities, (2) is employed by a nationally recognized company that provides professional independent managers and other corporate services in the ordinary course of its business, (3) is duly appointed as an independent manager and (4) is not and has not been for at least five years from the date of his or her or their appointment, and while serving as an independent manager will not be, any of the following:

• a member, partner, or equity holder, manager, director, officer, agent, consultant, attorney, accountant, advisor or employee of us, Atmos Energy or any of their respective equity holders or affiliates (other than as an independent manager or special member of the Company or similar roles for any other

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special purpose bankruptcy remote entity); provided, that the indirect or beneficial ownership of stock of Atmos Energy or its affiliates through a mutual fund or similar diversified investment vehicle with respect to which the owner does not have discretion or control over the investments held by such diversified investment vehicle shall not preclude such owner from being an independent manager;

• a creditor, supplier or service provider (including provider of professional services) to us, Atmos Energy or any of their respective equity holders or affiliates (other than a nationally-recognized company that routinely provides professional independent managers and other corporate services to us, Atmos Energy or any of their affiliates in the ordinary course of its business);

• a family member of any of the foregoing; or

• a person who controls (whether directly, indirectly or otherwise) any of the foregoing.

A natural person who otherwise satisfies the foregoing requirements and satisfies the first requirement listed above by reason of being the independent manager or director of a special purpose entity affiliated with us shall be qualified to serve as an independent manager of us, provided that such fees that such individual earns in any given year constitute in the aggregate less than five percent of such individual’s annual income for that year.

Atmos Energy, as our sole member, will appoint the independent manager prior to the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. None of our managers or officers has been involved in any legal proceedings which are specified in Item 401(f) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K. None of our managers or officers beneficially own any equity interest in us.

The following is a list of our managers and executive officers as of the date of this prospectus:

Name	Age	Background
John K. Akers (Manager)	59	John K. (Kevin) Akers was named President and Chief Executive Officer and was appointed to the Board of Directors of Atmos Energy effective October 1, 2019. Mr. Akers joined Atmos Energy in 1991. Mr. Akers assumed increased responsibilities over time and was named President of the Mississippi Division in 2002. He was later named President of the Kentucky/Mid-States Division in May 2007, a position he held until December 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, Mr. Akers was named Senior Vice President, Safety and Enterprise Services and was responsible for customer service, facilities management, safety and supply chain management. In November 2018, Mr. Akers was named Executive Vice President and assumed oversight responsibility for Atmos Pipeline-Texas.
Christopher T. Forsythe (Manager)	51	Christopher T. Forsythe was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atmos Energy effective February 1, 2017. Mr. Forsythe joined Atmos Energy in June 2003 and prior to this promotion, served as Atmos Energy’s Vice President and Controller from May 2009 through January 2017. Prior to joining Atmos Energy, Mr. Forsythe worked in public accounting for 10 years.

Manager Fees and Limitation on Liabilities

We will not compensate our managers, other than the independent manager, for their services on behalf of us. To the extent permitted by law, we will reimburse the managers for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with their service to us. This reimbursement will be determined by our managers without regard to our income, and we will consider this reimbursement an operating expense. We will pay the

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annual fees of the independent manager totaling not more than $100,000. Such fees of the independent manager will be determined without regard to our income, and will be considered one of our operating expenses subject to limitations in the financing order. These expenses include the reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements of the agents, representatives, experts and counsel that the independent manager may employ in connection with the exercise and performance of his or her rights and duties under the LLC Agreement.

The LLC Agreement provides that to the extent permitted by law, the managers will not be personally liable for any of our debts, obligations or liabilities. The LLC Agreement further provides that, except as described below, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we will indemnify the managers against any liability incurred in connection with their services as managers for us if they acted in good faith and in a manner which they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests. With respect to a criminal action, the managers will be indemnified unless they had reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. We will not indemnify any manager for any judgment, penalty, fine or other expense directly caused by such manager’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct. In addition, unless ordered by a court, we will not indemnify the managers if a final adjudication establishes that their acts or omissions involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law and were material to the cause of action. We will not indemnify managers in an action brought by us. We will pay any indemnification amounts owed to the managers out of funds in the accounts held under the Indenture for the securitized utility tariff bonds, subject to the priority of payments described under “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated” in this prospectus.

We are a Separate and Distinct Legal Entity from Atmos Energy

The LLC Agreement provides that we may not file a voluntary petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, without the affirmative vote of Atmos Energy, our sole member, and the affirmative vote of all of our managers, including the independent manager. Atmos Energy has agreed that it will not cause us to file a voluntary petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code. This does not guarantee, however, that we will not become a debtor under the Bankruptcy Code. The LLC Agreement requires us, except for financial reporting purposes (to the extent required by generally accepted accounting principles) and for federal income tax purposes, and, to the extent consistent with applicable state tax law, state income and franchise tax purposes, to maintain our existence separate from Atmos Energy including:

• taking all necessary steps to continue our identity as a separate legal entity;

• making it apparent to third persons that we are an entity with assets and liabilities distinct from those of Atmos Energy, affiliates of Atmos Energy or any other Person; and

• making it apparent to third persons that, except for federal and certain other tax purposes, we are not a division of Atmos Energy or any of its affiliated entities or any other Person.

Our principal place of business is 1800 Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240 and our telephone number at such address is (972) 934-9227.

Administration Agreement

Atmos Energy will, pursuant to an administration agreement between Atmos Energy and us, provide administrative services to us, including services relating to the preparation of financial statements, required filings with the SEC, any tax returns we might be required to file under applicable law, qualifications to do business, and minutes of our managers’ meetings. We will pay Atmos Energy a fixed fee of $100,000 per annum, payable in installments of $50,000 on each payment date for performing these services (which will be pro-rated for the first payment date), plus we will reimburse Atmos Energy for all costs and expenses for services performed by unaffiliated third parties and actually incurred by Atmos Energy in performing such services.

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THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF CHARGES

Atmos Energy will be the initial servicer of the securitized utility tariff property. Billing will begin with the first billing cycle of the month following the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Securitized utility tariff charges will be calculated on a fixed monthly charge per retail customer, pursuant to the method described in the Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider. The fixed monthly per retail customer securitized utility tariff charge will be adjusted semi-annually pursuant to the true-up adjustment mechanism. In addition to semi-annual true-up adjustments, true-up adjustments may be made by the servicer more frequently at any time during the term of the securitized utility tariff bonds to correct any under-collection to ensure timely payment of securitized utility tariff bonds as scheduled. In the event an interim true-up is necessary, the interim true-up adjustment should be filed by the 15th day of the current month for implementation in the first billing cycle of the following month. The securitized utility tariff charge per retail customer initially will be calculated using the retail customer count reported in the most recent Atmos Energy Annual Report and will be updated semi-annually. If the customer count for a particular retail class declines by more than 10 percent from that identified in the 2021 Annual Report, then the allocation factors will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather normalized volume for each retail customer class. The securitized utility tariff charges shall be collected over the expected life of the securitized utility tariff bonds. However, securitized utility tariff charges shall be collected until all of the securitized utility tariff bonds and related ongoing financing costs are paid in full.

The initial securitized utility tariff charges listed in the table below will be imposed on Atmos Energy’s retail customers in each securitized utility tariff charge customer class at the applicable rate for the class determined pursuant to the financing order. These securitized utility tariff charges may be adjusted semi-annually, or more frequently under certain circumstances, by the servicer in accordance with its filings with the Kansas commission. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER” in this prospectus.

Initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charges

Each retail customer will be designated as a customer belonging to a securitized utility tariff charge retail customer class. Under the terms of the financing order, Atmos Energy will allocate the securitized utility tariff charges among the securitized utility tariff charge retail customer classes based on the percentage of the total estimated February 2021 sales volumes, as shown in the table below.

Retail Customer Class	Estimate of February 2021 Usage (Mcf)		Allocation Percentage
Residential		23,505,675		75.015%
Non-Residential:
Commercial/Public Authority		7,572,483		24.167%
School Sales Service		82,668		0.264%
Industrial Sales Service		50,073		0.160%
Small Generator		31		0.000%
Irrigation Engine		123,509		0.394%
TOTAL		31,334,439		100.000%

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS

General

We have summarized selected provisions of the Indenture and the securitized utility tariff bonds below. This summary is subject to the terms and provisions of the Indenture and the series supplement for the securitized utility tariff bonds, forms of which we have filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. You should carefully read the summary below and the terms and provisions of the Indenture that may be important to you before investing in the securitized utility tariff bonds. Please read “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” in this prospectus.

The securitized utility tariff bonds are not a debt, liability or other obligation of the State of Kansas, the Kansas commission or of any other political subdivision, governmental agency, authority or instrumentality of the State of Kansas and do not represent an interest in or legal obligation of Atmos Energy or any of its affiliates other than us. Neither Atmos Energy nor any of their affiliates will guarantee or insure the securitized utility tariff bonds. The financing order authorizing the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds does not constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the State of Kansas, the Kansas commission or of any other political subdivision of the State. The issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds under the Securitization Act will not directly, indirectly or contingently obligate the State of Kansas, the Kansas commission or any other political subdivision of the State to levy or to pledge any form of taxation for the securitized utility tariff bonds or to make any appropriation for their payment.

We will issue the securitized utility tariff bonds and secure their payment under an Indenture that we will enter into with the trustee. We will issue the securitized utility tariff bonds in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, except that we may issue one bond in a smaller denomination. The initial principal amount, scheduled final payment date, final maturity date and interest rate for the securitized utility tariff bonds are stated in the table below. In no event shall the scheduled final payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds exceed 10 years from the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. The legal final maturity of the securitized utility tariff bonds shall not exceed 12 years from the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Tranche	Expected Weighted Average Life (Years)	Principal Amount Offered	Scheduled Final Payment Date	Final Maturity Date	Interest Rate
A		$				%

The scheduled final payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds is the date when the outstanding principal balance will be reduced to zero if we make payments according to the expected amortization schedule. The final maturity date for the securitized utility tariff bonds is the date when we are required to pay the entire remaining unpaid principal balance, if any, of all outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds. The failure to pay principal by the final maturity date is an event of default for the securitized utility tariff bonds, but the failure to pay principal by the scheduled final payment date will not be an event of default. Please read “—Payments of Interest and Principal on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” and “—What Constitutes an Event of Default on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” in this prospectus.

Payments of Interest and Principal on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Interest will accrue on the principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds at the interest rate of                 %. Beginning                 , 2024, we will make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds semi-annually on                 and                 of each year, or, if that day is not a business day, the following business day (each, a “payment date”). Interest payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds will be made from collections of the securitized utility tariff charges, including amounts available in the excess funds subaccount and, if necessary, the amounts available in the capital subaccount.

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On each payment date, we will pay interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds equal to the following amounts:

• any interest payable but unpaid on any prior payment date, together with interest on such unpaid interest, if any; and

• accrued interest on the principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds from the close of business on the preceding payment date, or the date of the original issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, after giving effect to all payments of principal made on the preceding payment date, if any.

We will pay interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds before we pay principal on the securitized utility tariff bonds. We will calculate the interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of 12, 30-day months.

The failure to pay accrued interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds on any payment date (even if the failure is caused by a shortfall in securitized utility tariff charges received) will result in an event of default of securitized utility tariff bonds unless such failure is cured within five business days. If interest is not paid within that five-business day period, we will pay such defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest at the applicable interest rate to the extent lawful) to the persons who are holders of securitized utility tariff bonds on a special record date (as defined in the Indenture). The special record date will be at least 15 business days prior to the date on which the trustee is to make a special payment (a special payment date). We will fix any special record date and special payment date and, at least 10 days before such special record date, we will mail to each affected securitized utility tariff bondholder a notice that states the special record date, the special payment date and the amount of defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest) to be paid. An event of default will automatically trigger an event of default under the securitized utility tariff bonds. See “—What Constitutes an Event of Default on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” below.

On any payment date with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, we generally will pay principal of securitized utility tariff bonds only until the outstanding principal balance has been reduced to the principal balance specified for that payment date in the expected amortization schedule, but only to the extent funds are available. Accordingly, principal may be paid later, but generally not sooner, than reflected in the expected amortization schedule, except in the case of an acceleration. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Other risks associated with an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds” and “WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS” in this prospectus.

The trustee will retain in the excess funds subaccount for payment on later payment dates any collections of securitized utility tariff charges in excess of amounts payable as:

• fees and expenses of the servicer (including the servicing fee), the independent manager and the trustee,

• payments of interest and principal on the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• allocations to the capital subaccount; and

• investment earnings on amounts in the capital subaccount released to us.

If the trustee receives insufficient collections of securitized utility tariff charges for the securitized utility tariff bonds for any payment date, and amounts in the collection account (and the applicable subaccounts of that collection account) are not sufficient to make up the shortfall, principal may be paid later than expected, as described in this prospectus. The failure to make a scheduled payment of principal on the securitized utility tariff bonds because there are not sufficient funds in the collection account does not constitute a default or an event of default under the Indenture, except for the failure to make the scheduled payment of principal due upon the final maturity of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

The trustee will pay on each payment date to the holders of securitized utility tariff bonds, to the extent of available funds in the collection account, all payments of principal and interest then due on such securitized

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utility tariff bonds (other than special payments as defined in the Indenture). The trustee will make each such payment to the securitized utility tariff bondholders, other than the final payment, on the applicable payment date. If the securitized utility tariff bonds are ever issued in definitive certificated form, however, the final payment with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds will be made only upon presentation and surrender of such securitized utility tariff bond at the office or agency of the trustee specified in the notice given by the trustee with respect to such final payment. The trustee will mail notice of the final payment to the securitized utility tariff bondholders no later than five days prior to the final payment date, specifying that such final payment will be payable only upon presentation and surrender of such securitized utility tariff bond and the place where such securitized utility tariff bond may be presented and surrendered for payment.

The securitized utility tariff bonds will originally be issued in book-entry form, and we do not expect that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be issued in definitive certificated form. At the time, if any, we issue the securitized utility tariff bonds in the form of definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds and not to The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee, the trustee will make payments as described below under “—Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.”

On each payment date, the amount to be paid as principal on the securitized utility tariff bonds will equal without duplication:

• the unpaid principal amount due on the final maturity date, plus;

• the unpaid principal amount due upon acceleration following an event of default, plus;

• the unpaid and previously scheduled payments of principal, plus;

• the principal scheduled to be paid on that payment date

but only to the extent funds are available in the collection account (including all applicable subaccounts) after payment of certain of our fees and expenses and after payment of interest as described in the section above.

However, we will not pay principal of the securitized utility tariff bonds on any payment date if making the payment would reduce the principal balance to an amount lower than the amount specified in the expected amortization schedule below on that payment date. Any excess funds remaining in the collection account after payment of principal, interest, applicable fees and expenses and payments to the applicable subaccounts of the collection account will be retained in the excess funds subaccount until applied on a subsequent payment date.

The entire unpaid principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be due and payable:

• on the final maturity date; and

• if an event of default under the Indenture occurs and is continuing and the trustee or the holders of a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds have declared the securitized utility tariff bonds to be immediately due and payable.

If there is a shortfall in the amounts available to make principal payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds that are due and payable on the final maturity date or upon an acceleration following an event of default under the Indenture, the trustee will distribute principal from the collection account based on the principal amount then due and payable on the payment date and if there is a shortfall in the remaining amounts available to make principal payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds that are scheduled to be paid, the trustee will distribute principal from the collection account based on the principal amount then scheduled to be paid on the payment date.

However, the nature of our business will result in payment of principal upon an acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds being made only as funds become available. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with the unusual nature of the securitized utility tariff property” and “—You may experience material payment delays or incur a loss on your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds because the source of funds for payment is limited.”

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If any special payment date or other date specified herein for distribution of any payments to holders of securitized utility tariff bonds is not a business day, payments scheduled to be made on such special payment date or other date may be made on the next succeeding business day, and no interest will accrue upon such payment during the intervening period. “Business day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York, Chicago, Illinois or Dallas, Texas, are, or DTC is, required or authorized by law or executive order to remain closed.

Neither we nor Atmos Energy makes any representation or warranty that any amounts actually collected arising from securitized utility tariff charges will in fact be sufficient to meet payment obligations on the securitized utility tariff bonds or that assumptions made in calculating securitized utility tariff charges will in fact be realized.

The expected amortization schedule below sets forth the principal balance that is scheduled to remain outstanding on each payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds from the issuance date to the scheduled final payment date. Similarly, the expected sinking fund schedule below sets forth the corresponding principal payment that is scheduled to be made on each payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds from the issuance date to the scheduled final payment date. In establishing these schedules, we have made the assumptions specified in the bullet points under the weighted average life sensitivity table below under “WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS,” among other assumptions.

Expected Amortization Schedule

Outstanding Principal Balance

Payment Date	Tranche A Amount
Initial Principal Amount

On each payment date, the trustee will make principal payments to the extent the principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds exceeds the amount indicated for that payment date in the table above and to the extent of funds available in the collection account after payment of certain of our fees and expenses and after payment of interest. If sufficient funds are available on each payment date, principal payments will be in the amounts indicated for each payment date in the expected sinking fund schedule below.

Expected Sinking Fund Schedule

Payment Date Tranche A Amount

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We cannot assure you that principal payments will be made or that the principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be reduced at the rates indicated in the schedules above. Principal payments and the actual reduction in principal balances may occur more slowly. Principal payments and the actual reduction of principal balances will not occur more quickly than indicated in the above schedules, except that the total outstanding principal balance of and interest accrued on the securitized utility tariff bonds may be accelerated upon an event of default under the Indenture. The securitized utility tariff bonds will not be in default if principal is not paid as specified in the schedules above unless the principal is not paid in full on or before the final maturity date.

Redemption of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

There are no redemption rights associated with the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds Will Be Issued in Book-Entry Form

The securitized utility tariff bonds will be available to investors only in the form of book-entry securitized utility tariff bonds. You may hold your bonds through DTC in the United States, Clearstream Banking, Luxembourg, S.A., referred to as Clearstream, or Euroclear in Europe. You may hold the securitized utility tariff bonds directly with one of these systems if you are a participant in the system or indirectly through organizations that are participants.

The Role of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear.

Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC, will hold the global bond or bonds representing the securitized utility tariff bonds. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold omnibus positions on behalf of the Clearstream customers and Euroclear participants, respectively, through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream’s and Euroclear’s names on the books of their respective depositaries. These depositaries will, in turn, hold these positions in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC.

The Function of DTC. DTC, the world’s largest securities depository, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments (from over 100 countries) that DTC’s participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). The DTC Rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com and www.dtc.org. The contents of such websites do not constitute a part of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The Function of Clearstream. Clearstream is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg. Clearstream holds securities for its customers and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream customers through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream customers, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities. Transactions may be settled by Clearstream in any of various currencies, including United States dollars. Clearstream provides to its customers, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and

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securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream also deals with domestic securities markets in various countries through established depositary and custodial relationships. Clearstream is registered as a bank in Luxembourg and therefore is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, which supervises Luxembourg banks. Clearstream’s customers are world-wide financial institutions including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations, among others, and may include the underwriter of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Clearstream’s U.S. customers are limited to securities brokers and dealers and banks. Clearstream has customers located in various countries. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to other institutions that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with an account holder of Clearstream. Clearstream has established an electronic bridge with Euroclear to facilitate settlement of trades between Clearstream and Euroclear.

The Function of Euroclear. The Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) was created in 1968 in Brussels. Euroclear holds securities and book-entry interests in securities for Euroclear participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Euroclear participants, and between Euroclear participants and participants of certain other securities intermediaries through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Such transactions may be settled in any of various currencies, including United States dollars. Euroclear includes various other services, including, among other things, safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement, securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries generally similar to the arrangements for cross-market transfers with DTC described below. Euroclear is operated by Euroclear Bank SA/NV. Euroclear participants include central banks and other banks, securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriter of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly.

Terms and Conditions of Euroclear. Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with Euroclear are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of Euroclear, and applicable Belgian law (collectively, the “Terms and Conditions”). These Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific securities to specific securities clearance accounts. Euroclear acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear participants.

The Rules for Transfers Among DTC, Clearstream or Euroclear Participants. Transfers between DTC participants will occur in accordance with DTC rules. Transfers between Clearstream customers or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with their applicable rules and operating procedures and will be settled using procedures applicable to conventional securities held in registered form.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream customers or Euroclear participants, on the other, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its depositary; provided, however, those cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in that system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines, which will be based on European time. The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving securitized utility tariff bonds in DTC and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream customers and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to Clearstream’s and Euroclear’s depositaries.

Because of time-zone differences, credits of securities in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a participant will be made during the subsequent securities settlement processing, dated the business day following the DTC settlement date, and those credits or any transactions in those securities settled

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during that processing will be reported to the relevant Clearstream customer or Euroclear participant on that business day. Cash received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of sales of securities by or through a Clearstream customer or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

DTC will be the Holder of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Securitized utility tariff bondholders that are not Direct Participants or Indirect Participants but desire to purchase, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of, or other interest in, securitized utility tariff bonds may do so only through Direct Participants and Indirect Participants. In addition, securitized utility tariff bondholders will receive all distributions of principal of and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds from the trustee through the participants, who in turn will receive them from DTC. Under a book-entry format, securitized utility tariff bondholders may experience some delay in their receipt of payments because payments will be remitted by the trustee to Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC. DTC will forward those payments to its Direct Participants, who thereafter will forward them to Indirect Participants or securitized utility tariff bondholders. It is anticipated that the only “bondholder” will be Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. The trustee will not recognize securitized utility tariff bondholders as bondholders, as that term is used in the Indenture, and securitized utility tariff bondholders will be permitted to exercise the rights of bondholders only indirectly through the participants, who in turn will exercise the rights of securitized utility tariff bondholders through DTC.

Under the rules, regulations and procedures creating and affecting DTC and its operations, DTC is required to make book-entry transfers of book-entry certificates among participants on whose behalf it acts with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds and is required to receive and transmit distributions of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds. Direct Participants and Indirect Participants with whom securitized utility tariff bondholders have accounts with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds similarly are required to make book-entry transfers and receive and transmit those payments on behalf of their respective securitized utility tariff bondholders. Accordingly, although holders of securitized utility tariff bonds will not possess securitized utility tariff bonds, securitized utility tariff bondholders will receive payments and will be able to transfer their interests.

Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect participants and certain banks, the ability of a securitized utility tariff bondholder to pledge securitized utility tariff bonds to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of those bonds, may be limited due to the lack of a physical certificate for those securitized utility tariff bonds.

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a securitized utility tariff bondholder under the Indenture only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC the securitized utility tariff bonds are credited. Additionally, DTC has advised us that it will take those actions with respect to specified percentages of the collateral amount only at the direction of and on behalf of participants whose holdings include interests that satisfy those specified percentages. DTC may take conflicting actions with respect to other interests to the extent that those actions are taken on behalf of participants whose holdings include those interests.

Except as required by law, none of any underwriter, the servicer Atmos Energy, the trustee, us or any other party will have any liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in the certificates held by Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

How Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Payments will be Credited by Clearstream and Euroclear. Distributions with respect to securitized utility tariff bonds held through Clearstream or Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Clearstream customers or Euroclear participants in accordance with the relevant system’s rules and procedures, to the extent received by its depositary. Those distributions will be subject to tax reporting in accordance with relevant U.S. tax laws and regulations. Please read “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” in this prospectus. Clearstream or the Euroclear operator, as the case may be, will take any other action permitted to be taken by a securitized utility tariff bondholder under the Indenture on behalf of a

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Clearstream customer or Euroclear participant only in accordance with its relevant rules and procedures and subject to its depositary’s ability to effect those actions on its behalf through DTC.

Although DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of the securitized utility tariff bonds among participants of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform those procedures, and those procedures may be discontinued at any time.

Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

The Circumstances that will Result in the Issuance of Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. The securitized utility tariff bonds will be issued in fully registered, certificated form to beneficial owners of securitized utility tariff bonds or other intermediaries, rather than to DTC or its nominee, only under the circumstances provided in the Indenture, which includes any event where:

• we advise the trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities under any letter of representation executed by us in favor of DTC, and we are unable to locate a qualified successor;

• we, at our option, advise the trustee in writing that we elect to terminate the book-entry system through DTC; or

• after the occurrence of an event of default under the Indenture, securitized utility tariff bondholders representing at least a majority of the outstanding principal balance of the securitized utility tariff bonds maintained in book-entry form advise us, the trustee and DTC through the financial intermediaries and the DTC participants in writing that the continuation of a book-entry system through DTC, or a successor to DTC, is no longer in the securitized utility tariff bondholders’ best interest.

The Delivery of Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Upon the occurrence of any event described in the immediately preceding paragraph (unless otherwise specified), we will be required to notify DTC, the trustee, and all affected beneficial owners of securitized utility tariff bonds in writing of the occurrence of the event and of the availability through DTC of definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds to such owners of securitized utility tariff bonds. Upon surrender by DTC to the trustee of the global bond or bonds in the possession of DTC that had represented the applicable securitized utility tariff bonds and receipt of instructions for re-registration, the trustee will authenticate and deliver definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds to the beneficial owners, and the trustee will recognize the holders of the definitive certificate securitized utility tariff bonds as bondholders under the Indenture.

The Payment Mechanism for Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Payments of principal of, and interest on, definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds will be made by the trustee, as paying agent, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. These payments will be made directly to holders of definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds in whose names the definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds were registered at the close of business on the related record date. The trustee will make the final payment for the securitized utility tariff bonds, however, only upon presentation and surrender of the securitized utility tariff bonds at the office or agency of the trustee specified in the notice given by the trustee of the final payment. The trustee will mail notice of the final payment to the securitized utility tariff bondholders no later than five days prior to the final payment date, specifying the date set for the final payment and the amount of the payment.

The Transfer or Exchange of Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Definitive certificated securitized utility tariff bonds will be transferable and exchangeable at the offices of the transfer agent and registrar, which will initially be U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association. No service charge will be imposed for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we and the transfer agent and registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection with the transfer or exchange.

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Registration and Transfer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

We will only issue the securitized utility tariff bonds in definitive form under limited circumstances as described above, which will be transferable and exchangeable as described above under “—Definitive Certificated Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.” There will be no service charge for any registration or transfer of the securitized utility tariff bonds, but the trustee may require the owner to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge.

We will issue the securitized utility tariff bonds in the minimum initial denominations and integral multiples set forth in this prospectus.

The trustee will make payments of interest and principal on each payment date to the securitized utility tariff bondholders in whose names the securitized utility tariff bonds were registered on the applicable record date.

The Security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

To secure the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on, and any other amounts owed in respect of, the securitized utility tariff bonds pursuant to the Indenture, we will grant to the trustee for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders a security interest in all of our right, title and interest, whether now owned or later acquired, in and to the following collateral, which collectively constitutes the trust estate under the Indenture:

• the securitized utility tariff property;

• the securitized utility tariff charges related to the securitized utility tariff property;

• our rights under the sale agreement;

• our rights under the bill of sale delivered by Atmos Energy pursuant to the sale agreement;

• our rights under the servicing agreement and any subservicing, agency, intercreditor or collection agreements executed in connection with the servicing agreement;

• our rights under the administration agreement;

• our rights in the collection account and all subaccounts of the collection account, including the general subaccount, the capital subaccount and the excess funds subaccount and all cash, instruments, investment property or other assets credited to or deposited in the collection account or any subaccount of the collection account from time to time or purchased with funds from the collection account, and all financial assets and securities entitlements carried therein or credited thereto;

• all rights to compel the servicer to file for and obtain periodic adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges in accordance with the Securitization Act and the financing order;

• all of our other property related to the securitized utility tariff bonds, other than any cash released to us by the trustee semi-annually from earnings on the capital subaccount;

• all present and future claims, demands, causes and choses in action in respect of any or all of the foregoing; and

• all payments on or under and all proceeds in respect of any or all of the foregoing, including all proceeds of the conversion, voluntary or involuntary, into cash or other liquid property of any or all of the foregoing, all cash proceeds, accounts, accounts receivable, general intangibles, notes, drafts, acceptances, chattel paper, checks, deposit accounts, insurance proceeds, condemnation awards, payment intangibles, letter-of-credit rights, investment property, commercial tort claims, documents, rights to payment of any and every kind, and other forms of obligations and receivables, instruments and other property which at any time constitute all or part of or are included in the proceeds of any of the foregoing.

The security interest does not extend to:

• cash that has been released to us pursuant to the terms of the Indenture;

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• amounts deposited with us for payment of costs of issuance with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds (together with any interest earnings thereon); or

• proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds that are required to pay (i) the purchase price for the securitized utility tariff property or (ii) upfront financing costs.

K.S.A. §66-1,245 of the Securitization Act provides that a valid and enforceable security interest in securitized utility tariff property will attach and be perfected by the means set forth in K.S.A. §66-1,245. Specifically, K.S.A. §66-1,245 provides that a valid and enforceable security interest in securitized utility tariff property may be created only after the issuance of a financing order, the execution and delivery of a security agreement in connection with issuance of financing instruments such as the securitized utility tariff bonds and the receipt of value for the instruments. The security interest attaches automatically when all of the foregoing conditions are met. Upon perfection by filing a financing statement under K.S.A. §66-1,245 of the Securitization Act and otherwise in accordance with the Kansas UCC, the security interest will be a continuously perfected security interest in the securitized utility tariff property and all proceeds of the property, whether accrued or not, and will have priority in the order of time of perfection and take precedence over any subsequent lien creditor.

The Collection Account for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Under the Indenture, we will establish a collection account with the trustee or at another eligible institution for the securitized utility tariff bonds. The collection account will be under the sole dominion and exclusive control of the trustee. Funds received from collections of the applicable securitized utility tariff charges will be deposited into the collection account. The collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds will be divided into the following subaccounts, which need not be separate bank accounts:

• the general subaccount;

• the capital subaccount; and

• the excess funds subaccount.

For administrative purposes, the subaccounts may be established by the trustee as separate accounts that will be recognized individually as subaccounts and collectively as the collection account. Unless otherwise provided in the Indenture, amounts in the collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds not allocated to any other subaccount by the servicer will be allocated to the general subaccount. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to the collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds include all of the subaccounts contained therein. All monies deposited from time to time in the collection account, all deposits therein pursuant to the Indenture, and all investments made in eligible investments with these monies will be held by the trustee in the collection account as part of the collateral. The following institutions are eligible institutions for the establishment of the collection account:

• the corporate trust department of the trustee so long as the trustee has either a short-term credit rating from Moody’s and Fitch of at least “P-1” and “F1”, respectively or a long-term credit rating from Moody’s and Fitch of at least “A2” and “A”, respectively, or

• a depository institution organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state or the District of Columbia or domestic branch of a foreign bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (i) which has either (A) a long-term unsecured debt rating of “A2” or higher by Moody’s and “A” or higher by Fitch, or (B) a short-term issuer rating of “P-1” or higher by Moody’s and “F1” or higher by Fitch, or any other long-term, short-term or certificate of deposit rating acceptable to Moody’s and Fitch and (ii) whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC),

provided, however, that if an eligible institution then being utilized for any purposes under the Indenture or the series supplement no longer meets the definition of eligible institution, then the issuing entity shall replace such eligible institution within 60 days of such eligible institution no longer meeting the definition of eligible institution.

If so qualified under clause (i)(A) above, the trustee may be considered an eligible institution for purposes of establishing and maintaining the collection account.

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Appropriate Investments for Funds in the Collection Account. So long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, all or a portion of the funds in the collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds must be invested by the trustee in accordance with the written direction of the servicer in any of the following, each of which is referred to as an eligible investment:

1. direct obligations of, and obligations fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to timely payment by, the United States of America;

2. demand deposits, time deposits or certificates of deposit of any depository institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, or any domestic branch of a foreign bank, and subject to supervision and examination by federal or state banking authorities, so long as the commercial paper or other short-term unsecured debt obligations of such depository institution are, at the time of deposit, rated not less than “P-1” and “F1” or their equivalents by each of Moody’s and Fitch, or such lower rating as will not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings of the securitized utility tariff bonds, provided, however, that if any such depository institution, trust company or domestic branch of a foreign bank no longer meets the requirements set forth above, then the issuing entity shall replace such depository institution, trust company or domestic branch of a foreign bank within 60 days of such depository institution, trust company or domestic branch of a foreign bank no longer meeting such requirements;

3. commercial paper (including commercial paper of the trustee, acting in its commercial capacity, and other commercial paper issued by Atmos Energy or any of its affiliates) having, at the time of investment or contractual commitment to invest, a rating of at least “P-1” and “F1” or their equivalents by each of Moody’s and Fitch or such lower rating as not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings of the securitized utility tariff bonds;

4. investments in money market funds having a rating from Moody’s and, if Fitch provides a rating thereon, Fitch, of “Aaa-mf” and “AAA”, respectively, including funds for which the trustee or any of its affiliates act as investment manager or advisor;

5. repurchase obligations with respect to any security that is a direct obligation of, or fully guaranteed by, the United States of America or its agencies or instrumentalities, entered into with Eligible Institutions;

6. repurchase obligations with respect to any security or whole loan entered into with an Eligible Institution or with a registered broker-dealer acting as principal that has either a short-term credit rating from Moody’s and Fitch of at least “P-1” and “F1”, respectively, or a long-term credit rating from Moody’s and Fitch of at least “A2” and “A”, respectively; provided, however, that if any such Eligible Institution or registered broker-dealer no longer meets the requirements set forth above, then we shall replace such Eligible Institution or registered broker-dealer within 60 days of such Eligible Institution or registered broker-dealer no longer meeting such requirements; or

7. any other investment permitted by each of the rating agencies.

Notwithstanding the foregoing: (a) no investments which mature in 30 days or more will be eligible investments unless the issuer thereof has either a short-term credit rating of at least “P-1” from Moody’s or a long-term unsecured debt rating of at least “A1” from Moody’s and has at least a debt rating of “F1+” or “AA-” from Fitch, (b) no investments described in clauses (2) through (4) above which have maturities of more than 30 days but less than or equal to three months will be eligible investments unless the issuer thereof has a long-term unsecured debt rating of at least “A1” from Moody’s and a short-term credit rating of at least “P-1” from Moody’s, and (c) no investments described in clauses (2) through (4) above which have maturities of more than three months will be eligible investments unless the issuer thereof has a long-term unsecured debt rating of at least “A1” from Moody’s and a short-term credit rating of at least “P-1” from Moody’s.

Remittances to the Collection Account. On each remittance date, the servicer will remit all collected securitized utility tariff charges, any indemnity amounts and any other proceeds of the trust estate securing the securitized utility tariff bonds to the trustee for deposit in the collection account. Indemnity amount means any amount paid

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by the servicer or Atmos Energy to the trustee, for the trustee or on behalf of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, in respect of indemnification obligations pursuant to the servicing agreement or the sale agreement. Please read “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT” and “THE SALE AGREEMENT” in this prospectus.

General Subaccount. Collected securitized utility tariff charges and any indemnity amounts remitted to the trustee will be deposited into the general subaccount. On each payment date, the trustee will allocate amounts in the general subaccount among the other subaccounts as described under “—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated.” Amounts in the general subaccount will be invested in the eligible investments described above.

Capital Subaccount. Upon the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, Atmos Energy will make a capital contribution to us in an amount not to be less than 0.50% of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, and such payment shall not come from the proceeds of the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds. We will pay this amount to the trustee for deposit into the capital subaccount which will be invested in eligible investments by the trustee in accordance with the written direction of the servicer. The trustee will draw on amounts in the capital subaccount to the extent that, in allocating funds in accordance with clauses 1 through 8 in “—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated,” below, amounts on deposit in the general subaccount and, the excess funds subaccount are insufficient to make scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds and payments of fees and expenses specified in clauses 1 through 8. The trustee will allocate collected securitized utility tariff charges available on any payment date that are not necessary to pay amounts described in clauses 1 through 8 in “—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated,” below, to the capital subaccount in an amount sufficient to replenish any amounts drawn from the capital subaccount (other than distributed investment earnings on the capital subaccount) and any shortfall of investment earnings on the capital subaccount. On each payment date, any excess investment earnings on the capital subaccount above the allowed rate of return shall be allocated to the excess funds subaccount.

Excess Funds Subaccount. The trustee will allocate collected securitized utility tariff charges available on any payment date that are not necessary to pay clauses 1 through 10 in “—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated,” below, to the excess funds subaccount. The trustee will invest amounts in the excess funds subaccount in eligible investments in accordance with the written direction of the servicer. On each payment date, the trustee will draw on the excess funds subaccount in allocating funds in accordance with clauses 1 through 10 in “—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated,” below, to the extent that amounts on deposit in the general subaccount are insufficient to make scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds and payments of fees and expenses specified in clauses 1 through 10.

How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated

Amounts remitted by the servicer to the trustee with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, including any amounts received by us relating to the indemnification obligations payable by the seller pursuant to the sale agreement or the servicer pursuant to the servicing agreement and all investment earnings on amounts in the general subaccount of the collection account will be deposited into the general subaccount. Investment earnings on amounts in the capital subaccount (other than excess investment earnings that are allocated to the excess funds subaccount) and the excess funds subaccount will be deposited into the capital subaccount and the excess funds subaccount, respectively.

On each payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds, the trustee will allocate or pay all amounts on deposit in the general subaccount of the collection account for the securitized utility tariff bonds in the following priority:

1. payment of the trustee’s fees, plus expenses and any outstanding indemnity amounts not to exceed $200,000 in any 12-month period, provided, however, that such cap shall be disregarded and inapplicable upon the acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds following the occurrence of an event of default;

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2. payment of the servicing fee with respect to such payment date, plus any unpaid servicing fees for prior payment dates shall be paid to the servicer;

3. payment of the due and unpaid administration fee, which will be a fixed amount specified in the administration agreement between us and Atmos Energy for such payment date shall be paid to the administrator, and the due and unpaid fees of our independent manager, which will be in an amount specified in an agreement between us and our independent manager for such payment date shall be paid to the independent manager;

4. payment of all of our other ordinary periodic operating expenses for such payment date not described above shall be paid to the parties, pro rata, to which such operating expenses are owed;

5. payment of the interest then due on the securitized utility tariff bonds, including any past due interest;

6. payment of the principal due to be paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds on the final maturity date or acceleration upon an event of default;

7. payment of the principal then scheduled to be paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds, including any previously unpaid scheduled principal;

8. payment of any of our remaining unpaid operating expenses and any remaining expenses and indemnity amounts owed pursuant to the basic documents, including all remaining expenses and indemnity amounts owed to the trustee, shall be paid to the parties, pro rata, to which such operating expenses and remaining amounts are owed;

9. replenishment of the amount, if any, by which the initial balance of the capital subaccount exceeds the amount in the capital subaccount as of such payment date;

10. the return on the invested capital then due and payable, which shall be the sum of the rate of return payable to Atmos Energy;

11. allocation of the remainder, if any, to the excess funds subaccount; and

12. after the securitized utility tariff bonds have been paid in full and discharged, and all of the other foregoing amounts have been paid in full, the balance, together with all amounts in the capital subaccount and the excess funds subaccount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, released to us free and clear of the lien of the Indenture, which funds, less an amount equal to the initial deposit into the capital subaccount plus any unpaid return on invested capital, will be distributed to Atmos Energy and credited to Atmos Energy’s retail customers in the form of a credit to their natural gas bills.

The amount of the annual servicer’s fee referred to in clause 2 above shall be 0.05% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds. The amount of the annual administration fee referred to in clause 3 above shall be fixed at $100,000.

Interest means, for any payment date for the securitized utility tariff bonds, the sum, without duplication, of:

• an amount equal to the interest accrued at the interest rate from the prior payment date or, with respect to the first payment date, the amount of interest accrued since the issuance date;

• any unpaid interest plus, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any interest accrued on this unpaid interest; and

• if the securitized utility tariff bonds have been declared due and payable, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Principal means, with respect to any payment date, the sum, without duplication, of:

• the amount of principal due as a result of the occurrence and continuance of an event of default and acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• the amount of principal due on the final maturity date;

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• any unpaid and previously scheduled payments of principal and overdue payments of principal; and

• the amount of principal scheduled to be paid on such payment date in accordance with the expected sinking fund schedule.

If on any payment date funds in the general subaccount are insufficient to make the allocations or payments contemplated by clauses 1 through 9 of the first paragraph of this subsection with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, the trustee will draw from amounts on deposit in the following subaccounts in the following order up to the amount of the shortfall:

1. from the excess funds subaccount for allocations and payments contemplated in clauses 1 through 9, and

2. from the capital subaccount for allocations and payments contemplated by clauses 1 through 8.

How Funds in the Subaccounts Will Be Used upon Repayment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Upon the payment in full of all securitized utility tariff bonds authorized in the financing order and the discharge of all obligations, including financing costs, all remaining amounts in the collection account (including investment earnings) shall be released by the trustee to us for distribution to Atmos Energy. With regard to the remaining amounts in the collection account (excluding amounts in the capital subaccount), within 30 days after the payment of all obligations (including the final financing costs) payable from those funds, Atmos Energy shall notify the Kansas commission of the amount of such funds available for crediting to the benefit of retail customers. With regard to the amounts in the capital subaccount of the collection account, all such funds shall be released to us for distribution to, and retention by, Atmos Energy. Until such funds are returned by us to Atmos Energy, Atmos Energy may earn a rate of return on its capital investment in us equal to Atmos Energy’s cost of capital, which is 8.396% as of January 31, 2023. Such rate of return shall be paid by us by means of periodic distributions that are funded first by the income earned through investment by the trustee in eligible investments, and second by any deficiency being collected through the true-up adjustments. Any actual earnings in excess of that rate will instead be credited to retail customers.

Reports to Holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

On or before each payment date, the trustee shall make available electronically on its reporting website to each of the holders of securitized utility tariff bonds and the Kansas commission a statement provided and prepared by the servicer. This statement will include, to the extent applicable, the following information, as well as any other information so specified in the series supplement, as to the securitized utility tariff bonds with respect to that payment date or the period since the previous payment date, as applicable:

• the amount of the payment to holders of securitized utility tariff bonds allocable to principal;

• the amount of the payment to holders of securitized utility tariff bonds allocable to interest;

• the aggregate outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, before and after giving effect to any payments allocated to principal reported above;

• the difference, if any between the aggregate outstanding amount specified immediately above and the outstanding amount specified in the sinking fund schedule;

• any other transfers and payments to be made on such payment date, including amounts paid to the trustee and to the servicer; and

• the amounts on deposit in the capital subaccount and the excess funds subaccount, after giving effect to the foregoing payments.

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Website

We will, to the extent permitted by and consistent with our obligations under applicable law, cause to be posted on the website associated with Atmos Energy:

• the final prospectus for the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• a statement reporting the balances in the collection account and in each subaccount as of all payment dates and as of the end of the year;

• the semi-annual servicer’s certificate as required to be submitted pursuant to the servicing agreement;

• the monthly servicer’s certificate as required to be submitted pursuant to the servicing agreement;

• the text (or a link to the website where a reader can find the text) of each filing of a true-up adjustment and the results of each such filing;

• any change in the long-term or short-term credit ratings of the servicer assigned by the rating agencies;

• any material legislative enactment or regulatory order or rule directly relevant to the securitized utility tariff bonds; and

• any reports and other information that we are required to file with the SEC under the Exchange Act.

We and the Trustee May Modify the Indenture

Modifications of the Indenture That Do Not Require Consent of Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders. Without the consent of any of the holders of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds but with prior notice to the rating agencies and, with respect to amendments that would increase ongoing financing costs, with the consent or deemed consent of the Kansas commission (other than with respect to the series supplement establishing the securitized utility tariff bonds), we and the trustee may execute a supplemental indenture for any of the following purposes:

• to correct or amplify the description of the collateral, or to better assure, convey and confirm unto the trustee the collateral, or to subject additional property to the lien of the Indenture;

• to evidence the succession, in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture, of another entity to us, and the assumption by any applicable successor of our covenants contained in the Indenture and in the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• to add to our covenants, for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, or to surrender any right or power therein conferred upon us;

• to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the trustee;

• to cure any ambiguity or mistake, to correct or supplement any provision of the Indenture or series supplement which may be inconsistent with any other provision of the Indenture or in any supplemental indenture, including the series supplement, or the final prospectus or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture or series supplement; provided, however, that this action shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any securitized utility tariff bondholder or to surrender any right or power therein conferred upon the issuing entity and the rating agency condition shall have been satisfied with respect thereto;

• to evidence and provide for the acceptance of the appointment under the Indenture by a successor trustee with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds and to add to or change any of the provisions of the Indenture as shall be necessary to facilitate the administration of the trust estate under the Indenture by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements specified in the Indenture;

• to qualify the securitized utility tariff bonds for registration with a clearing agency;

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• to modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of the Indenture to the extent necessary to affect the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act and to add to the Indenture any other provisions as may be expressly required by the Trust Indenture Act;

• to satisfy any rating agency requirements; or

• to authorize the appointment of any person for the securitized utility tariff bonds required or advisable with the listing on any stock exchange and otherwise amend the Indenture to incorporate changes requested or required by any governmental authority, stock exchange authority or fiduciary for the securitized utility tariff bonds in connection with such listing.

Additional Modifications to the Indenture that do not Require the Consent of Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders. We and the trustee may also, without the consent of any of the securitized utility tariff bondholders but, with respect to amendments that would increase ongoing financing costs, with the consent or deemed consent of the Kansas commission, execute one or more other agreements supplemental to the Indenture as long as:

• the supplemental agreement does not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any securitized utility tariff bondholder; and

• the rating agency condition shall have been satisfied with respect thereto.

Any such amendment that may have the effect of increasing ongoing financing costs may be provided by us to the Kansas commission, along with a statement as to the possible effect of the amendment on the ongoing financing costs, and such amendment shall become effective on the later of (i) the date proposed by the parties to the amendment or (ii) 31 days after such submission to the Kansas commission, unless such commission issues an order disapproving the amendment within a 30-day period.

Modifications to the Indenture that Require the Approval of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders. We and the trustee also may, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds to be affected by the supplemental indenture and, with respect to amendments that would increase ongoing financing costs, with the consent or deemed consent of the Kansas commission, execute a supplemental indenture to add any provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any of the provisions of, the Indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the securitized utility tariff bondholders under the Indenture. Any such amendment that may have the effect of increasing ongoing financing costs shall be provided by us to the Kansas commission, along with a statement as to the possible effect of the amendment on the ongoing financing costs, and such amendment shall become effective on the later of (i) the date proposed by the parties to the amendment or (ii) 31 days after such submission to the Kansas commission, unless such commission issues an order disapproving the amendment within a 30-day period. Under no circumstance may the supplemental indenture without the consent of the securitized utility tariff bondholders affected thereby:

• change the date of payment of any installment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds, or reduce the principal amount thereof, the bond rate or interest rate thereon or the premium, if any, with respect thereto;

• change the provisions of the Indenture and the series supplement relating to the application of collections on, or the proceeds of the sale of, the collateral to payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds, or change any place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any securitized utility tariff bond or any interest thereon is payable;

• reduce the percentage of the aggregate amount of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds, the consent of the securitized utility tariff bondholders of which is required for any supplemental indenture, or the consent of the securitized utility tariff bondholders of which is required for any waiver of compliance with those certain provisions of the Indenture specified therein or of certain defaults specified therein and their consequences provided for in the Indenture;

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• reduce the percentage of the outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds required to direct the trustee to direct us to sell or liquidate the collateral;

• modify any provision of the section of the Indenture relating to the consent of securitized utility tariff bondholders with respect to supplemental indentures or any provision of the other basic documents similarly specifying the rights of the securitized utility tariff bondholders to consent to modification thereof, except to increase any percentage specified therein or to provide that those provisions of the Indenture or the basic documents specified in the Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of each outstanding securitized utility tariff bondholder affected thereby;

• modify any of the provisions of the Indenture in a manner as to affect the calculation of the amount of any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, due on any securitized utility tariff bond on any payment date (including the calculation of any of the individual components of such calculation) or change the expected sinking fund schedule or expected amortization schedule or final maturity date of the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• decrease the required capital amount;

• permit the creation of any lien ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture with respect to any of the collateral for the securitized utility tariff bonds or, except as otherwise permitted or contemplated in the Indenture, terminate the lien of the Indenture on any property at any time subject thereto or deprive the holder of any securitized utility tariff bond of the security provided by the lien of the Indenture;

• cause any material adverse U.S. federal income tax consequence to us, Atmos Energy, the managers, the trustee or the then-existing securitized utility tariff bondholders; or

• impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of the provisions of the Indenture regarding payment or application of funds.

Enforcement of the Sale Agreement, the Administration Agreement and the Servicing Agreement. The Indenture provides that we will take all lawful actions to enforce our rights under the sale agreement, the administration agreement, the servicing agreement and other basic documents. The Indenture also provides that we will take all lawful actions to compel or secure the performance and observance by Atmos Energy, the administrator and the servicer of their respective obligations to us under or in connection with the sale agreement, the administration agreement, the servicing agreement, and other basic documents. So long as no event of default occurs and is continuing, we may exercise any and all rights, remedies, powers and privileges lawfully available to us under or in connection with the sale agreement, the administration agreement, the servicing agreement and other basic documents; provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the securitized utility tariff bondholders in any material respect. However, if we or the servicer propose to amend, modify, waive, supplement, terminate or surrender in any material respect, or agree to any material amendment, modification, supplement, termination, waiver or surrender of, the process for adjusting the securitized utility tariff charges, we must notify the trustee, the securitized utility tariff bondholders and, when required, the Kansas commission in writing of such proposal (or, if pursuant to a request by us, the trustee shall notify the holders of securitized utility tariff bonds of such proposal). In addition, the trustee may consent to this proposal only with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the principal amount of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds and only if the rating agency condition is satisfied. In addition, any proposed amendment of the Indenture, the sale agreement or the servicing agreement that would increase ongoing financing costs requires the prior written consent or deemed consent of the Kansas commission.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee may, and, at the written direction of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds or of the Kansas commission, shall exercise all of our rights, remedies, powers, privileges and claims against Atmos Energy, the administrator and servicer, under or in connection with the sale agreement, administration agreement and servicing agreement, and any right of ours to take this action shall be suspended.

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Modifications to the Sale Agreement, the Administration Agreement and the Servicing Agreement. The sale agreement, the administration agreement and the servicing agreement, may be amended, so long as the rating agency condition is satisfied in connection therewith, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of the securitized utility tariff bondholders but with the consent of the trustee and, with respect to amendments that would increase ongoing financing costs, with the consent or deemed consent of the Kansas commission. The trustee shall provide such consent upon receiving evidence of satisfaction of the rating agency condition and evidence that the amendment is in accordance with the terms of the agreement being amended. Furthermore, any amendment to any such agreement that may have the effect of increasing ongoing financing costs shall be provided by us to the Kansas commission, along with a statement as to the possible effect of the amendment on the ongoing financing costs. The amendment shall become effective on the later of (i) the date proposed by the parties to the amendment or (ii) 31 days after such submission to the Kansas commission unless such commission issues an order disapproving the amendment within a 30-day period.

Notification of the Rating Agencies, the Kansas Commission, the Trustee and the Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders of Any Modification.

If we, Atmos Energy or any other party to the applicable agreement:

• proposes to amend, modify, waive, supplement, terminate or surrender, or agree to any other amendment, modification, waiver, supplement, termination or surrender of, the terms of the sale agreement or the servicing agreement; or

• waives timely performance or observance by Atmos Energy under the sale agreement or the servicing agreement;

in each case in a way which would materially and adversely affect the interests of securitized utility tariff bondholders, we must first notify the rating agencies of the proposed action and must promptly notify the trustee, the Kansas commission and the securitized utility tariff bondholders in writing of the proposed action and whether the rating agency condition has been satisfied with respect thereto (or, if pursuant to a request by us, the trustee shall notify the securitized utility tariff bondholders on our behalf). The trustee will consent to this proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver only if the rating agency condition is satisfied and only with the written consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds and, if such action would increase ongoing financing costs, the consent of the Kansas commission.

What Constitutes an Event of Default on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

An event of default with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds is defined in the Indenture as being:

1. a default in the payment of any interest on any securitized utility tariff bond when the same becomes due and payable and the continuation of this default for five business days;

2. a default in the payment of the then unpaid principal of the securitized utility tariff bonds on the final maturity date;

3. a default in the observance or performance of any of our covenants or agreements made in the Indenture, other than those specifically dealt with in clause 1 or 2 above, or any of our representations or warranties made in the Indenture or the series supplement or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant to the Indenture or in connection with the Indenture proving to have been incorrect in any material respect as of the time when made, and if such default continues or is not cured for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (a) written notice of the default is given to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds or (b) the date we have actual notice of the default;

4. the filing of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of us or any substantial part of the collateral in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable U.S. federal or

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state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of us or for any substantial part of the collateral, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of our affairs, and such decree or order remains unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days;

5. the commencement by us of a voluntary case under any applicable U.S. federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by us to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case or proceeding under any such law, or the consent by us to the appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of us or our property for any substantial part of the collateral, or the making by us of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure by us generally to pay our debts as such debts become due, or the taking of action by us in furtherance of any of the foregoing; or

6. any act or failure to act by the State of Kansas or any of its agencies (including the Kansas commission), officers or employees that violates or is not in accordance with the pledge of the State of Kansas in K.S.A. §66-1,252 of the Securitization Act or the pledge of the Kansas commission in the financing order including, without limitation, the failure of the Kansas commission to implement the true-up mechanism.

Remedies Available Following an Event of Default. If an event of default with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, other than event number 6 above, occurs and is continuing, the trustee or holders holding not less than a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds may declare the unpaid principal balance of securitized utility tariff bonds, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. This declaration may, under the circumstances specified therein, be rescinded by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds. The nature of our business will result in payment of principal upon such a declaration being made as funds become available. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with the unusual nature of the securitized utility tariff property—Foreclosure of the trustee’s lien on the securitized utility tariff property might not be practical, and acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds before maturity might have little practical effect” and “—You may experience material payment delays or incur a loss on your investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds because the source of funds for payment is limited.”

In addition to acceleration of the securitized utility tariff bonds described above, the trustee may exercise one or more of the following remedies upon an event of default (other than event number 6 above):

1. the trustee may institute proceedings in its own name and as trustee of an express trust for the collection of all amounts then payable on the securitized utility tariff bonds or under the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, whether by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, and, subject to the limitations on recovery set forth in the Indenture, enforce any judgment obtained, and collect from us moneys adjudged due, upon the securitized utility tariff bonds;

2. the trustee may institute proceedings from time to time for the complete or partial foreclosure of the Indenture with respect to the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds;

3. the trustee may exercise any remedies of a secured party under the Kansas UCC or the Securitization Act or any other applicable law and take any other appropriate action to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the trustee and the holders of securitized utility tariff bonds;

4. at the written direction of the holders of a majority in the principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, the trustee may either sell all or a portion of the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds or rights or interest therein, at one or more public or private sales called and conducted in any manner permitted by applicable law provided that certain conditions set forth in the Indenture are met, or elect that we maintain possession of all or a portion of the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and continue to apply the securitized utility tariff charges as if there had been no declaration of acceleration; and

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5. the trustee may exercise all of our rights, remedies, powers, privileges and claims against the seller, administrator and the servicer under or in connection with the administration agreement, the sale agreement or the servicing agreement.

If event of default number 6 above occurs, the trustee may to the extent allowed by applicable law institute or participate in proceedings necessary to compel performance of or to enforce the pledge of either the State of Kansas or the Kansas commission and to collect any monetary damages incurred by the securitized utility tariff bondholders or the trustee as a result of such event of default. This is the only remedy the trustee may exercise if this event of default has occurred.

When the Trustee Can Sell the Collateral. If the securitized utility tariff bonds have been declared to be due and payable following an event of default, the trustee may, at the written direction of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, either:

• subject to the paragraph immediately below, sell the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• elect to have us maintain possession of the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds; or

• take such other remedial action as the trustee, at the written direction of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds then outstanding and declared to have been due and payable, may direct and continue to apply distributions on the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds as if there had been no declaration of acceleration.

The trustee is prohibited from selling the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds following an event of default unless the final payment date of the securitized utility tariff bonds has occurred or the securitized utility tariff bonds have been declared due and payable and:

• the holders of 100% of the principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds consent to the sale;

• the proceeds of the sale or liquidation are sufficient to pay in full the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest on the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds and all financing costs, including all fees, expenses and indemnities due and owing to the trustee; or

• the trustee determines that funds provided by the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds would not be sufficient on an ongoing basis to make all payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds as these payments would have become due if the securitized utility tariff bonds had not been declared due and payable, and the trustee obtains the written consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Right of Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders to Direct Proceedings. Subject to the provisions for indemnification and the limitations contained in the Indenture, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding or any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee; provided that, among other things:

• this direction does not conflict with any rule of applicable law or with the Indenture or the series supplement and shall not involve the trustee in any personal liability or expense;

• any direction to the trustee to sell or liquidate any of the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds shall be by the holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds representing not less than 100% of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds;

• so long as the conditions specified in the Indenture have been satisfied and the trustee elects to retain the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds pursuant to the Indenture and elects not to sell or liquidate that collateral, any direction to the trustee to sell or liquidate the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds or any portion thereof by the holders representing less than 100% of the outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, shall be of no force and effect; and

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• the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee that is not inconsistent with this direction.

However, in case an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds if:

• it reasonably believes it will not be indemnified to its satisfaction against any cost, expense or liabilities; or

• it determines that this action might materially adversely affect the rights of any securitized utility tariff bondholder not consenting to such action.

Waiver of Default. Prior to acceleration of the maturity of the securitized utility tariff bonds, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds may, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, waive any default with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds. However, they may not waive a default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any of the securitized utility tariff bonds or a default in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture that cannot be modified without the waiver or consent of all of the holders of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds.

Limitation of Proceedings. Under the Indenture, no securitized utility tariff bondholder will have the right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, or to avail itself of the right to foreclose on the securitized utility tariff property or otherwise enforce the lien in the securitized utility tariff property pursuant to K.S.A. §66-1,245 of the Securitization Act, unless:

• the holder previously has given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default,

• the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds have made written request of the trustee to institute the proceeding in its own name as trustee;

• the holder or holders have offered the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in complying with the request;

• the trustee for 60 days after its receipt of the notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute the proceeding; and

• no direction inconsistent with this written request has been given to the trustee during the 60-day period referred to above by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds.

In addition, each of the trustee, the securitized utility tariff bondholders and the servicer will covenant that it will not, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the termination of the Indenture, acquiesce, petition or otherwise invoke or cause us or any manager to invoke against us or against our managers or our member or members any bankruptcy, reorganization or other proceeding under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law. By purchasing securitized utility tariff bonds, each securitized utility tariff bondholder will be deemed to have made this covenant.

Our Covenants

Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets. We will keep in effect our existence, rights and franchises as a limited liability company under Delaware law, provided that we may consolidate with, merge into or convert into another entity or sell substantially all of our assets to another entity if:

• the entity formed by or surviving the consolidation, merger or conversion or to whom substantially all of our assets are sold is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof and expressly assumes by a supplemental Indenture the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds and the performance of our obligations under the Indenture;

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• the entity formed by or surviving the consolidation, merger or conversion or to whom substantially all of our assets are sold expressly assumes all obligations and succeeds to all of our rights under the sale agreement, the administration agreement, the servicing agreement and any other basic document specified in the Indenture to which we are a party (or under which we have rights) pursuant to an assignment and assumption agreement executed and delivered to the trustee;

• no default or event of default will have occurred and be continuing immediately after giving effect to the merger, consolidation, conversion or sale;

• prior notice will have been given to the rating agencies and the rating agency condition will have been satisfied with respect to the merger, consolidation, conversion or sale;

• we have received an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that the merger, consolidation, conversion or sale, will have no material adverse tax consequence to us or any securitized utility tariff bondholder, complies with the Indenture and all conditions precedent therein provided relating to the merger, consolidation, conversion or sale, and will result in the trustee maintaining a continuing valid first priority perfected security interest in the collateral;

• any action that is necessary to maintain the lien and security interest created by the Indenture and the series supplement has been taken as evidenced by an opinion of external counsel delivered to the trustee; and

• we shall have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and opinion of external counsel each stating that such consolidation or merger and such supplemental indenture comply with the Indenture and the series supplement and that all conditions precedent to such transaction listed above have been complied with.

Additional Covenants. We will from time to time execute and deliver all documents, make all filings and take any other action necessary or advisable to, among other things, maintain and preserve the lien and security interest of the Indenture and the priority thereof. We will not, among other things:

• permit the validity or effectiveness of the Indenture or other basic documents to be impaired or the lien to be amended, hypothecated, subordinated, terminated or discharged;

• permit any person to be released from any covenants or obligations with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds except as expressly permitted by the Indenture;

• permit any lien, charge, claim, security interest, mortgage or other encumbrance, other than the lien of the Indenture, to be created on or extend to or otherwise arise upon or burden the collateral or any part thereof or any interest therein or the proceeds thereof (other than tax liens arising by operation of law with respect to amounts not yet due);

• permit the lien of the Indenture not to constitute a valid first priority perfected security interest in the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, the series supplement, or other basic documents, sell, transfer, convey, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of our properties or assets, including those included in the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds unless in accordance with the Indenture;

• claim any credit on, or make any deduction from the principal or premium, if any, or interest payable in respect of, the securitized utility tariff bonds, other than amounts properly withheld from such payments under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder or other tax laws or assert any claim against any present or former securitized utility tariff bondholder because of the payment of taxes levied or assessed upon any part of the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• terminate our existence, dissolve or liquidate in whole or in part, except as otherwise permitted by the Indenture;

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• change our name, identity or structure or the location of our chief executive office or state of formation, unless, at least 10 business days prior to the effective date of any such change, we deliver to the trustee, with copies to the rating agencies, such documents, instruments or agreements, executed by us, as are necessary to reflect such change and to continue the perfection of the security interest of the Indenture and the series supplement;

• take any action which is the subject of a rating agency condition without satisfying the rating agency condition;

• elect to be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise take any action inconsistent with our treatment for federal income tax purposes as a disregarded entity not separate from our sole owner;

• except to the extent permitted by applicable law, voluntarily suspend or terminate our filing obligations with the SEC as described in the Indenture; or

• issue any debt obligations other than securitized utility tariff bonds permitted by the Indenture.

We may not engage in any business other than financing, purchasing, owning, administering, managing and servicing securitized utility tariff property and the assets in the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds and the issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds in the manner contemplated by the financing order and the Indenture and other basic documents and activities incidental thereto.

We may not issue, incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable, directly or indirectly, for any indebtedness except for the securitized utility tariff bonds permitted by the Indenture and any other indebtedness expressly permitted by or arising under the basic documents. Also, we may not guarantee or otherwise become contingently liable in connection with the obligations, stocks or dividends of, or own, purchase, repurchase or acquire, or agree contingently to acquire, any stock, obligations, assets or securities of, or any other interest in, or make any capital contribution to, any other person, except as otherwise contemplated by the Indenture, the sale agreement, or the servicing agreement. We may not, except as contemplated by the Indenture, the sale agreement, the servicing agreement and related documents (or as contemplated by an additional financing order issued by the Kansas commission to Atmos Energy), including our limited liability company agreement, make any loan or advance or credit to any person. We will not make any expenditure for capital assets or lease any capital asset other than the securitized utility tariff property purchased from Atmos Energy pursuant to, and in accordance with, the sale agreement. We may not make any payments, distributions or dividends to any member in respect of its membership interest except in accordance with the Indenture.

The servicer will deliver to the trustee the annual accountant’s report, compliance certificates and reports regarding distributions and other statements required by the servicing agreement. Please read “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT” in this prospectus.

Access to the List of Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders

Any securitized utility tariff bondholder, or group of securitized utility tariff bondholders, owning at least 10 percent of the outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds may, by written request to the trustee, obtain access to the list of all securitized utility tariff bondholders maintained by the trustee for the purpose of communicating with other securitized utility tariff bondholders with respect to their rights under the Indenture or the securitized utility tariff bonds; provided, that the trustee gives prior written notice to us of such request.

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We Must File an Annual Compliance Statement

We will deliver to the trustee, the Kansas commission and each rating agency not later than December 31 of each year (commencing with December 31, 2023), an officer’s certificate stating, as to the responsible officer signing such officer’s certificate, that:

• a review of our activities during the preceding 12 months ended September 30 (or, in the case of the first such officer’s certificate, since the date of the Indenture) and of performance under the Indenture has been made; and

• to the best of such responsible officer’s knowledge, based on such review, we have in all material respects complied with all conditions and covenants under the Indenture throughout such period, or, if there has been a default in the compliance of any such condition or covenant, specifying each such default known to the responsible officer and the nature and status thereof.

The Trustee Must Provide an Annual Report to All Securitized Utility Tariff Bondholders

If required by the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee will be required to mail each year to all securitized utility tariff bondholders a brief report. This report may state, in accordance with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act, among other items:

• the trustee’s eligibility and qualification to continue as the trustee under the Indenture;

• any amounts advanced by it under the Indenture;

• the amount, interest rate and maturity date of specific indebtedness owed by us to the trustee in the trustee’s individual capacity;

• the property and funds physically held by the trustee; and

• any action taken by it that materially affects the securitized utility tariff bonds and that has not been previously reported.

What Will Trigger Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture

The Indenture will cease to be of further effect with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, and the trustee, on our reasonable written demand and at our expense, will execute instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, when:

• either all securitized utility tariff bonds which have already been authenticated or delivered, with certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation or either scheduled final payment date has occurred with respect to all securitized utility tariff bonds that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation or the securitized utility tariff bonds will be due and payable on their respective scheduled final payment dates within one year, and we have irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee cash or U.S. government obligations specified in the Indenture, in an amount sufficient to make payments of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation, ongoing financing costs and all other sums payable to us pursuant to the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds when scheduled to be paid and to discharge the entire indebtedness on those securitized utility tariff bonds not previously delivered to the trustee when due;

• we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by us under the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds; and

• we have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate, an opinion of external counsel, and if required by the Trust Indenture Act or the trustee, a certificate from a firm of independent certified public accountants, each stating that there has been compliance with the conditions precedent in the Indenture or relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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Our Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance Options

We may, at any time, terminate:

• all of our obligations under the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds; or

• our obligations to comply with some of the covenants in the Indenture, including some of the covenants described under “—Our Covenants.”

The legal defeasance option is our right to terminate at any time our obligations under the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds. The covenant defeasance option is our right at any time to terminate our obligations to comply with some of the covenants in the Indenture. We may exercise the legal defeasance option with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds notwithstanding our prior exercise of the covenant defeasance option. If we exercise the legal defeasance option, the securitized utility tariff bonds will be entitled to payment only from the funds or other obligations set aside under the Indenture for payment thereof on the scheduled final payment date therefor as described below. The securitized utility tariff bonds will not be subject to payment through acceleration prior to the scheduled final payment date. If we exercise the covenant defeasance option, the final payment of the securitized utility tariff bonds may not be accelerated because of an event of default relating to a default in the observance or performance of our covenants or as described in “—What Constitutes an Event of Default on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” above.

We may exercise the legal defeasance option or the covenant defeasance option with respect to securitized utility tariff bonds only if:

• we have irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee cash and/or U.S. government obligations specified in the Indenture that through the scheduled payments of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms are in an amount sufficient to pay principal, interest and premium, if any, on the securitized utility tariff bonds not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation and ongoing financing costs and all other sums payable under the Indenture by us with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds when scheduled to be paid and to discharge the entire indebtedness on the securitized utility tariff bonds when due;

• we deliver to the trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent registered public accountants expressing its opinion that the payments of principal of and interest on the deposited U.S. government obligations when due and without reinvestment plus any cash deposited in the defeasance subaccount will provide cash at times and in sufficient amounts to pay in respect of the securitized utility tariff bonds principal in accordance with the expected sinking fund schedule therefor, interest when due and ongoing financing costs and all other sums payable by us under the Indenture with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds;

• in the case of the legal defeasance option, 95 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 95-day period no default relating to events of our bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or liquidation occurs and is continuing at the end of the period;

• no default has occurred and is continuing on the day of this deposit and after giving effect thereto;

• in the case of an exercise of the legal defeasance option, we shall have delivered to the trustee an opinion of external counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or since the date of execution of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, and in either case confirming that the holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the legal defeasance had not occurred;

• in the case of an exercise of the covenant defeasance option, we shall have delivered to the trustee an opinion of external counsel to the effect that the holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds will not

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recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the covenant defeasance had not occurred;

• we deliver to the trustee a certificate of one of our officers and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the legal defeasance option or the covenant defeasance option, as applicable, have been complied with as required by the Indenture;

• we deliver to the trustee an opinion of external counsel to the effect that (a) in a case under the Bankruptcy Code in which Atmos Energy (or any of its affiliates, other than us) is the debtor, the court would hold that the deposited cash or U.S. government obligations would not be in the bankruptcy estate of Atmos Energy (or any of its affiliates, other than us, that deposited the moneys or U.S. government obligations), and (b) in the event Atmos Energy (or any of its affiliates, other than us, that deposited the moneys or U.S. government obligations), were to be a debtor in a case under the Bankruptcy Code, the court would not disregard the separate legal existence of Atmos Energy (or any of its affiliates, other than us, that deposited the moneys or U.S. government obligations) and us so as to order substantive consolidation under the Bankruptcy Code of our assets and liabilities with the assets and liabilities of Atmos Energy or such other affiliate; and

• each rating agency has notified us and the trustee that the exercise of the proposed defeasance option will not result in a downgrade or withdrawal of the then current rating of any then outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds.

No Recourse to Others

No recourse may be taken directly or indirectly, by the holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds with respect to our obligations on the securitized utility tariff bonds, under the Indenture or the series supplement or any certificate or other writing delivered in connection therewith, against (1) us, other than from the securitized utility tariff bond collateral, (2) any owner of a beneficial interest in us (including Atmos Energy) or (3) any shareholder, partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director or employee of the trustee, the managers or any owner of a beneficial interest in us (including Atmos Energy) in its individual capacity, or of any successor or assign or any of them in their respective individual or corporate capacities, except as any such person may have expressly agreed in writing.

Notwithstanding any provision of the Indenture or the series supplement to the contrary, securitized utility tariff bondholders shall look only to the securitized utility tariff bond collateral with respect to any amounts due to the securitized utility tariff bondholders under the Indenture and the securitized utility tariff bonds, and, in the event such collateral is insufficient to pay in full the amounts owed on the securitized utility tariff bonds, shall have no recourse against us in respect of such insufficiency. Each bondholder by accepting a securitized utility tariff bond specifically confirms the nonrecourse nature of these obligations, and waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of consideration for issuance of securitized utility tariff bonds.

Governing Law

The Indenture will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without reference to its conflict of law provisions (except as otherwise noted in the Indenture), provided that the creation, attachment and perfection of any liens created in the securitized utility tariff property or other assets of the trust estate, as well as all rights and remedies of the trustee and the holders with respect to the securitized utility tariff property, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas.

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THE TRUSTEE

U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, a national banking association (“U.S. Bank Trust Co.”), will be the trustee, and will act as the paying agent and registrar for the securitized utility tariff bonds. U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank N.A.”) made a strategic decision to reposition its corporate trust business by transferring substantially all of its corporate trust business to its affiliate, U.S. Bank Trust Co., a non-depository trust company (U.S. Bank N.A. and U.S. Bank Trust Co. are collectively referred to herein as “U.S. Bank.”). Upon U.S. Bank Trust Co.’s succession to the business of U.S. Bank N.A., it became a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank N.A. The trustee will maintain the accounts of the issuing entity in the name of the trustee at U.S. Bank N.A.

U.S. Bancorp, with total assets exceeding $675 billion as of December 31, 2022, is the parent company of U.S. Bank N.A., the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States. As of December 31, 2022, U.S. Bancorp operated over 2,600 branch offices in 26 states. A network of specialized U.S. Bancorp offices across the nation provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses, and institutions.

U.S. Bank has one of the largest corporate trust businesses in the country with office locations in 48 Domestic and 2 international cities. The Indenture will be administered from U.S. Bank’s corporate trust office located at 190 South LaSalle Street, 7th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

U.S. Bank has provided corporate trust services since 1924. As of December 31, 2022, U.S. Bank was acting as trustee with respect to over 124,000 issuances of securities with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of over $5.6 trillion. This portfolio includes corporate and municipal bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations.

The trustee shall make each monthly statement available to the bondholders via the trustee’s internet website at https://pivot.usbank.com. Bondholders with questions may direct them to the trustee’s bondholder services group at (800) 934-6802.

U.S. Bank serves or has served as trustee, paying agent and registrar on several issues of utility rate-payer backed securities.

U.S. Bank N.A. and other large financial institutions have been sued in their capacity as trustee or successor trustee for certain residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) trusts. The complaints, primarily filed by investors or investor groups against U.S. Bank N.A. and similar institutions, allege the trustees caused losses to investors as a result of alleged failures by the sponsors, mortgage loan sellers and servicers to comply with the governing agreements for these RMBS trusts. Plaintiffs generally assert causes of action based upon the trustees’ purported failures to enforce repurchase obligations of mortgage loan sellers for alleged breaches of representations and warranties, notify securityholders of purported events of default allegedly caused by breaches of servicing standards by mortgage loan servicers and abide by a heightened standard of care following alleged events of default.

U.S. Bank N.A. denies liability and believes that it has performed its obligations under the RMBS trusts in good faith, that its actions were not the cause of losses to investors, that it has meritorious defenses, and it has contested and intends to continue contesting the plaintiffs’ claims vigorously. However, U.S. Bank N.A. cannot assure you as to the outcome of any of the litigation, or the possible impact of these litigations on the trustee or the RMBS trusts.

On March 9, 2018, a law firm purporting to represent fifteen Delaware statutory trusts (the “DST”) that issued securities backed by student loans (the “Student Loans”) filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery against U.S. Bank N.A. in its capacities as indenture trustee and successor special servicer, and three

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other institutions in their respective transaction capacities, with respect to the DSTs and the Student Loans. This lawsuit is captioned The National Collegiate Student Loan Master Trust I, et al. v. U.S. Bank National Association, et al., C.A. No. 2018-0167-JRS (Del. Ch.) (the “NCMSLT Action”). The complaint, as amended on June 15, 2018, alleged that the DSTs have been harmed as a result of purported misconduct or omissions by the defendants concerning administration of the trusts and special servicing of the Student Loans. Since the filing of the NCMSLT Action, certain Student Loan borrowers have made assertions against U.S. Bank N.A. concerning special servicing that appear to be based on certain allegations made on behalf of the DSTs in the NCMSLT Action.

U.S. Bank N.A. has filed a motion seeking dismissal of the operative complaint in its entirety with prejudice pursuant to Chancery Court Rules 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) or, in the alternative, a stay of the case while other prior filed disputes involving the DSTs and the Student Loans are litigated. On November 7, 2018, the Court ruled that the case should be stayed in its entirety pending resolution of the first-filed cases. On January 21, 2020, the Court entered an order consolidating for pretrial purposes the NCMSLT Action and three other lawsuits pending in the Delaware Court of Chancery concerning the DSTs and the Student Loans, which remains pending.

U.S. Bank N.A. denies liability in the NCMSLT Action and believes it has performed its obligations as indenture trustee and special servicer in good faith and in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the agreements governing the DSTs and that it has meritorious defenses. It has contested and intends to continue contesting the plaintiffs’ claims vigorously.

While the legal proceedings discussed above involve certain affiliates of the trustee, none of such legal proceedings are material to the securitized utility tariff bondholders.

The trustee may resign at any time upon 30 days’ notice by so notifying us. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds then outstanding may remove the trustee by so notifying the trustee and us in writing (upon 30 days’ written notice) and may appoint a successor trustee. We will remove the trustee by written notice if the trustee ceases to be eligible to continue in this capacity under the Indenture, the trustee becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding or is adjudged insolvent, a receiver, administrator or other public officer takes charge of the trustee or its property or the trustee becomes incapable of acting. If the trustee gives notice of resignation or is removed or a vacancy exists in the office of trustee for any reason, we will be obligated promptly to appoint a successor trustee eligible under the Indenture. We are responsible, initially, for payment of the expenses associated with any such removal or resignation, but any such expenses will be treated as an operating expense and paid out of the general subaccount on a payment date in accordance with the priority of payments set forth in “Description Of The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated” in this prospectus. No resignation or removal of the trustee will become effective until acceptance of the appointment by a successor trustee. The trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of certain provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million and a long-term debt rating from each of Moody’s and Fitch in one of its generic rating categories that specifies investment grade. If the trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business or assets to, another entity, the resulting, surviving or transferee entity shall without any further action be the successor trustee; provided, however, that if such successor trustee is not eligible under the Indenture, the successor trustee will be replaced in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. We and our affiliates may, from time to time, maintain various banking, investment banking and trust relationships with the trustee and its affiliates. Please read “THE SALE AGREEMENT” and “THE SERVICING AGREEMENT” in this prospectus for further information.

The trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, provided that its conduct does not constitute willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith. The trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any default or event of default (other than a payment default) unless a responsible officer of the trustee has actual knowledge thereof or

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the trustee has received written notice thereof pursuant to the Indenture. The trustee shall not be required to take any action it is directed to take under the Indenture if the trustee determines in good faith that the action so directed is inconsistent with the Indenture, any other basic document or applicable law, or would involve the trustee in personal liability. We have agreed to indemnify the trustee and its officers, directors, employees and agents against any and all cost, damage, liability, tax or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the administration and enforcement of the Indenture (including the enforcement of the indemnification obligations therein), the series supplement and the other basic documents and the performance of its duties under the Indenture, the series supplement and the other basic documents, provided that we are not required to pay any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the trustee through the trustee’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith. Please read “PROSPECTUS SUMMARY OF TERMS—Priority of Payments” and “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated” in this prospectus for further information.

We, Atmos Energy and our respective affiliates may from time to time enter into normal banking and trustee relationships with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association and its affiliates. U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association and its affiliates, among other relationships, are (i) lenders under Atmos Energy’s revolving credit facility, (ii) the trustee and paying agent under the indentures governing various Atmos Energy debt securities and (iii) placement agents under Atmos Energy’s commercial paper program. No relationships currently exist between Atmos Energy, us and our respective affiliates, on the one hand, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association and its affiliates, on the other hand, that would be outside the ordinary course of business or on terms other than would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with an unrelated third party.

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WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS

FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS

The rate of principal payments, the amount of each interest payment and the actual final payment date of the securitized utility tariff bonds and the weighted average life thereof will depend primarily on the timing of receipt of collected securitized utility tariff charges by the trustee and the true-up mechanism. The aggregate amount of collected securitized utility tariff charges and the rate of principal amortization on the securitized utility tariff bonds will depend, in part, on the number of retail customers and the rate of delinquencies and write-offs. The securitized utility tariff charges are required to be adjusted from time to time based in part on the actual rate of collected securitized utility tariff charges. However, we can give no assurance that the servicer will be able to forecast accurately the actual number of retail customers and the rate of delinquencies and write-offs or implement adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges that will cause collected securitized utility tariff charges to be received at any particular rate. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Servicing risks,” “—Other risks associated with an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds” and “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-Ups” in this prospectus.

If the servicer receives securitized utility tariff charges at a slower rate than expected, the securitized utility tariff bonds may be retired later than expected. Except in the event of the acceleration of the final payment date of the securitized utility tariff bonds after an event of default, however, the securitized utility tariff bonds will not be paid at a rate faster than that contemplated in the expected amortization schedule of the securitized utility tariff bonds even if the receipt of collected securitized utility tariff charges is accelerated. Instead, receipts in excess of the amounts necessary to amortize the securitized utility tariff bonds in accordance with the applicable expected amortization schedule, to pay interest and related fees and expenses and to fund subaccounts of the collection account will be allocated to the excess funds subaccount. Acceleration of the final maturity date after an event of default in accordance with the terms thereof will result in payment of principal earlier than the scheduled final payment date. A payment on a date that is earlier than forecast might result in a shorter weighted average life, and a payment on a date that is later than forecast might result in a longer weighted average life. In addition, if a larger portion of the delayed payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds is received in later years, the securitized utility tariff bonds may have a longer weighted average life.

Weighted Average Life Sensitivity

Weighted average life refers to the average amount of time from the date of issuance of a security until each dollar of principal of the security has been repaid to the investor. The rate of principal payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds, the aggregate amount of each interest payment on the securitized utility tariff bonds and the actual final payment date of the securitized utility tariff bonds will depend on the timing of the servicer’s receipt of securitized utility tariff charges from Atmos Energy’s retail customers. Changes in the expected weighted average life of the securitized utility tariff bonds in relation to variances in actual retail customer counts from forecast levels are shown below.

		-5%   (    Standard Deviations from Mean)		-15% (    Standard Deviations from Mean)
Tranche	Expected Weighted Average Life (Years)	Weighted Average Life (Years)	Change (Days)	Weighted Average Life (Years)	Change (Days)
A

For the purposes of preparing the chart above, the following assumptions, among others, have been made: (i) the forecast error is constant over the life of the securitized utility tariff bonds and is equal to an overestimate of retail customer counts of 5% (                 standard deviations from the mean) or 15% (                 standard deviations from the mean) as stated in the chart above, (ii) the servicer makes timely and accurate filings to true-up the securitized utility tariff charges semi-annually, (iii) retail customers remit all securitized utility tariff

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charges 30 days after such charges are billed, (iv) the securitized utility tariff bonds are issued on             , 2023, (v) there is no acceleration of the final maturity date of the securitized utility tariff bonds, and (vi) operating expenses are equal to projections. There can be no assurance that the weighted average lives of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be as shown above.

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ESTIMATED ANNUAL FEES AND EXPENSES

Estimated initial annual fees and expenses payable from the securitized utility tariff charges are shown below. For the priorities in application of funds under the Indenture and the series supplement, please refer to “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated” in this prospectus.

As set forth in the table below, we are obligated to pay fees to the trustee, Atmos Energy, as servicer, Atmos Energy, as administrator and our independent manager. We are also obligated to pay Atmos Energy an annual return on its invested capital. The following table illustrates these arrangements:

Recipient	Source of payment	Estimated fees and expenses payable
Trustee	Securitized utility tariff charges and investment earnings	$15,000 per annum, plus certain additional expenses and indemnities, if applicable
Servicer	Securitized utility tariff charges and investment earnings	$             per annum (so long as Atmos Energy is servicer), payable in installments on each payment date, plus reimbursable expenses
Administrator	Securitized utility tariff charges and investment earnings	$100,000 per annum (so long as Atmos Energy is servicer), payable in installments on each payment date, plus reimbursable expenses
Independent manager	Securitized utility tariff charges and investment earnings	$5,000 per annum
Atmos Energy return on invested capital	Securitized utility tariff charges and investment earnings	$             per annum

Pursuant to the financing order, Atmos Energy’s return on the invested capital (Atmos Energy’s capital contribution which has been deposited into the capital subaccount) is equal to Atmos Energy’s cost of capital, which is currently 8.396% as of January 31, 2023.

Pursuant to the servicing agreement, if Atmos Energy or any of its affiliates is not the servicer, an amount agreed upon by the successor servicer and the trustee, provided, that the fee will not, unless the Kansas commission consents, exceed 0.60% of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds on an annualized basis.

The securitized utility tariff charges will also be used by the trustee for the payment of our other financing costs and expenses relating to the securitized utility tariff bonds, such as accounting and audit fees, rating agency fees and legal fees.

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THE SALE AGREEMENT

The following summary describes particular material terms and provisions of the sale agreement pursuant to which we will purchase the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy. We have filed the form of the sale agreement with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and we urge you to read such document in its entirety.

Atmos Energy’s Sale and Assignment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property

In connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, Atmos Energy, as the seller, will offer and sell the securitized utility tariff property to us pursuant to the terms and conditions of the sale agreement. The sale of the securitized utility tariff property to us by Atmos Energy will be financed through the corresponding issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Pursuant to the sale agreement, Atmos Energy will sell, transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to us concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds to the underwriter, without recourse, except as expressly provided therein, all its rights, titles and interests in and to the securitized utility tariff property. The securitized utility tariff property will represent all rights and interests of Atmos Energy under the financing order that are sold and transferred to us pursuant to the sale agreement and the related bill of sale, including the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive the securitized utility tariff charges authorized in the financing order with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds, to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges as provided in the financing order and all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money or proceeds arising from the foregoing rights and interests. The securitized utility tariff property does not include the rights of Atmos Energy to earn and receive a rate of return on its invested capital in us, to receive administration and servicer fees or to use Atmos Energy’s proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff property to us. We will apply the net proceeds that we receive from the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds to the purchase of the securitized utility tariff property.

As provided by the Securitization Act, our purchase of the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy will be pursuant to the sale agreement, which will expressly provide that such transfer is a sale, will be a true sale, and is not a secured transaction, and title and ownership to the securitized utility tariff property will pass to us. Under the Securitization Act, such sale will constitute a true sale under state law whether or not:

• we have any recourse against Atmos Energy (except that any such recourse cannot arise from the inability or failure of one or more of Atmos Energy’s retail customers to timely pay all or a portion of the securitized utility tariff charge),

• Atmos Energy retains any equity interest in the securitized utility tariff property under state law;

• Atmos Energy acts as a collector of the securitized utility tariff charges; or

• Atmos Energy treats the transfer as a financing for tax, financial reporting or other purposes.

The Securitization Act provides that a valid and enforceable security interest in securitized utility tariff property will attach only after the issuance of a financing order, the execution and delivery of a security agreement in connection with the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, the debtor has rights in the securitized utility tariff property or the right to transfer rights in the securitized utility tariff property and the receipt of value for the securitized utility tariff bonds. The security interest attaches automatically at the time when all of the foregoing conditions have been met.

Upon the issuance of a financing order, the execution and delivery of the related sale agreement and bill of sale and the filing of a financing statement under the Securitization Act, our purchase of the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy will be perfected as against all third persons, including subsequent judicial or other lien creditors.

The records and computer systems of Atmos Energy will reflect the sale and assignment of Atmos Energy’s rights and interests under the financing order to us. However, we expect that the securitized utility tariff bonds

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will be reflected as debt on Atmos Energy’s financial statements. In addition, we anticipate that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be treated as debt of Atmos Energy for federal income tax purposes. Please read “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.”

Conditions to the Sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property

Atmos Energy’s obligation to sell, and our obligation to purchase, the securitized utility tariff property on the issuance date, are both subject to and conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions:

• on or prior to the issuance date, Atmos Energy must deliver to us a duly executed bill of sale identifying the securitized utility tariff property to be conveyed on that date;

• as of the issuance date, the representations and warranties of Atmos Energy in the sale agreement must be true and correct in all material respects and no material breach by Atmos Energy of its covenants in the sale agreement shall exist, and no default by the servicer shall have occurred and be continuing under the servicing agreement, as certified by Atmos Energy;

• as of the issuance date, we must have sufficient funds available to pay the purchase price for the securitized utility tariff property to be conveyed, all conditions to the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds to purchase the securitized utility tariff property set forth in the Indenture must have been satisfied or waived, and Atmos Energy is not insolvent and will not have been made insolvent by the sale of the securitized utility tariff property and Atmos Energy is not aware of any pending insolvency with respect to itself;

• on or prior to the issuance date, Atmos Energy must have taken all action required under the Securitization Act, the financing order and other applicable law for us to have ownership of the securitized utility tariff property, free and clear of all liens other than liens created by us pursuant to the Indenture; and we or the servicer, on our behalf, must have taken any action required for us to grant the trustee a first priority perfected security interest in the collateral securing the securitized utility tariff bonds and maintain such security interest as of the issuance date (including all actions required under the Securitization Act, the financing order and the Kansas UCC);

• Atmos Energy must deliver to each rating agency and to us any opinion of counsel requested by the ratings agencies;

• Atmos Energy must deliver to the trustee and to us an officers’ certificate confirming the satisfaction of each of these conditions as relevant; and

• we have received the purchase price in funds immediately available on the issuance date.

Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties

In the sale agreement, Atmos Energy will make representations and warranties to us, as of the issuance date, to the effect, among other things, that:

1. subject to clause 9 below (assumptions used in calculating the securitized utility tariff charges as of the applicable issuance date), all written information, as amended or supplemented from time to time, provided by Atmos Energy to us with respect to the securitized utility tariff property (including the financing order and the issuance advice letter) is correct in all material respects and does not omit any material facts required to be included therein and all historical data for the purpose of calculating the initial securitized utility tariff charges in the issuance advice letter and the assumptions used for such calculations are reasonable and such calculations were made in good faith;

2. it is the intention of the parties to the sale agreement that, other than for specified tax purposes, the sale, transfer, assignment, setting over and conveyance of the securitized utility tariff property contemplated by the sale agreement constitutes a sale or other absolute transfer of all right, title and interest of Atmos Energy

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in and to the securitized utility tariff property transferred to us; upon execution and delivery of the sale agreement and the related bill of sale and payment of the purchase price, Atmos Energy will have no right, title or interest in, to or under the securitized utility tariff property; and that the securitized utility tariff property would not be a part of the estate of Atmos Energy, as debtor, in the event of the filing of a bankruptcy petition by or against Atmos Energy under any bankruptcy law; no portion of the securitized utility tariff property has been sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise conveyed by Atmos Energy to any person other than us, and, to the knowledge of Atmos Energy, no security agreement, financing statement or equivalent security or lien instrument listing Atmos Energy, as debtor, and covering all or a portion of the securitized utility tariff property, as collateral, is on file or of record in Kansas or Delaware, except such as may have been filed, recorded or made in favor of us or the trustee in connection with the basic documents;

3. a. Atmos Energy is the sole owner of all the rights and interests under the financing order being sold to us on the issuance date,

b. on the issuance date, immediately upon the sale under the sale agreement, the securitized utility tariff property will have been validly sold, assigned, transferred set over and conveyed to us free and clear of all liens (except for any lien created by us under the basic documents in favor of the securitized utility tariff bondholders and in accordance with the Securitization Act), and

c. all actions or filings (including filings with the Kansas Secretary of State in accordance with the rules prescribed under the Securitization Act) necessary in any jurisdiction to give us a perfected ownership interest (subject to any lien created by us under the basic documents in favor of the securitized utility tariff bondholders, and in accordance with the Securitization Act) in the securitized utility tariff property and to grant to the trustee a first priority perfected security interest in the securitized utility tariff property, free and clear of all liens of Atmos Energy or anyone else (except for any lien created by us under the basic documents in favor of the securitized utility tariff bondholders and in accordance with the Securitization Act) have been taken or made;

4. the financing order has been issued by the Kansas commission in accordance with the Securitization Act, the financing order and the process by which it was issued comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the State of Kansas, including the Securitization Act, and the financing order is final, non-appealable and in full force and effect;

5. as of the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, the securitized utility tariff bonds will be entitled to the protections provided by the Securitization Act and the financing order, the issuance advice letter and the securitized utility tariff charges authorized therein will have become irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment or adjustment by further action of the Kansas commission, except for changes made pursuant to the adjustment mechanism authorized under the Securitization Act. The issuance advice letter and the form of tariff have been filed in accordance with the financing order. The initial securitized utility tariff charges and the final terms of the securitized utility tariff bonds set forth in the issuance advice letter have become effective. No other approval, authorization, consent, order or other action of, or filing with any governmental authority is required in connection with the creation of the securitized utility tariff property, except those that have been obtained or made;

6. a. under the Securitization Act, the State of Kansas has pledged that it will not alter the provisions of the part of the Securitization Act which authorizes the Kansas commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a financing order, to create securitized utility tariff property, and to make the securitized utility tariff charges imposed by a financing order irrevocable, binding and nonbypassable charges, take or permit any action that impairs or would impair the value of the securitized utility tariff property or the security for the securitized utility tariff bonds or revise the securitized utility tariff costs for which recovery is authorized, impair the rights and remedies of the bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way, or except for changes made pursuant to the adjustment mechanism authorized under the Securitization Act, reduce, alter or impair the related

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securitized utility tariff charges until the principal, interest and premium, if any, and any other charges incurred and contracts to be performed in connection with the securitized utility tariff bonds, have been paid and performed in full,

b. under the laws of the State of Kansas and the federal laws of the United States, (x) a reviewing court of competent jurisdiction would hold that the State of Kansas could not constitutionally take any action of a legislative character, including the repeal or amendment of the Securitization Act, which would substantially limit, alter or impair the securitized utility tariff property or other rights vested in the securitized utility tariff bondholders pursuant to the financing order, or substantially limit, alter, impair or reduce the value or amount of the securitized utility tariff property, unless that action is a reasonable and necessary exercise of the State of Kansas’s sovereign powers based on reasonable conditions and of a character reasonable and appropriate to the emergency or other significant and legitimate public purpose justifying that action, and, (y) a reviewing court of competent jurisdiction under the Takings Clause of the United States Constitution would, and under the Takings Clause of the Kansas Constitution, more likely than not would, hold that, the State of Kansas could not repeal or amend the Securitization Act or take any other action in contravention of its pledge referred to in subsection (a) above without paying just compensation to the securitized utility tariff bondholders, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, if doing so would constitute a permanent appropriation of a substantial property interest of the securitized utility tariff bondholders in the securitized utility tariff property and deprive the securitized utility tariff bondholders of their reasonable expectations arising from their investments in the securitized utility tariff bonds; however, there is no assurance that, even if a court were to award just compensation, it would be sufficient to pay the full amount of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds, and

c. under the laws of the State of Kansas and the United States Constitution, a Kansas state court reviewing an appeal of Kansas commission action of a legislative character would conclude that the Kansas commission pledge (i) creates a binding contractual obligation of the State of Kansas for purposes of the contract clause of the United States, and (ii) the Kansas commission could not take any action of a legislative character, including the rescission or amendment of the financing order, which violates the Kansas commission pledge in a manner that substantially reduces, limits or impairs the value of the securitized utility tariff property or the securitized utility tariff charges, prior to the time that the securitized utility tariff bonds are paid in full and discharged, unless the Kansas commission action clearly is exercised for a public end and is reasonably necessary to the accomplishment of that public end so as not to be arbitrary, capricious or an abuse of authority. There is no assurance, however, that even if a court were to award just compensation it would be sufficient to pay the full amount of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds;

7. there is no order by any court providing for the revocation, alteration, limitation or other impairment of the Securitization Act, the financing order or issuance advice letter, the securitized utility tariff property or the securitized utility tariff charges or any rights arising under any of them or that seeks to enjoin the performance of any obligations under the financing order;

8. under the laws of the State of Kansas and the federal laws of the United States in effect on the issuance date, no other approval, authorization, consent, order or other action of, or filing with any court, federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality is required in connection with the creation or transfer of Atmos Energy’s rights and interests related to the securitized utility tariff bonds under the financing order and our purchase of the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy, except those that have been obtained or made;

9. based on information available to Atmos Energy on the issuance date, the assumptions used in calculating the securitized utility tariff charges in the issuance advice letter are reasonable and made in good faith; however, notwithstanding the foregoing, Atmos Energy makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that billed securitized utility tariff charges will be actually collected from retail customers, or that amounts actually collected arising from the securitized utility tariff charges will in fact be sufficient to meet

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the payment obligations on the securitized utility tariff bonds or that the assumptions used in calculating such securitized utility tariff charges will in fact be realized;

10. a. upon the effectiveness of the financing order, the transfer of Atmos Energy’s rights and interests related to the securitized utility tariff bonds under the financing order and our purchase of the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy pursuant to the sale agreement, the securitized utility tariff property will constitute a present contract right vested in us,

b. upon the effectiveness of the financing order, the issuance advice letter and the tariff, the transfer of Atmos Energy’s rights and interests under the financing order and our purchase of the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy pursuant to the sale agreement, the securitized utility tariff property will include, without limitation:

(1) the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive the securitized utility tariff charges, including the right to receive securitized utility tariff charges in amounts and at all times projected to be sufficient to pay scheduled principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds,

(2) all rights and interest of Atmos Energy under the financing order, except the rights of Atmos Energy to earn and receive a rate of return on its invested capital in us, to receive administration and servicer fees or to use Atmos Energy’s remaining portions of those proceeds,

(3) the rights to obtain periodic adjustments of the securitized utility tariff charges as provided in the financing order, and

(4) all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money, or proceeds arising from the rights and interests resulting from the securitized utility tariff charges.

c. upon the effectiveness of the issuance advice letter and the form of tariff, the transfer of Atmos Energy’s rights and interests under the financing order and our purchase of the securitized utility tariff property from Atmos Energy on the issuance date pursuant to the sale agreement, the securitized utility tariff property will not be subject to any lien created by a previous indenture;

11. Atmos Energy is a corporation duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas and Virginia, with corporate power and authority to own its properties as such properties are owned on the issuance date and conduct its business as such business is conducted by Atmos Energy on the issuance date;

12. Atmos Energy has the power and authority to obtain the financing order and to execute and deliver the sale agreement and to carry out its terms, to own the securitized utility tariff property under the financing order related to the securitized utility tariff bonds, and to sell and assign the securitized utility tariff property under the financing order to us, and the execution, delivery and performance of the sale agreement have been duly authorized by Atmos Energy by all necessary corporate action;

13. the sale agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Atmos Energy, enforceable against Atmos Energy in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions relating to bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and equitable principles;

14. the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the sale agreement and the fulfillment of the terms thereof do not (a) conflict with or result in any breach in any material respect of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time) a default in any material respect under, the organizational documents of Atmos Energy, or any indenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which Atmos Energy is a party or by which it or its properties is bound, (b) result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any of Atmos Energy’s properties pursuant to the terms of any such indenture or agreement or other instrument (except for any lien created by us under the basic documents in favor of the securitized utility tariff bondholders and in accordance with the Securitization Act), or (c) violate in any material respect any existing law or any existing order, rule or regulation applicable to Atmos Energy of any court or of any federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality having jurisdiction over Atmos Energy or its properties;

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15. except for financing statement filings and continuation filings under the Kansas UCC and other filings under the Securitization Act and the Kansas UCC, no approval, authorization, consent, order or other action of, or filing with, any court, federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality is required under any applicable law, rule or regulation in connection with the execution and delivery by Atmos Energy of the sale agreement, the performance by Atmos Energy of the transactions contemplated by the sale agreement or the fulfillment by Atmos Energy of the terms of the sale agreement, except those that have been obtained or made and those that Atmos Energy, in its capacity as servicer under the servicing agreement, is required to make in the future pursuant to the servicing agreement;

16. except as disclosed in this prospectus, there are no proceedings pending, and to Atmos Energy’s knowledge (a) there are no proceedings threatened and (b) there are no investigations pending or threatened before any court, federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality having jurisdiction over Atmos Energy or its properties involving or related to Atmos Energy or us or to any other person:

a. asserting the invalidity of the sale agreement, any of the other basic documents, the securitized utility tariff bonds, the Securitization Act or the financing order,

b. seeking to prevent the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the sale agreement or any of the other basic documents,

c. seeking any determination or ruling that could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the performance by Atmos Energy of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, the sale agreement or any of the other basic documents or the securitized utility tariff bonds, or

d. challenging Atmos Energy’s treatment of the securitized utility tariff bonds as debt of Atmos Energy for federal or state income, gross receipts or franchise tax purposes;

17. after giving effect to the sale of the securitized utility tariff property under the sale agreement, Atmos Energy:

a. is solvent and expects to remain solvent,

b. is adequately capitalized to conduct its business and affairs considering its size and the nature of its business and intended purposes,

c. is not engaged and does not expect to engage in a business for which its remaining property represents an unreasonably small portion of its capital,

d. reasonably believes that it will be able to pay its debts as they become due, and

e. is able to pay its debts as they become due and does not intend to incur, or believes that it will incur, indebtedness that it will not be able to repay at its maturity;

18. Atmos Energy is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in good standing, and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals, in all jurisdictions in which the ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualifications, licenses or approvals (except where the failure to so qualify or obtain such licenses and approvals would not be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Atmos Energy’s business, operations, assets, revenues or properties);

19. Apart from amending the Constitution of the State of Kansas, the citizens of the State of Kansas currently do not have the constitutional right to adopt or revise state laws by initiative or referendum; and

20. Atmos Energy is not aware of any judgment or tax lien filings against us or Atmos Energy that would result in a lien on the securitized utility tariff property.

The representations and warranties made by Atmos Energy survive the sale of the securitized utility tariff property to us and the pledge thereof on the issuance date to the trustee. Any change in the law occurring after the issuance date that renders any of the representations and warranties untrue does not constitute a breach under the sale agreement.

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Atmos Energy makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the solvency of any retail customer on any issuance date or as to the future solvency of any retail customer.

Atmos Energy’s Covenants

In the sale agreement, Atmos Energy will make the following covenants:

1. subject to its rights to assign its rights and obligations under the sale agreement, so long as any of the securitized utility tariff bonds are outstanding, Atmos Energy will (i) keep in full force and effect its existence and remain in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization, and will obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or will be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of the sale agreement and each other instrument or agreement to which Atmos Energy is a party necessary to the proper administration of the sale agreement and the transactions contemplated by the sale agreement and (ii) will take commercially reasonable steps to continue to operate its gas delivery system to provide service to its customers;

2. except for the conveyances under the sale agreement or any lien under the basic documents pursuant to K.S.A. §66-1,245 of the Securitization Act for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders and the trustee, Atmos Energy may not sell, pledge, assign or transfer to any other person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any lien on, any of the securitized utility tariff property, whether then existing or thereafter created, or any interest therein. Atmos Energy may not at any time assert any lien against or with respect to the securitized utility tariff property, and Atmos Energy shall defend the right, title and interest of us and of the trustee, as our assignee, in, to and under the securitized utility tariff property against all claims of third parties claiming through or under Atmos Energy;

3. in the event that Atmos Energy receives collections in respect of the securitized utility tariff charges or the proceeds thereof other than in its capacity as the servicer, Atmos Energy agrees to pay to the servicer, on our behalf, all payments received by it in respect thereof as soon as practicable after receipt thereof; prior to such remittance to Atmos Energy by us, we agree that such amounts are held by it in trust for us and the trustee;

4. Atmos Energy will notify us and the trustee promptly after becoming aware of any lien on any of the securitized utility tariff property, other than the conveyances under the sale agreement, any lien created in favor of the securitized utility tariff bondholders or any lien created by us under the Indenture;

5. Atmos Energy agrees to comply with its organizational or governing documents and all laws, treaties, rules, regulations and determinations of any court or federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality applicable to it, except to the extent that failure to so comply would not materially adversely affect our or the trustee’s interests in the securitized utility tariff property or under the basic documents to which Atmos Energy is a party or Atmos Energy’s performance of its obligations under the sale agreement or under any of the other basic documents to which Atmos Energy is a party;

6. so long as any of the securitized utility tariff bonds are outstanding, Atmos Energy:

a. will treat the securitized utility tariff bonds as our debt and not debt of Atmos Energy, except for financial reporting, state or federal regulatory or tax purposes;

b. will disclose in its financial statements that we are, and Atmos Energy is not, the owner of the securitized utility tariff property and that our assets are not available to pay creditors of Atmos Energy or its affiliates (other than us);

c. will not own or purchase any of the securitized utility tariff bonds; and

d. unless, and to the extent, required by applicable law or by any court or federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality, will disclose the effects of all transactions between us and Atmos Energy in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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7. so long as any of the securitized utility tariff bonds are outstanding:

a. in all proceedings relating directly or indirectly to the securitized utility tariff property Atmos Energy will affirmatively certify and confirm that it has sold all of its rights and interests in and to the securitized utility tariff property to us (other than for financial reporting or tax purposes), and will not make any statement or reference in respect of the securitized utility tariff property that is inconsistent with our ownership (other than for financial reporting or tax purposes or as required by state or federal regulatory purposes);

b. Atmos Energy will not take any action in respect of the securitized utility tariff property except solely in its capacity as servicer thereof pursuant to the servicing agreement or as contemplated by the basic documents;

c. neither we nor Atmos Energy will take any action, file any tax return, or make any election inconsistent with the treatment of us, for purposes of federal taxes and, to the extent consistent with applicable state, local and other tax law, for purposes of state, local and other taxes, as a disregarded entity that is not separate from Atmos Energy (or, if relevant, from another sole owner of us);

d. if Atmos Energy enters into a sale agreement selling to any other affiliate property consisting of nonbypassable charges payable by Atmos Energy’s retail customers in Kansas comparable to those sold by Atmos Energy pursuant to the sale agreement, the rating agency condition will be satisfied with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds prior to or coincident with such sale and Atmos Energy shall enter into an intercreditor agreement with us, the indenture trustee, the issuing entity of such additional bonds and the trustee for such additional bonds; and

e. neither Atmos Energy nor a subsidiary of Atmos Energy will issue bonds similar to the securitized utility tariff bonds or other bonds supported by nonbypassable charges payable by Atmos Energy’s retail customers in Kansas comparable to those sold by Atmos Energy pursuant to the sale agreement without the rating agency condition being satisfied with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds prior to or coincident with such issuance;

8. Atmos Energy agrees that, upon the sale by Atmos Energy of all of its rights and interests related to the securitized utility tariff property to us pursuant to the sale agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law, including applicable Kansas commission regulations and the Securitization Act, we shall have all of the rights originally held by Atmos Energy with respect to the securitized utility tariff property, including the right (subject to the terms of the servicing agreement) to exercise any and all rights and remedies to collect any amounts payable by any retail customer in respect of the securitized utility tariff property, notwithstanding any objection or direction to the contrary by Atmos Energy (and Atmos Energy agrees not to make any such objection or to take any such contrary action) and any payment to the servicer by any person responsible for remitting securitized utility tariff charges to the servicer under the terms of the financing order or the Securitization Act or the rate schedules in the form of tariff shall discharge such person’s obligations in respect of the securitized utility tariff property to the extent of such payment, notwithstanding any objection or direction to the contrary by Atmos Energy;

9. Atmos Energy will execute and file such filings, and cause to be executed and filed such filings in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to preserve, maintain and protect our and the trustee’s interests in the securitized utility tariff property, including all filings required under the Securitization Act and the Kansas UCC relating to the transfer of the ownership of the rights and interests under the financing order by Atmos Energy to us and the pledge of the securitized utility tariff property by us to the trustee. Atmos Energy will deliver (or cause to be delivered) to us and the trustee file-stamped copies of, or filing receipts for, any document filed as provided above, as soon as available following such filing;

10. Atmos Energy will institute any action or proceeding reasonably necessary to compel performance by the Kansas commission or the State of Kansas of any of their obligations or duties under the Securitization Act, the financing order or the issuance advice letter relating to the transfer of the rights and interests under the

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financing order by Atmos Energy to us, and shall notify the trustee of the institution of any such action. Atmos Energy agrees to take such legal or administrative actions, including defending against or instituting and pursuing legal actions and appearing or testifying at hearings or similar proceedings, in each case as may be reasonably necessary:

a. to protect us and the securitized utility tariff bondholders from claims, state actions or other actions or proceedings of third parties which, if successfully pursued, would result in a breach of any representation described above under the caption “—Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties;” or

b. so long as Atmos Energy is also the servicer, to block or overturn any attempts to cause a repeal of, modification of or supplement to the Securitization Act, the financing order, the issuance advice letter or the rights of holders of securitized utility tariff bonds by legislative enactment (including any action of the Kansas commission of a legislative character) or constitutional amendment that would be materially adverse to us, the trustee or the securitized utility tariff bondholders. The costs of any such actions or proceedings would be reimbursed by us to Atmos Energy from amounts on deposit in the collection account as an operating expense in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Atmos Energy’s obligations pursuant to this covenant survive and continue notwithstanding that the payment of operating expenses pursuant to the Indenture may be delayed;

11. so long as any of the securitized utility tariff bonds are outstanding, Atmos Energy will pay all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon it or any of its properties or assets or with respect to any of its franchises, businesses, income or property before any penalty accrues thereon if the failure to pay any such taxes, assessments and governmental charges would, after any applicable grace periods, notices or other similar requirements, result in a lien on the securitized utility tariff property; provided that no such tax need be paid if Atmos Energy or any of its affiliates is contesting the same in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted and if Atmos Energy or such affiliate has established appropriate reserves as shall be required in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles;

12. Atmos Energy will comply with all filing requirements imposed upon it in its capacity as seller of the securitized utility tariff property under the financing order, including making any post-closing filings;

13. even if the sale agreement or the Indenture providing for the securitized utility tariff bonds is terminated, Atmos Energy will not, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the termination of the Indenture, petition or otherwise invoke or cause us to invoke the process of any court or federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality for the purpose of commencing or sustaining an involuntary case against us under any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of ours, or any substantial part of the property of ours or ordering the winding up or liquidation of our affairs. We will also agree in the sale agreement not to petition or otherwise induce or cause Atmos Energy to invoke such a process for the same period of time;

14. Atmos Energy agrees not to withdraw the filing of the issuance advice letter with the Kansas commission;

15. Atmos Energy agrees to make all reasonable efforts to keep each rate schedule relating to the securitized utility tariff charges in full force and effect at all times;

16. Promptly after Atmos Energy obtains knowledge thereof, in the event of a breach in any material respect (without regard to any materiality qualifier contained in such representation, warranty or covenant) of any of Atmos Energy’s representations, warranties or covenants contained in the sale agreement, Atmos Energy shall promptly notify us, the trustee and the rating agencies of such breach. For the avoidance of doubt, any breach which would adversely affect scheduled payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds will be deemed to be a material breach;

17. Atmos Energy shall use the proceeds of the sale of the securitized utility tariff property in accordance with the financing order and the Securitization Act; and

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18. Upon the reasonable request of us, Atmos Energy shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary to carry out more effectually the provisions and purposes of the sale agreement.

Atmos Energy’s Obligation to Indemnify Us and the Trustee and to Take Legal Action

Under the sale agreement, Atmos Energy is obligated to indemnify us and the trustee, for itself and on behalf of the securitized utility tariff bondholders and related parties specified therein, against:

1. any and all taxes, other than any taxes imposed on the securitized utility tariff bondholders solely as a result of their ownership of the securitized utility tariff bonds, that may at any time be imposed on or asserted against any of those persons under existing law as of the issuance date as a result of the sale and assignment of Atmos Energy’s rights and interests under the financing order by Atmos Energy to us, the acquisition or holding of the securitized utility tariff property by us or the issuance and sale by us of the securitized utility tariff bonds, including any sales, gross receipts, tangible personal property, privilege, franchise or license taxes, but excluding any taxes imposed as a result of a failure of that person to properly withhold or remit taxes imposed with respect to payments on any securitized utility tariff bond, in the event and to the extent such taxes are not recoverable as financing costs, it being understood that the securitized utility tariff bondholders will be entitled to enforce their rights against Atmos Energy solely through a cause of action brought for their benefit by the trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

2. any and all liabilities, obligations, claims, actions, suits or payments of any kind whatsoever that may be imposed on or asserted against any such person, which may include, without limitation, an amount equal to principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds as a measure of Atmos Energy’s indemnification obligations, together with any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by that person, in each case as a result of Atmos Energy’s breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in the sale agreement.

However, Atmos Energy is not required to indemnify the trustee or related parties against any liability, obligation, claim, action, suit or payment incurred by them through their own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith. Atmos Energy is not required to indemnify a party for any amount paid or payable by such party in the settlement of any action, proceeding or investigation without the prior written consent of Atmos Energy which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

These indemnification obligations will rank equally in right of payment with other general unsecured obligations of Atmos Energy. The indemnities described above will survive the resignation or removal of the trustee and the termination of the sale agreement and include reasonable fees and expenses of investigation and litigation (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses). The representations and warranties described above under the caption “—Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties” are made under existing law as in effect as of the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Atmos Energy will not indemnify any party for any changes in law after the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds or for any liability resulting solely from a downgrade in the ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Atmos Energy’s Limited Obligation to Undertake Legal Action. As described in clause 10 above under “—Atmos Energy’s Covenants,” the sale agreement will require Atmos Energy to institute any action or proceeding reasonably necessary to compel performance by the Kansas commission or the State of Kansas of any of their obligations or duties under the Securitization Act, the financing order or the issuance advice letter with respect to the securitized utility tariff property. Except for the foregoing and subject to Atmos Energy’s further covenant to fully preserve, maintain and protect our interests in the securitized utility tariff property and security interest of the trustee in the securitized utility tariff property, Atmos Energy will not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action that is not incidental to its obligations under the sale agreement and that in its opinion may involve it in any expense or liability.

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Successors to Atmos Energy

The sale agreement will provide that any person which succeeds by merger, conversion, consolidation, sale or other similar transaction to all or substantially all of the natural gas utility business in the state of Kansas of Atmos Energy will be the successor to Atmos Energy with respect to Atmos Energy’s ongoing obligations under the sale agreement without the execution or filing of any document or any further act by any of the parties to the sale agreement. The sale agreement will further require that:

• immediately after giving effect to any transaction referred to in this paragraph, no representation, warranty or covenant made by Atmos Energy in the sale agreement will have been breached in any material respect, and no servicer default, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a servicer default will have occurred and be continuing;

• the rating agencies specified in the sale agreement will have received prior written notice of the transaction; and

• officers’ certificates and opinions of counsel specified in the sale agreement will have been delivered to us and the trustee.

Amendment

The sale agreement may be amended in writing by the parties thereto, if notice of the amendment is provided by us to each rating agency and the rating agency condition has been satisfied, with the consent of the trustee and, with respect to amendments that would increase ongoing financing costs, the consent or deemed consent of the Kansas commission, provided that any such amendment may not adversely affect the interest of any securitized utility tariff bondholder in any material respect without the consent of secuitized utility tariff bondholders, in its capacity as such, representing not less than a majority of the outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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THE SERVICING AGREEMENT

The following summary describes the material terms and provisions of the servicing agreement pursuant to which the servicer will undertake to service the securitized utility tariff property. We have filed the form of the servicing agreement with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and we urge you to read such document in its entirety.

Servicing Procedures

General. The servicer, as our agent, will manage, service, and administer in respect of the securitized utility tariff property. The servicer’s duties will include:

• calculating customer counts, billing the securitized utility tariff charges, collecting such amounts from retail customers and remitting all collections in respect of the securitized utility tariff property;

• responding to inquiries by retail customers, the Kansas commission or any other governmental authority with respect to the securitized utility tariff property or the securitized utility tariff charges;

• investigating and handling delinquencies (and furnishing reports with respect to such delinquencies to us) processing and depositing collections and making periodic remittances;

• furnishing required periodic and current reports to us, the trustee, the Kansas commission and the rating agencies;

• making all filings with the Kansas commission and taking all other actions necessary to perfect our ownership interests in and the trustee’s first priority lien on the securitized utility tariff property and other portions of the collateral;

• selling, as our agent, defaulted or written off accounts in accordance with the servicer’s usual and customary practices;

• taking all necessary action in connection with true-up adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges as described below; and

• performing such other duties as may be specified under the financing order to be performed by it.

Please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER” in this prospectus. The servicer is required to notify us, the trustee and the rating agencies in writing of any laws, orders, directions or Kansas commission regulations promulgated after the execution of the servicing agreement that have a material adverse effect on the servicer’s ability to perform its duties under the servicing agreement. The servicer is also authorized to execute and deliver documents and to make filings and participate in proceedings on our behalf.

In the servicing agreement, the servicer will agree, among other things, that, in servicing the securitized utility tariff property, except where the failure to comply with any of the following would not materially adversely affect our or the trustee’s respective interests in the securitized utility tariff property:

• it will manage, service, administer, bill, charge, collect, receive and remit collections in respect of the securitized utility tariff property with reasonable care and in material compliance with applicable requirements of law, including all applicable Kansas commission regulations and guidelines, using the same degree of care and diligence that the servicer exercises with respect to similar assets for its own account and, if applicable, for others;

• it will follow standards, policies and procedures in performing its duties as servicer that are customary in the natural gas distribution industry;

• it will calculate the securitized utility tariff charges in compliance with the Securitization Act, the financing order and any applicable tariffs;

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• it will use all reasonable efforts consistent with its customary servicing procedures, to enforce, and maintain rights in respect of, the securitized utility tariff property and to impose, bill, charge, collect, receive and remit the securitized utility tariff charges;

• comply with all requirements of law, including all applicable Kansas commission regulations and guidelines, applicable to and binding on it relating to the securitized utility tariff property;

• file all reports with the Kansas commission required by the financing order;

• file and maintain the effectiveness of UCC financing statements in Kansas with respect to the property transferred under the sale agreement; and

• take such other action on behalf of us to ensure that the lien of the trustee on the collateral remains perfected and of first priority.

The duties of the servicer set forth in the servicing agreement are qualified by any Kansas commission regulations or orders in effect at the time those duties are to be performed.

Servicer Obligation to Undertake Legal Action. The servicer is required, subject to applicable law, to negotiate for the retention of legal counsel and such other experts as may be needed to institute and maintain any action or proceeding on behalf of and in the name of the issuing entity necessary to compel performance by the Kansas commission or the State of Kansas or any other state agency of any of their obligations or duties under the Securitization Act or the financing order, and the servicer agrees to assist us and our legal counsel in taking such legal or administrative actions, including defending against or instituting and pursuing legal actions and appearing or testifying at hearings or similar proceedings, as may be reasonably necessary to attempt to block or overturn any attempts to cause a repeal of, modification of or supplement to the Securitization Act or the financing order, or the rights of holders of securitized utility tariff property by legislative enactment, constitutional amendment or other means that would be adverse to bondholders.

Remittances to the Trustee. The servicer will remit securitized utility tariff charges to the trustee as soon as reasonably practicable after collection to the general subaccount of the collection account, but in no event later than two servicer business days following such collection date.

Securitized Utility Tariff Charge Adjustment Process

Semi-Annual True-Ups. Among other things, the servicing agreement will require the servicer to file true-up adjustment requests at least semi-annually to correct any under-collections or over-collections during the preceding six months and to ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to provide timely payment of principal and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and all other financing costs. For more information on the true-up process, please read “ATMOS ENERGY’S FINANCING ORDER—True-Ups.” These adjustment requests are to be based on actual collected securitized utility tariff charges and updated assumptions by the servicer as to projected future number of retail customers during the next period, expected delinquencies and write-offs and future payments and expenses relating to the securitized utility tariff property and the securitized utility tariff bonds. The servicer agrees to calculate these adjustments to:

• correct any under-collections or over-collections during the preceding six months; and

• ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of the scheduled principal of and interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds and all other financing costs during the subsequent 12-month period (or, in the case of certain quarterly true-up adjustments, the period ending on the next securitized utility tariff bond payment date), consistent with the methodology described in the financing order.

The servicer will agree to file adjustment requests on each calculation date for us as specified in the servicing agreement. In accordance with the financing order, the Kansas commission has 30 days from the

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servicer’s filing to approve the adjustments. Any adjustment to the allocation of securitized utility tariff charges will become effective on the proposed effective date, which cannot be less than 30 days of filing. Any adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges will be made in future true-up adjustment filings.

Interim True-Ups. In addition to semi-annual true-up adjustments, true-up adjustments may be made by the servicer more frequently at any time during the term of the securitized utility tariff bonds to correct any under-collection to ensure timely payment of securitized utility tariff bonds as scheduled. In the event an interim true-up is necessary, the interim true-up adjustment should be filed by the 15th day of the current month for implementation in the first billing cycle of the following month. In no event would such interim true-up adjustments occur more frequently than every three months if quarterly securitized utility tariff bond payments are required or every six months if semi-annual bond payments are required; provided, however, that there shall be quarterly true-up adjustments for any securitized utility tariff bonds remaining outstanding during the year immediately preceding the scheduled final payment date of securitized utility tariff bonds.

Remittances to Collection Account

The servicer will remit securitized utility tariff charge collections on each servicer business day (the “daily remittance”) to the trustee for deposit to the general subaccount of the collection account as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than two servicer business days following receipt of such securitized utility tariff charge collections. For a description of the allocation of the deposits, please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated.” Until securitized utility tariff charge collections are remitted to the collection account, the servicer will not be required to segregate them from its general funds. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential bankruptcy proceedings of the seller or the servicer” in this prospectus. Prior to, or concurrently with each such remittance to the general subaccount of the collection account, the servicer shall provide written notice to the trustee and, upon request, to us of such remittance. The servicer shall also, promptly upon receipt, remit to the collection account any other proceeds of the trust estate that it may receive from time to time. In the servicing agreement, the servicer will agree and acknowledge that it holds all securitized utility tariff charge payments or any other proceeds for the trust estate received by it for the benefit of the trustee and the securitized utility tariff bondholders and that all such amounts will be remitted by the servicer without any surcharge, fee, offset, charge or other deduction. The servicer shall not make any claim to reduce its obligation to remit all securitized utility tariff charge payments collected by it in accordance with the servicing agreement. Unless otherwise directed to do so by us, the servicer shall be responsible for selecting eligible investments in which the funds in the collection account shall be invested pursuant to the Indenture.

So long as the servicer faithfully makes all daily remittances of collected securitized utility tariff charges, as provided for in the servicing agreement, no actual or deemed investment earnings shall be payable in respect of such over-remittances or under-remittances.

Although the servicer will remit collected securitized utility tariff charges to the trustee, the servicer is not obligated to make any payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds. In the case of any shortfall, Atmos Energy will, first, allocate that shortfall ratably based on the amount owed to Atmos Energy or other parties (including those amounts associated with the securitized utility tariff bonds and similar securitization charges) and the amount owed for other fees and charges, other than late charges, and second, late fees and charges may be allocated to Atmos Energy. The portion owed in respect of securitized utility tariff charges may be further allocated ratably between us, as issuing entity of the securitized utility tariff bonds, and other affiliates of Atmos Energy who have issued securitized utility tariff bonds under the securitization provisions of the Securitization Act, as such bonds may be issued in the future.

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Servicer Compensation

The servicer will be entitled to receive an aggregate annual servicing fee for all of the securitized utility tariff bonds outstanding in an amount equal to:

• 0.05% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds plus reimbursable expenses for so long as Atmos Energy or an affiliate is the servicer; or

• If Atmos Energy or any of its affiliates is not the servicer, an amount agreed upon by the successor servicer and the trustee, provided that the annual servicing fee shall not exceed 0.60% of the aggregate initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds unless the Kansas commission has approved the appointment of the successor servicer or the Kansas commission does not act to approve or disapprove such appointment on or before the date which is 45 days after notice of the proposed appointment of the successor servicer is provided to the Kansas commission in the same manner substantially as provided for in the servicing agreement.

The servicing fee shall be paid semi-annually, with half of the servicing fee being paid on each payment date, except for the amount to be paid on the first payment date in which case the servicing fee then due will be calculated based on the number of days that the servicing agreement has been in effect. In addition, the servicer shall be entitled to be reimbursed by us for filing fees and fees and expenses for printing, attorneys, accountings, and other professional services incurred to meet our obligations under the basic documents. The servicing fee for the securitized utility tariff bonds will be subject to the priority of payments as described under “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—How Funds in the Collection Account Will Be Allocated” in this prospectus. The servicing fee for the securitized utility tariff bonds will be paid prior to the payment of or provision for any amounts in respect of interest on and principal of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Atmos Energy’s Representations and Warranties as Servicer

In the servicing agreement, the servicer will represent and warrant to us and the Kansas commission (for the benefit of customers), as of the issuance date of the securitized utility tariff bonds or as of such other dates as expressly provided below, among other things, that:

• the servicer is duly organized, validly existing and is in good standing under the laws of the states of its organization (which are Texas and Virginia, when Atmos Energy is the servicer), with the requisite power and authority to (i) own its properties as such properties are owned on the issuance date, (ii) to conduct its business as such is conducted by on the issuance date, (iii) to service the securitized utility tariff property and hold the records related to the securitized utility tariff property, and (iv) to execute, deliver and carry out the terms of the servicing agreement;

• the servicer is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing, and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals, in all jurisdictions in the ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business (including the servicing of the securitized utility tariff property as required by the servicing agreement) requires such qualifications, licenses or approvals (except where a failure to qualify would not be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the servicer’s business, operations, assets, revenues or properties or to its servicing of the securitized utility tariff property);

• the servicer’s execution, delivery and performance of the terms of the servicing agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the servicer under its organizational or governing documents and laws;

• the servicing agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the servicer, enforceable against the servicer in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and certain equitable principles (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

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• the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the servicing agreement do not conflict in any material respect with, or result in any breach of, or constitute a default under, in any material respect, the servicer’s organizational documents, or any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which the servicer is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound, result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon the servicer’s properties (other than any lien that may be granted under the basic documents) or violate in any material respect any law or any existing order, rule or regulation applicable to the servicer;

• there are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to the servicer’s knowledge, threatened against the servicer before any court, federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental instrumentality having jurisdiction over the servicer or its properties, seeking to prevent the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the servicing agreement or any of the other basic documents, or, if applicable, any supplement to the indenture or amendment to the sale agreement, seeking any determination or ruling that might materially and adversely affect the performance by the servicer of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability against the servicer of, the servicing agreement or any of the other basic documents, or relating to the servicer and that might materially and adversely affect the treatment of the securitized utility tariff bonds for federal or state income, gross receipts or franchise tax purposes, no governmental approvals, authorizations, consents, orders or other actions or filings with any governmental authority are required for the servicer to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the servicing agreement except those that have previously been obtained or made, those that are required to be made by the servicer in the future and those that the servicer may need to file in the future to continue the effectiveness of any financing statements; and

• each report and certificate delivered in connection with any filing made with the Kansas commission by the servicer on our behalf with respect to the securitized utility tariff charges or true-up adjustments will constitute a representation and warranty by the servicer that such report or certificate, as the case may be, is true and correct in all material respects, and to the extent that such report is based upon or contains assumptions, forecasts or other predictions of future events, the representation and warranty of the servicer with respect thereto will be limited to the representation and warranty that such assumptions, forecasts or other predictions of future events are reasonable based upon historical performance and the facts known to a responsible officer of the servicer on the date such report or certificate is delivered.

The servicer is not responsible for any decision, ruling, action or delay of the Kansas commission, except those caused by the servicer’s failure to file required applications in a timely and correct manner or other breach of its duties under the servicing agreement. The servicer also is not liable for the calculation of the securitized utility tariff charges and adjustments, including any inaccuracy in the assumptions made in the calculation, so long as the servicer has acted in good faith and has not acted in a grossly negligent manner.

The Servicer Will Indemnify Us, Other Entities and the Kansas Commission in Limited Circumstances

Under the servicing agreement, the servicer shall indemnify for, and defend and hold harmless, us, the trustee (for itself and for the benefit of the securitized utility tariff bondholders), the independent manager and each of their respective trustees, officers, directors, employees and agents for such persons from and against any and all reasonable costs, reasonable expenses, obligations, payments, claims, losses, damages and liabilities of any kind whatsoever imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such person as a result of:

• the servicer’s willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of, or reckless disregard of, its duties or observance of its covenants under the servicing agreement;

• the servicer’s material breach of any of its representations or warranties that results in a servicer default under the servicing agreement;

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• litigation and related expenses relating to the servicer’s status and obligations as servicer (other than any proceedings the servicer is required to institute under the servicing agreement); and

• the costs and expenses (including legal costs and expenses) of enforcing the indemnification obligations of the servicer.

The servicer will not be liable to any such party, however, for any reasonable costs, reasonable expenses, obligations, payments, claims, losses, damages and liabilities of any kind whatsoever, resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of the party seeking indemnification.

The servicer will also credit its retail customers to the extent there are higher securitized utility tariff charges, including higher servicing fees payable to a successor servicer, because of the servicer’s negligence, recklessness, willful misconduct or termination of the servicing agreement for cause, provided that any such credit shall not impact the securitized utility tariff charges or the securitized utility tariff property.

Limitation on Liability of Servicer and Others

Except as expressly provided in the servicing agreement, neither the servicer, nor any of its directors, officers, employees and agents will be liable to us or any other person for any action taken or for refraining from taking any action pursuant to the servicing agreement or for good faith errors in judgment. However, the servicer and any such person shall not be protected against any liability that would otherwise be imposed by reason of gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct in the performance of duties or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties under the servicing agreement. The servicer and any of its directors, officers, employees or agents may rely in good faith on the advice of counsel or on any document, prima facie properly executed and submitted by any person respecting any matters under the servicing agreement. In addition, the servicing agreement will provide that the servicer is under no obligation to appear in, prosecute, or defend any legal action, except as provided in the servicing agreement.

The Servicer Will Provide Statements to Us, the Kansas Commission and the Trustee

Not later than five business days prior to each payment date or special payment date, the servicer will deliver a written report to us, the Kansas commission, the trustee and the rating agencies, which shall include all of the following information, to the extent applicable and including any other information as so specified in the series supplement, as to the securitized utility tariff bonds with respect to such payment date or special payment date or the period since the previous payment date, as appliable:

• the securitized utility tariff bond balance and the projected securitized utility tariff bond balance as of the immediately preceding payment date;

• the amount on deposit in the capital subaccount and the excess funds subaccount and the amount required to be on deposit in the capital subaccount as of the immediately preceding payment date;

• the amount of the payment to securitized utility tariff bondholders allocable to principal, if any;

• the amount of the payment to securitized utility tariff bondholders allocable to interest;

• the aggregate outstanding amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds, before and after giving effect to any payments allocated to principal reported as above;

• the difference, if any, between the aggregate outstanding amount provided above and the outstanding amount specified in the expected amortization schedule;

• any other transfers and payments to be made on such payment date or special payment date, including amounts paid to the trustee or to the servicer; and

• the servicer’s projection of the amount on deposit in the excess funds subaccount for the payment date immediately preceding the next succeeding adjustment date.

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The Servicer Will Provide Assessments Concerning Compliance with the Servicing Agreement

The servicing agreement will provide that the servicer will furnish annually to us, the Kansas commission, the trustee and the rating agencies, on or before December 31 of each year, commencing in 2023, to and including the December 31 succeeding the final maturity date of the securitized utility tariff bonds, certificates by an officer of the servicer (a) containing and certifying statements of compliance required by Item 1123 of Regulation AB of the SEC and (b) containing and certifying its statements and assessment of compliance with specified servicing criteria as required by Item 1122(a) of Regulation AB of the SEC, as then in effect, during the preceding 12 months ended December 31 (or preceding period since the closing date of the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds in the case of the first statement), including a statement that to the best of such officer’s knowledge, the servicer has fulfilled its obligations under the servicing agreement for the preceding calendar year, or the relevant portion thereof, or, if there has been a default in the fulfillment of any relevant obligation, stating that there has been a default and describing each default. The servicer has agreed to give us, the Kansas commission, each rating agency and the trustee written notice of any servicer default under the servicing agreement.

The servicing agreement will provide that a firm of independent certified public accountants will furnish to us, the Kansas commission, the trustee and the rating agencies, on or before the earlier of (i) December 31 of each year, beginning December 31, 2023, to and including the December 31 succeeding the retirement of all securitized utility tariff bonds or (ii) with respect to each calendar year during which the sponsor’s annual report on Form 10-K is required to be filed in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the date on which such annual report on Form 10-K is required to be filed in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, a report addressed to the servicer regarding the servicer’s assessment of compliance with the servicing criteria set forth in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB during the immediately preceding twelve months ended December 31 (or, in the case of the first annual accountant’s report to be delivered on or before December 31, 2023, the period of time from the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds until December 31, 2023), in accordance with paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-18 and Rule 15d-18 of the Exchange Act and Item 1122 of Regulation AB, identifying the results of such procedures and including any exceptions noted. This report, which is referred to in this prospectus as the “annual accountant’s report,” will state that the accounting firm has performed certain procedures, agreed between the servicer and such accountants, in connection with the servicer’s compliance with its obligations under the sale agreement during the preceding calendar year, identifying the results of the procedures and including any exceptions to the procedures relating to the servicing of the securitized utility tariff property.

Matters Regarding Atmos Energy as the Servicer

Atmos Energy shall not resign from its obligation and duties as servicer under the servicing agreement except upon a determination that its performance of its duties shall no longer be permissible under the applicable requirements of law. Notice of such determination permitting such resignation will be communicated to us, the Kansas commission, the trustee and each rating agency at the earliest practicable time, and any such determination shall be evidenced by an opinion of counsel to such effect. No such resignation shall become effective until a successor servicer has been approved by the Kansas commission and has assumed the servicing obligations and duties of the servicer in accordance with the servicing agreement.

The obligations to continue to provide service and to collect and account for securitized utility tariff charges will be binding upon the servicer, any successor and any other entity that provides natural gas distribution services to a person that is a Kansas retail customer of Atmos Energy or any successor so long as the securitized utility tariff charges have not been fully collected and remitted. Under the servicing agreement, any person:

• into which the servicer may be merged, converted or consolidated;

• that may result from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the servicer shall be a party; or

• that may succeed to the properties and assets of the servicer substantially as a whole;

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shall be the successor to the servicer under the servicing agreement without further act on the part of the parties under that agreement, provided however, that certain conditions are met and that such person executed an agreement of assumption to perform all of the obligations of the servicer. These conditions include the following:

• immediately after giving effect to such transaction referred to above, no representation or warranty made by the servicer in the servicing agreement shall have been breached and no servicer default and no event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a servicer default, will have occurred and be continuing;

• an officers’ certificate and opinions of counsel from external counsel will have been delivered to us, the Kansas commission and the trustee stating that the transaction referred to above and such agreement of assumption referred to above complies with the servicing agreement and all conditions to transfer under the servicing agreement;

• the servicer shall have delivered to us, the Kansas commission, the trustee and the ratings agencies an opinion of counsel from external counsel of the servicer either stating that (i) in the opinion of such counsel, all filings to be made by the servicer, including filings with the Kansas commission pursuant to the Securitization Act and the Kansas UCC, have been executed and filed and are in full force and effect that are necessary to fully preserve, perfect and maintain the our priority interests and the liens of the trustee in the securitized utility tariff property and reciting the details of such filings or (ii) in the opinion of such counsel, no such action shall be necessary to preserve and protect such interests;

• the servicer has delivered to us, the Kansas commission, the trustee and the rating agencies a no material adverse tax change opinion of independent tax counsel regarding such transfer; and

• prior written notice will have been received by the rating agencies.

The servicing agreement will permit the servicer to appoint any person to perform any or all of its obligations under the servicing agreement. However, unless the appointed person is an affiliate of Atmos Energy, the appointment must satisfy the rating agency condition. In all cases where an agent is appointed, the servicer will remain obligated and liable under the servicing agreement.

Events Constituting a Default by the Servicer

Servicer defaults under the servicing agreement will include, among other things:

• any failure by the servicer to remit to the collection account, on our behalf, any remittance required to be remitted pursuant to the servicing agreement that continues unremedied for five servicer business days after written notice of such failure is received by the servicer from us or from the trustee or after actual knowledge of such failure by a responsible officer of the servicer;

• any failure in any material respect by the servicer to duly observe or perform its obligations to make securitized utility tariff charge adjustment filings in the time and manner set forth in the servicing agreement, which failure continues unremedied for a period of five business days;

• any failure on the part of the servicer or, so long as the servicer is Atmos Energy or an affiliate thereof, any failure on the part of Atmos Energy, as the case may be, duly to observe or to perform, in any material respect, any covenant or agreement of the servicer set forth in the servicing agreement or any other basic document to which it is a party, which failure materially and adversely affects the holders and continues unremedied for 60 days after written notice of this failure has been given to the servicer by us, the Kansas commission or the trustee or after this failure is actually known by a responsible officer of the servicer, as the case may be;

• any representation or warranty made by the servicer in the servicing agreement or any other basic document proves to have been incorrect in a material respect when made, which has a material adverse effect on holders and which continues unremedied for 60 days after written notice of this failure,

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requiring the same to be remedied, has been given to the servicer by us or the trustee or such failure is discovered by a responsible officer of the servicer, as the case may be; or

• certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation of the servicer.

The Trustee’s Rights if the Servicer Defaults

In the event a servicer default under the servicing agreement remains unremedied, the trustee acting under the indenture may, or upon the instruction of (i) the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds or (ii) the Kansas commission, shall, by written notice to the servicer, terminate all the rights and obligations of the servicer under the servicing agreement, other than the servicer’s indemnification obligation and obligation to continue performing its functions as servicer until a successor servicer is appointed. Under the servicing agreement, the servicer’s indemnity obligations to us, the trustee and the independent manager will survive its replacement as servicer. After the termination of the responsibilities and rights of the predecessor servicer as described above, the trustee will appoint a successor servicer who will succeed to all the rights and duties of the servicer under the servicing agreement and will be entitled to similar compensation arrangements. The predecessor servicer shall, on an ongoing basis, cooperate with us and successor servicer and provide whatever information is, and take whatever actions are, reasonably necessary to assist the successor servicer in performing its obligations hereunder.

In addition, when a servicer defaults, the bondholders of the securitized utility tariff bonds (subject to the provisions of the Indenture) and the trustee as beneficiary of any lien permitted by the Securitization Act will be entitled to apply to the Kansas commission or a court of appropriate jurisdiction for an order of sequestration and payment of revenues arising from the applicable securitized utility tariff property. Upon a servicer default based upon the commencement of a case by or against the servicer under the bankruptcy or insolvency laws, the trustee may be prevented from effecting a transfer of servicing. Please read “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential bankruptcy proceedings of the seller or the servicer” and “HOW A BANKRUPTCY MAY AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT” in this prospectus. The trustee may appoint, at the written direction of the securitized utility tariff bondholders evidencing a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds, or petition a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of, a successor servicer which satisfies criteria specified by the rating agencies rating the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Waiver of Past Defaults

The trustee, with the written consent of the securitized utility tariff bondholders evidencing a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding securitized utility tariff bonds, may waive in writing any default by the servicer in the performance of its obligations under the servicing agreement and its consequences, except a default in making any required deposits to the collection account in accordance with the servicing agreement. The servicing agreement provides that no waiver will impair the securitized utility tariff bondholders’ rights relating to subsequent defaults.

The Replacement of Atmos Energy as Servicer with a Successor Servicer

Upon the event of default by the servicer under the servicing agreement relating to the servicer’s performance of its servicing functions with respect to the securitized utility tariff charges, Atmos Energy may be replaced as the servicer under the terms of the servicing agreement with our prior written consent (which we shall not unreasonably withhold). The successor servicer shall not begin providing service until (i) the Kansas commission approves the appointment of such successor servicer or (ii) the Kansas commission does not act to either approve or disapprove the appointment of the successor servicer within 60 days after notice of appointment of the successor servicer is provided to the Kansas commission. Additionally, no entity may replace Atmos Energy as the servicer if the replacement would cause any of the then-current credit ratings of the securitized utility tariff bonds to be suspended, withdrawn, or downgraded. To the extent a higher servicing fee is caused by

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the appointment of a successor servicer not affiliated with Atmos Energy due to the negligence, recklessness, willful misconduct or termination of the servicing agreement for cause of Atmos Energy or an affiliate of Atmos Energy, the servicing agreement provides that Atmos Energy shall bear the increased portion, and not its customers.

The Obligations of a Successor Servicer

Pursuant to the provisions of the servicing agreement, if for any reason a third party assumes or succeeds to the role of the servicer under the servicing agreement, the servicing agreement will require the predecessor servicer to cooperate with us, the trustee and the successor servicer in terminating the predecessor servicer’s rights and responsibilities under the servicing agreement, including the transfer to the successor servicer of all documentation pertaining to the securitized utility tariff property and all cash amounts then held by the predecessor servicer for remittance or subsequently acquired by the predecessor servicer. The servicing agreement will provide that the predecessor servicer will be liable for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in transferring servicing responsibilities to the successor servicer in the event the successor servicer is appointed as a result of a servicer default. In all other cases, those costs and expenses will be paid by the party incurring them. A successor servicer may resign only if it is prohibited from serving as servicer pursuant to the servicing agreement by applicable law. The predecessor servicer is obligated, for a period of two calendar years following termination of such predecessor servicer, to cooperate with us and the successor servicer and provide whatever information is, and take whatever commercially reasonable actions are, reasonably necessary to assist the successor servicer in performing its obligations under the servicing agreement.

Amendment

The servicing agreement may be amended in writing by the parties thereto, provided that the rating agency condition has been satisfied, the trustee has consented and, with respect to amendments that would increase ongoing financing costs, the prior approval of the Kansas commission. An amendment that requires the prior approval of the Kansas commission is subject to the objection of the Kansas commission within a 30-day period and subject to the conditions set forth in the servicing agreement. We will notify the rating agencies promptly after the execution of any such amendment.

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HOW A BANKRUPTCY MAY AFFECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Challenge to True Sale Treatment. Atmos Energy will represent and warrant that the transfer of the securitized utility tariff property in accordance with the sale agreement constitutes a true and valid sale and assignment of the securitized utility tariff property by Atmos Energy to us. It will be a condition of closing for the sale of the securitized utility tariff property pursuant to the sale agreement that Atmos Energy will take the appropriate actions under the Securitization Act, including filing a notice of transfer of an interest in the securitized utility tariff property, to perfect this sale. The Securitization Act provides that a transfer of securitized utility tariff property by a utility to an assignee which the parties have in the governing documentation expressly stated to be a sale or other absolute transfer, in a transaction approved in a financing order, shall be treated as an absolute transfer of all the transferor’s right, title and interest, as a “true sale” under applicable creditors’ rights principles, and not as a pledge or other financing, of the relevant securitized utility tariff property. The sale agreement provides that we and Atmos Energy will treat such a transaction as a sale under applicable law. However, we expect that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be reflected as debt on Atmos Energy’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, we anticipate that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be treated as debt of Atmos Energy for federal income tax purposes. See “THE SECURITIZATION ACT—Atmos Energy May Securitize Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Related Upfront and Ongoing Financing Costs” and “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.” In the event of a bankruptcy of a party to the sale agreement, if a party in interest in the bankruptcy were to take the position that the transfer of the securitized utility tariff property to us pursuant to that sale agreement was a financing transaction and not a true sale under applicable creditors’ rights principles, there can be no assurance that a court would not adopt this position. Even if a court did not ultimately recharacterize the transaction as a financing transaction, the mere commencement of a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy and the attendant possible uncertainty surrounding the treatment of the transaction could result in delays in payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

In that regard, we note that the bankruptcy court in In re: LTV Steel Company, Inc., et al., 274 B.R. 278 (Bankr. N. D. Oh. 2001) issued an interim order that observed that a debtor, LTV Steel Company, which had previously entered into securitization arrangements with respect both to its inventory and its accounts receivable may have “at least some equitable interest in the inventory and receivables, and that this interest is property of the Debtor’s estate... sufficient to support the entry of” an interim order permitting the debtor to use proceeds of the property sold in the securitization. 274 B.R. at 285. The court based its decision in large part on its view of the equities of the case.

LTV and the securitization investors subsequently settled their dispute over the terms of the interim order and the bankruptcy court entered a final order in which the parties admitted and the court found that the pre-petition transactions constituted “true sales.” The court did not otherwise overrule its earlier ruling. The LTV memorandum opinion serves as an example of the pervasive equity powers of bankruptcy courts and the importance that such courts may ascribe to the goal of reorganization, particularly where the assets sold are integral to the ongoing operation of the debtor’s business.

Even if no creditor challenges the sale of securitized utility tariff property to us as a true sale, a bankruptcy filing by Atmos Energy could trigger a bankruptcy filing by the issuing entity with similar negative consequences for bondholders. In a recent bankruptcy case, In re General Growth Properties, Inc., 406 B.R. 171 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2009), General Growth Properties, Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection, along with many of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Those subsidiaries included many entities that had been organized as special purpose vehicles. The bankruptcy court upheld the validity of the filings of these special purpose subsidiaries as bankruptcy debtors and allowed the subsidiaries, over the objections of their own creditors, to use the creditors’ cash collateral to fund loans to the parent debtor, General Growth Properties, Inc., for its general corporate purposes. The creditors received court-determined adequate protection in the form of current interest payments and replacement liens to mitigate any diminution in value resulting from the use of the cash collateral, but the opinion serves as a reminder that bankruptcy courts may subordinate legal rights of creditors to the interests of facilitation of the reorganization of a debtor.

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We and Atmos Energy have attempted to mitigate the impact of a possible recharacterization of a sale of securitized utility tariff property as a financing transaction under applicable creditors’ rights principles. This does not, however, eliminate the risk of payment delays or losses and other adverse effects caused by an Atmos Energy bankruptcy. Further, if, for any reason, a securitized utility tariff property notice is not filed under the Securitization Act or we fail to otherwise perfect our interest in the securitized utility tariff property, and the transfer is thereafter deemed not to constitute a true sale, we would be an unsecured creditor of Atmos Energy.

The Securitization Act provides that the creation, granting, perfection and enforcement of liens and security interests in the securitized utility tariff property are governed by the Securitization Act and not by the Kansas UCC (except, as to perfection, with respect to the filing of financing statements in places specified in the Kansas UCC and to conformity of the form of financing statements with provisions of the Kansas UCC). Under the Securitization Act, a valid and enforceable consensual security interest in the securitized utility tariff property may be created only by the execution and delivery of a security agreement with a securitized utility tariff bondholder or a trustee or agent for the holder that refers to the specific financing order that created the securitized utility tariff property. The Securitization Act provides that the security interest attaches automatically from the time value is received for the securitized utility tariff bonds. The Securitization Act provides that upon perfection through the filing of notice with the Kansas Secretary of State pursuant to rules established by the Secretary of State of Kansas, the security interest shall be a continuously perfected lien and security interest in the securitized utility tariff property, with priority in the order of filing and take precedence over any subsequent judicial or other lien creditor. The Securitization Act provides that the security interest will be perfected as of the date of filing.

None of this, however, eliminates the risk of payment delays, losses and other adverse effects caused by an Atmos Energy bankruptcy. Further, if, for any reason, a securitized utility tariff property notice is not filed under the Securitization Act or we fail to otherwise perfect our interest in the securitized utility tariff property sold pursuant to the sale agreement, and the transfer is thereafter deemed not to constitute a true sale, we would be an unsecured creditor of Atmos Energy.

Consolidation of Atmos Energy and Us. If Atmos were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, a party in interest might attempt to substantively consolidate the assets and liabilities of Atmos Energy and us. We and Atmos Energy have taken steps to attempt to minimize this risk. Please read “ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC, THE ISSUING ENTITY” in this prospectus. However, no assurance can be given that if Atmos Energy were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, a court would not order that our assets and liabilities be substantively consolidated with those of Atmos Energy. Substantive consolidation would result in payment of the claims of the beneficial owners of the securitized utility tariff bonds to be subject to substantial delay and potentially to adjustment in timing and/or amount.

Status of Securitized Utility Tariff Property as Current Property. Atmos Energy will represent in the sale agreement, and the Securitization Act provides, that the securitized utility tariff property sold pursuant to the sale agreement constitutes a present contract right. Nevertheless, no assurance can be given that, in the event of a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy, a court would not rule that the securitized utility tariff property comes into existence only as Atmos Energy’s customers use natural gas.

If a court were to accept the argument that the securitized utility tariff property comes into existence only as Atmos Energy’s customers use natural gas, no assurance can be given that a security interest in favor of the bondholders of the securitized utility tariff bonds would attach to the securitized utility tariff charges in respect of natural gas consumed after the commencement of the bankruptcy case or that the securitized utility tariff property has been sold to us. If it were determined that the securitized utility tariff property had not been sold to us, and the security interest in favor of the securitized utility tariff bondholders did not attach to the securitized utility tariff charges in respect of natural gas consumed after the commencement of the bankruptcy case, then we would have an unsecured claim against Atmos Energy. If so, there would be delays and/or reductions in payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds. Whether or not a court determined that securitized utility tariff property had

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been sold to us pursuant to the sale agreement, no assurances can be given that a court would not rule that any securitized utility tariff charges relating to natural gas consumed after the commencement of the bankruptcy could not be transferred to us or the trustee.

In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy, a party in interest in the bankruptcy could assert that we should pay, or that we should be charged for, a portion of Atmos Energy’s costs associated with the natural gas, consumption of which gave rise to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge receipts used to make payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Regardless of whether Atmos Energy is the debtor in a bankruptcy case, if a court were to accept the argument that the securitized utility tariff property sold pursuant to the sale agreement comes into existence only as customers use natural gas, a tax or government lien or other nonconsensual lien on property of Atmos Energy arising before the securitized utility tariff property came into existence could have priority over our interest in the securitized utility tariff property. Adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges may be available to mitigate this exposure, although there may be delays in implementing these adjustments.

Estimation of Claims; Challenges to Indemnity Claims. If Atmos Energy were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, claims, including indemnity claims, by us or the trustee against Atmos Energy as seller under the sale agreement and the other documents executed in connection therewith could be unsecured claims and would be subject to being discharged in the bankruptcy case. In addition, a party in interest in the bankruptcy may request that the bankruptcy court estimate any contingent claims that we or the trustee have against Atmos Energy. That party may then take the position that these claims should be estimated at zero or at a low amount because the contingency giving rise to these claims is unlikely to occur. If a court were to hold that the indemnity provisions were unenforceable, we would be left with a claim for actual damages against Atmos Energy based on breach of contract principles. The actual amount of these damages would be subject to estimation and/or calculation by the court.

No assurances can be given as to the result of any of the above-described actions or claims. Furthermore, no assurance can be given as to what percentage of their claims, if any, unsecured creditors would receive in any bankruptcy proceeding involving Atmos Energy.

Enforcement of Rights By the Trustee. Upon an event of default under the Indenture, the Securitization Act permits the trustee to enforce the security interest in the securitized utility tariff property sold pursuant to the sale agreement in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. In this capacity, the trustee is permitted to request the Kansas commission or the 10th Judicial District, District Court of Johnson County, Kansas to order the sequestration and payment to holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds of all revenues arising from the securitized utility tariff charges. There can be no assurance, however, that the Kansas commission or a court would issue such an order, including if seller is a debtor in bankruptcy in light of the automatic stay provisions of Section 362 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In that event, the trustee may under the Indenture seek an order from the bankruptcy court lifting the automatic stay with respect to this action by the Kansas commission or a court and an order requiring an accounting and segregation of the revenues arising from the securitized utility tariff property sold pursuant to the sale agreement. There can be no assurance that a court would grant either order.

Bankruptcy of the Servicer. The servicer is entitled to commingle the securitized utility tariff charges that it receives with its own funds until each date on which the servicer is required to remit funds to the trustee as specified in the servicing agreement. The Securitization Act provides that the relative priority of a lien created under the Securitization Act is not defeated or adversely affected by the commingling of securitized utility tariff charges arising with respect to the securitized utility tariff property with funds of the natural gas utility. In the event of a bankruptcy of the servicer, a party in interest in the bankruptcy might assert, and a court might rule, that the securitized utility tariff charges commingled by the servicer with its own funds and held by the servicer, prior to and as of the date of bankruptcy were property of the servicer as of that date, and are therefore property

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of the servicer’s bankruptcy estate, rather than our property. If the court so rules, then the court could rule that the trustee has only a general unsecured claim against the servicer for the amount of commingled securitized utility tariff charges held as of that date and could not recover the commingled securitized utility tariff charges held as of the date of the bankruptcy.

However the court rules on the ownership of the commingled securitized utility tariff charges, the automatic stay arising upon the bankruptcy of the servicer could delay the trustee from receiving the commingled securitized utility tariff charges held by the servicer as of the date of the bankruptcy until the court grants relief from the stay. A court ruling on any request for relief from the stay could be delayed pending the court’s resolution of whether the commingled securitized utility tariff charges are our property or are property of the servicer, including resolution of any tracing of proceeds issues.

The servicing agreement will provide that the trustee, as our assignee, together with the other persons specified therein, may vote to appoint a successor servicer that satisfies the rating agency condition. The servicing agreement will also provide that the trustee, together with the other persons specified therein, may petition the Kansas commission or a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor servicer that meets this criterion. However, the automatic stay in effect during a servicer bankruptcy might delay or prevent a successor servicer’s replacement of the servicer. Even if a successor servicer may be appointed and may replace the servicer, a successor may be difficult to obtain and may not be capable of performing all of the duties that Atmos Energy as servicer was capable of performing. Furthermore, should the servicer enter into bankruptcy, it may be permitted to stop acting as the servicer.

Bankruptcy of Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy is not required to segregate the securitized utility tariff charges it collects from its general funds. The Securitization Act provides that our rights to the securitized utility tariff property are not affected by the commingling of these funds with other funds. In a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy, however, a bankruptcy court might rule that federal bankruptcy law takes precedence over the Securitization Act and does not recognize our right to receive the collected securitized utility tariff charges that are commingled with other funds of Atmos Energy prior to or as of the date of bankruptcy, including securitized utility tariff charges associated with another series of securitized utility tariff bonds. If so, the collected securitized utility tariff charges held by Atmos as of the date of bankruptcy would not be available to us to pay amounts owed on the securitized utility tariff bonds. In this case, we would have only a general unsecured claim against Atmos Energy for those amounts.

In addition, the bankruptcy of Atmos Energy may cause a delay in or prohibition of enforcement of various rights against Atmos, including rights to require payments by Atmos Energy, rights to require Atmos Energy to comply with financial provisions of the Securitization Act or other state laws, rights to terminate contracts with Atmos Energy and rights that are conditioned on the bankruptcy, insolvency or financial condition of Atmos Energy. Such a bankruptcy also may give rise to potential preference claims related to certain payments by Atmos Energy.

Other risks relating to bankruptcy may be found in “RISK FACTORS—Risks associated with potential bankruptcy proceedings of the seller or the servicer.”

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Upon the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds to pay to Atmos Energy the purchase price of Atmos Energy’s rights under the financing order, which are the securitized utility tariff property.

Atmos Energy will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff property (after payment of upfront financing costs) to recover, finance or refinance the qualified extraordinary costs of Atmos Energy as approved by the Kansas commission. Atmos Energy’s qualified extraordinary costs are currently estimated to be approximately $118.5 million (including financing costs) and are related to Winter Storm Uri.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Subject to the terms and conditions in the underwriting agreement among us, Atmos Energy and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as sole underwriter, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase, the principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds listed opposite its name below:

Underwriter	Tranche A
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC	$

Under the underwriting agreement, the underwriter will take and pay for all of the securitized utility tariff bonds we offer, if any is taken.

The Underwriter’s Sales Price for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

The securitized utility tariff bonds sold by the underwriter to the public will be initially offered at the prices to the public set forth on the cover of this prospectus. The underwriter proposes initially to offer the securitized utility tariff bonds to dealers at such prices, less a selling concession not to exceed the percentage listed below. The underwriter may allow, and dealers may reallow, a discount not to exceed the percentage listed below.

	Selling Concession		Reallowance Discount
Tranche A		%		%

After the initial public offering, the public offering price, selling concession and reallowance discount may change.

No Assurance as to Resale Price or Resale Liquidity for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

The securitized utility tariff bonds are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. They will not be listed on any securities exchange. The underwriter has advised us that it intends to make a market in the securitized utility tariff bonds, but it is not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. We cannot assure you that a liquid trading market will develop for the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Various Types of Underwriter Transactions that May Affect the Price of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

The underwriter may engage in overallotment transactions, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids with respect to the securitized utility tariff bonds in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Overallotment transactions involve syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which create a syndicate short position. Stabilizing transactions are bids to purchase the securitized utility tariff bonds, which are permitted, so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specific maximum price. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securitized utility tariff bonds in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securitized utility tariff bonds originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction. These overallotment transactions, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the prices of the securitized utility tariff bonds to be higher than they would otherwise be. Neither we, Atmos Energy, the trustee, our managers nor the underwriter represents that the underwriter will engage in any of these transactions or that these transactions, if commenced, will not be discontinued without notice at any time.

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The underwriter and its affiliates have in the past provided, and may in the future from time to time provide, investment banking and general financing and banking services to Atmos Energy and its affiliates for which they have in the past received, and in the future may receive, customary fees. In addition, the underwriter may from time to time take positions in the securitized utility tariff bonds.

We estimate that the registrants’ total expenses of the offering will be approximately $3.0 million.

We and Atmos Energy have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

The underwriter is offering the securitized utility tariff bonds, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters, including the validity of the securitized utility tariff bonds and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt of ratings confirmations, officers’ certificates and legal opinions. The underwriter reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject offers in whole or in part.

We expect to deliver the securitized utility tariff bonds against payment for the securitized utility tariff bonds on or about the date specified in the last paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus, which will be the                  business day following the date of pricing of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Since trades in the secondary market generally settle in two business days, purchasers who wish to trade securitized utility tariff bonds on the date of pricing or the succeeding                 business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the securitized utility tariff bonds initially will settle in T +                  , to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

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AFFILIATIONS AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy, the sponsor, the initial servicer and the depositor may maintain other banking relationships in the ordinary course with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, the trustee.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

General

The following is a general discussion of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Except as specifically provided below with respect to non-U.S. holders (as defined below), this discussion does not address the tax consequences to persons other than initial purchasers who are U.S. holders (as defined below) that acquire securitized utility tariff bonds at original issue for cash equal to the issue price of those bonds and hold their securitized utility tariff bonds as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code, and it does not address all of the tax consequences relevant to investors that are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (e.g., life insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, dealers in securities, S corporations, taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, broker-dealers, persons who hold the securitized utility tariff bonds as part of a hedge, straddle, “synthetic security” or other integrated investment, risk reduction or constructive sale transaction and persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to the notes as a result of such income being recognized on an “applicable financial statement” (within the meaning of Section 451(b) of the Code)). This discussion also does not address U.S. federal taxes other than income tax or the consequences to holders of the securitized utility tariff bonds under state, local or foreign tax laws. Please read “MATERIAL KANSAS INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” in this prospectus. However, by acquiring a securitized utility tariff bond, a holder agrees to treat the securitized utility tariff bond as a debt of Atmos Energy to the extent consistent with applicable state, local and other tax law unless otherwise required by appropriate taxing authorities.

This summary is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated and proposed thereunder, judicial decisions and published administrative rulings and pronouncements of the IRS and interpretations thereof. All of these authorities and interpretations are subject to change, and any change may apply retroactively and affect the accuracy of the opinions, statements and conclusions set forth in this discussion. We have not, and do not intend to seek, any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and conclusions reached in this summary.

U.S. Holder and Non-U.S. Holder Defined

A “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of a securitized utility tariff bond that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if (A) a court in the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a United States person. A “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of a securitized utility tariff bond that is not a U.S. holder but does not include (i) an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) a former citizen of the United States, or (iii) a former resident of the United States.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a holder of a securitized utility tariff bond, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners are encouraged to consult their tax advisors about the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them. Similarly, former citizens and former residents of the United States are encouraged to consult their tax advisors about the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to them.

ALL PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISERS REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND

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DISPOSING OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AS WELL AS THE EFFECT OF ANY FOREIGN, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER LAWS.

Taxation of the Issuing Entity and Characterization of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Based upon Revenue Procedure 2005-62 and certain representations from us, including a representation by us that we will not make, or allow there to be made, any election to the contrary, Sidley Austin LLP expects to render its opinion that for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) the issuing entity will not be treated as a taxable entity separate and apart from our sole member, Atmos Energy, and (ii) the securitized utility tariff bonds will constitute indebtedness of Atmos. This opinion is based on certain representations made by us and Atmos Energy, on the application of current law to the facts as established by the Indenture and other relevant documents and assumes compliance with the Indenture and such other documents as in effect on the date of issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders

Payments of Interest.

Interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds will be taxable as ordinary interest income when received or accrued by U.S. holders, depending upon their method of accounting. This discussion assumes that the securitized utility tariff bonds will not be considered to be issued with original issue discount (“OID”). OID is generally defined as any excess of the stated price the U.S. holder will receive upon redemption of the bond at the bond’s maturity, less the price the U.S. holder pays to purchase the bond, if this difference is equal to or greater than a de minimis amount. If the securitized utility tariff bonds are issued with OID, prospective U.S. holders will be so informed in the related prospectus and should thereafter consult their tax adviser to determine the federal, state, local and foreign income and any other tax consequences.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

If there is a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a securitized utility tariff bond, a U.S. holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any other property received (other than amounts attributable to, and taxable as, accrued stated interest), and (b) the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the securitized utility tariff bond. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in a securitized utility tariff bond generally will equal its cost, reduced by any payments reflecting principal previously received with respect to the bond. Gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss if the securitized utility tariff bond is held as a capital asset and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the securitized utility tariff bond was held for more than one year at the time of disposition. If a U.S. holder sells a securitized utility tariff bond between interest payment dates, a portion of the amount received will reflect interest that has accrued on the securitized utility tariff bond but that has not yet been paid by the sale date and, to the extent that amount has not already been included in the U.S. holder’s income, it will be treated as ordinary interest income and not as capital gain.

3.8% Tax on “Net Investment Income”

Certain U.S. holders will be subject to an additional 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which may include the interest payments and any taxable gain realized with respect to a securitized utility tariff bond subject to certain limitations and exceptions. U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors with respect to this tax.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of stated interest and the proceeds of a disposition of securitized utility tariff bonds may be reported to the IRS. These information reporting requirements do not apply with respect to certain exempt U.S. holders, such as corporations, that have certified to that status as required.

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Backup withholding may apply to payments of the foregoing amounts, unless a U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with its taxpayer identification number, certified under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information, or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding will also apply if a U.S. holder is notified by the IRS that the U.S. holder is subject to backup withholding because of its failure to report payment of interest and dividends properly, or if the U.S. holder otherwise fails to comply with the applicable backup withholding rules.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and may entitle a U.S. holder to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

Withholding Tax on Interest Payments

Subject to the discussion below (see “—Reporting and Backup Withholding” and “—The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act”), payments of interest income on the securitized utility tariff bonds to a non-U.S. holder generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income and withholding tax under the “portfolio interest” exemption if the interest is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. holder properly certifies as to its non-U.S. status, as described below, and the non-U.S. holder:

• does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of Atmos Energy stock that are entitled to vote;

• is not a bank whose receipt of interest is in connection with an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

• is not a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is related to us or Atmos Energy actually or constructively.

The portfolio interest exemption applies only if the non-U.S. holder appropriately certifies as to its non-U.S. status to the applicable withholding agent and that withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the non-U.S. holder in fact a United States person. A holder generally can meet this certification requirement by providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or appropriate substitute or successor form) to the applicable withholding agent. If the non-U.S. holder holds the securitized utility tariff bonds through a financial institution or other agent acting on its behalf, it may be required to provide appropriate certifications to its agent. The agent then generally will be required to provide appropriate certifications to the applicable withholding agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.

If the non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest made to the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, currently at a 30% rate, unless (1) it provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or appropriate substitute or successor form) claiming an exemption from (or a reduction of) withholding under an applicable income tax treaty or (2) the payments of interest are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States and it meets the certification requirements described below (see “—Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business”).

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Disposition of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Subject to the discussion below (see “—Reporting and Backup Withholding” and “—The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act”), a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of securitized utility tariff bonds, unless:

• the gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States); or

• the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other requirements are met.

If you are a non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above, you generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described below (see “—Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business”). If you are a non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point above, you generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or a lower applicable income tax treaty rate) on the gain derived from the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition, which may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise.

To the extent any portion of the amount realized on the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest on the securitized utility tariff bond, this amount will generally be taxed in the same manner as described above in “—Interest Payments.”

Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business

If any interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds or gain from a sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder, then the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest or gain on a net income basis in the same manner as a U.S. holder (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise). If interest on the securitized utility tariff bonds or gain from a sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition is effectively connected income, the U.S. federal withholding tax described will generally not apply (assuming appropriate certification is provided) unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. A non-U.S. holder generally can meet the certification requirements by providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) to the applicable withholding agent. In addition, if the non-U.S. holder is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that portion of its earnings and profits that is attributable to such effectively connected income or gain, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to a “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or a lower applicable income tax treaty rate).

Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments to a non-U.S. holder of interest on a securitized utility tariff bond, and amounts withheld from such payments, if any, generally will be required to be reported to the IRS and may also be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which a non-U.S. holder is a tax resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement. Backup withholding generally will not apply to payments of interest to a non-U.S. holder if the certification described in “—Withholding Tax on Interest Payments” above is provided by the non-U.S. holder, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

Proceeds from a disposition of a securitized utility tariff bond effected by the U.S. office of a U.S. or non-U.S. broker will be subject to information reporting requirements and backup withholding unless a non-U.S.

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holder properly certifies, under penalties of perjury, as to its non-U.S. status and certain other conditions are met, or an exemption is otherwise established. Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to any proceeds from a disposition of a securitized utility tariff bond effected outside the United States by a non-U.S. office of a broker, unless such broker has certain connections to the United States, in which case information reporting, but not backup withholding, may apply unless certain other conditions are met, or an exemption is otherwise established.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and may entitle a non-U.S. holder to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax (separate and apart from, but without duplication of, the withholding tax described above) at a rate of 30% on payments of U.S. source interest on, and the gross proceeds from a disposition of, certain debt obligations paid to certain non-U.S. entities, including certain foreign financial institutions and investment funds (including, in some instances, where such an entity is acting as an intermediary), unless such non-U.S. entity complies with certain withholding and reporting requirements. Pursuant to proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations (upon which taxpayers are permitted to rely until they are revoked or final U.S. Treasury Regulations are issued), this withholding tax generally will not apply to the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of instruments, such as the securitized utility tariff bonds, that produce U.S. source interest. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States with respect to these rules may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a beneficial owner of a securitized utility tariff bond may be eligible for a refund or credit of such taxes. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of FATCA in their particular circumstances.

The preceding discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is for general information only and is not tax advice. Each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of the securitized utility tariff bonds, including the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.

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MATERIAL KANSAS INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC, counsel to us and Atmos Energy, expects to issue an opinion, that (i) assuming that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be treated as debt obligations of Atmos Energy for U.S. federal income tax purposes, interest paid on the securitized utility tariff bonds generally will be taxed for Kansas income tax purposes consistently with its taxation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and such interest received by an entity or person not otherwise subject to Kansas corporate or individual income tax will not be subject to Kansas income tax; (ii) assuming that such treatment applies for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for Kansas income tax purposes, we will not be treated as a taxable entity separate and apart from Atmos Energy; and (iii) assuming that such treatment applies for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for Kansas income tax purposes, the securitized utility tariff bonds will constitute indebtedness of Atmos Energy. These opinions are not binding on any taxing authority or any court, and there can be no assurance that contrary positions may not be taken by any taxing authority.

This discussion is based on current provisions of the Kansas tax statutes and regulations, judicial decisions and administrative interpretations and rulings. All of these authorities and interpretations are subject to change, and any change may apply retroactively and affect the accuracy of the opinions set forth in this discussion.

The discussion under “MATERIAL KANSAS INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES” is for general information only and may not be applicable depending upon a bondholder’s particular situation. It is recommended that prospective bondholders consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds, including the tax consequences under federal, state, local, non-U.S. and other tax laws and the effects of changes in such laws. Please read “MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.”

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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

General

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, known as ERISA, and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code impose certain requirements on employee benefit plans and other arrangements subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code also impose certain requirements on fiduciaries of such plans in connection with the investment of the assets of the plans. For purposes of this discussion, “plans” include employee benefit plans and other plans and arrangements that are subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code that provide retirement income, including individual retirement accounts and annuities and Keogh plans, as well as some collective investment funds and insurance company general or separate accounts in which the assets of those plans, accounts or arrangements are invested. A fiduciary of an investing plan is any person who in connection with the assets of the plan:

• has discretionary authority or control over the management or disposition of assets; or

• provides investment advice for a fee.

Some plans, such as governmental plans, and certain church plans, and the fiduciaries of those plans, are not subject to ERISA requirements or Section 4975 of the Code. Accordingly, assets of these plans may be invested in the securitized utility tariff bonds without regard to the ERISA considerations described below, subject to the provisions of other applicable federal, state and local law that is similar to the provisions of Title I of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code (“applicable similar law”). In addition, any such plan may be subject to other provisions of federal law, including, for example, a plan which is qualified and exempt from taxation under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, which is subject to the prohibited transaction rules in Section 503 of the Internal Revenue Code.

ERISA imposes certain general fiduciary requirements on fiduciaries, including:

• investment prudence and diversification; and

• the investment of the assets of the plan in accordance with the documents governing the plan.

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code also prohibit a broad range of transactions involving the assets of a plan and persons who have certain specified relationships to the plan, referred to as “parties in interest,” as defined under ERISA or “disqualified persons” as defined under Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code unless a statutory or administrative exemption is available. The types of transactions that are prohibited include but are not limited to:

• sales, exchanges or leases of property;

• loans or other extensions of credit; and

• the furnishing of goods or services.

Certain persons that participate in a prohibited transaction may be subject to an excise tax under Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or a penalty imposed under Section 502(i) of ERISA, unless a statutory or administrative exemption is available. In addition, the persons involved in the prohibited transaction may have to cancel or unwind the transaction and a fiduciary of the plan may have to pay an amount to the plan for any losses realized by the plan or profits realized by these persons. In addition, individual retirement accounts involved in the prohibited transaction may be disqualified which would result in adverse tax consequences to the owner of the account.

Regulation of Assets Included in a Plan

A fiduciary’s investment of the assets of a plan that is subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code in the securitized utility tariff bonds may cause our assets to be deemed assets of the investing plan. United States Department of Labor regulations at 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA

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(collectively, the “plan asset regulations”), provide that the assets of an entity will be deemed to be assets of a plan that purchases an interest in the entity if the interest that is purchased by the plan is an equity interest, equity participation by “benefit plan investors” is “significant” (as those terms are defined in the plan asset regulations) and none of the other exceptions contained in the plan asset regulations applies. An equity interest is defined in the plan asset regulations as an interest in an entity other than an instrument which is treated as indebtedness under applicable local law and which has no substantial equity features. Although there is no authority directly on point, it is anticipated that the securitized utility tariff bonds will be treated as indebtedness under local law without any substantial equity features.

If the securitized utility tariff bonds were deemed to be equity interests in us and none of the exceptions contained in the plan asset regulations were applicable, then our assets would be considered to be assets of any plans that acquire the securitized utility tariff bonds. The extent to which the securitized utility tariff bonds are owned by benefit plan investors will not be monitored. If our assets were deemed to constitute “plan assets” pursuant to the plan asset regulations, transactions we might enter into, or may have entered into in the ordinary course of business, might constitute non-exempt prohibited transactions under ERISA and or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.

In addition, the acquisition, holding or disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds by or on behalf of a plan could give rise to a prohibited transaction if we or the trustee, Atmos Energy, any other servicer, any underwriter or certain of their affiliates is or becomes a “party in interest” or “disqualified person” with respect to an investing plan. Each purchaser of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be deemed to have represented and warranted by virtue of its acquisition of any securitized utility tariff bonds that its acquisition, holding and disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA, Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or, in the case of a plan subject to applicable similar law, a non-exempt violation of applicable similar law.

Before acquiring any securitized utility tariff bonds by or on behalf of a plan or a plan subject to applicable similar law, you should consider whether the acquisition, holding and disposition of securitized utility tariff bonds might constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA, Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or, in the case of a plan subject to applicable similar law, a non-exempt violation of applicable similar law and, if so, whether one or more prohibited transaction exemptions or similar law exemptions, as the case may be, might apply to the acquisition, holding and disposition of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

Prohibited Transaction Exemptions

If you are a fiduciary of a plan subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, before acquiring any securitized utility tariff bonds, you should consider the availability of one of the Department of Labor’s prohibited transaction class exemptions, referred to as PTCEs, or one of the statutory exemptions provided by ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, which include:

• PTCE 75-1, which exempts certain transactions between a plan and certain broker-dealers, reporting dealers and banks;

• PTCE 84-14, which exempts certain transactions effected on behalf of a plan by a “qualified professional asset manager;”

• PTCE 90-1, which exempts certain transactions between insurance company separate accounts and parties in interest;

• PTCE 91-38, which exempts certain transactions between bank collective investment funds and parties in interest;

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• PTCE 95-60, which exempts certain transactions between insurance company general accounts and parties in interest;

• PTCE 96-23, which exempts certain transactions effected on behalf of a plan by an “in-house asset manager;” and

• the statutory service provider exemption provided by Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Internal Revenue Code, which exempts certain transactions between plans and parties in interest that are not fiduciaries with respect to the transaction.

We cannot provide any assurance that any of these class exemptions or statutory exemptions will apply with respect to any particular investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds by, or on behalf of, a plan or, even if it were deemed to apply, that any exemption would apply to all transactions that may occur in connection with the investment. Even if one of these class exemptions or statutory exemptions were deemed to apply, securitized utility tariff bonds may not be purchased with assets of any plan if we or the trustee, Atmos Energy, any other servicer, any underwriter or any of their affiliates:

• has investment discretion over the assets of the plan used to purchase the securitized utility tariff bonds; or

• has authority or responsibility to give, or regularly gives, investment advice regarding the assets of the plan used to purchase the securitized utility tariff bonds, for a fee and under an agreement or understanding that the advice will serve as a primary basis for investment decisions for the assets of the plan, and will be based on the particular investment needs of the plan.

Consultation with Counsel

The sale of the securitized utility tariff bonds to a plan or a plan subject to applicable similar law will not constitute a representation by us or the trustee, Atmos Energy, any other servicer, any underwriter or any of their affiliates that such an investment meets all relevant legal requirements relating to investments by such plans generally or by any particular plan, or that such an investment is appropriate for such plans generally or for a particular plan.

If you are a fiduciary which proposes to purchase the securitized utility tariff bonds on behalf of or with assets of a plan subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a plan subject to applicable similar law, you should consider your general fiduciary obligations under ERISA, or applicable similar law, and you should consult with your legal counsel as to the potential applicability of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and applicable similar law to any investment and the availability of any prohibited transaction exemption under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or, in the case of a plan subject to similar law, any exemption from a violation of similar law, in connection with any investment.

This summary is based on current provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, the regulations thereunder and other related guidance. All of these authorities and interpretations are subject to change, and any change may apply retroactively and affect the accuracy of the opinions, statements and conclusions set forth in this discussion.

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Except as disclosed in this prospectus, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending against us, the sponsor, seller, trustee, or servicer, or of which any property of the foregoing is subject, that is material to the securitized utility tariff bondholders. Please read “THE TRUSTEE” in this prospectus for a discussion of certain legal proceedings involving certain affiliates of the trustee, none of which are material to the securitized utility tariff bondholders.

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RATINGS FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS

We expect that the securitized utility tariff bonds will receive credit ratings from two NRSROs. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning NRSRO. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. No person or entity is obligated to maintain the rating on the securitized utility tariff bonds and, accordingly, we can give no assurance that the ratings assigned to the securitized utility tariff bonds upon initial issuance will not be lowered or withdrawn by a NRSRO at any time thereafter. If a rating of the securitized utility tariff bonds is lowered or withdrawn, the liquidity of the securitized utility tariff bonds may be adversely affected. In general, ratings address credit risk and do not represent any assessment of any particular rate of principal payments on the securitized utility tariff bonds other than the payment in full of the securitized utility tariff bonds by the final maturity date, as well as the timely payment of interest.

Under Rule 17g-5 under the Exchange Act, NRSROs providing the sponsor with the requisite certification will have access to all information posted on a website by the sponsor for the purpose of determining the initial rating and monitoring the rating after the securitized utility tariff bonds issuance date. As a result, an NRSRO other than the NRSROs hired by the sponsor may issue Unsolicited Ratings, which may be lower, and could be significantly lower, than the ratings assigned by the hired NRSROs. The Unsolicited Ratings may be issued prior to, or after, the securitized utility tariff bonds issuance date. Issuance of any Unsolicited Rating will not affect the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Issuance of an Unsolicited Rating lower than the ratings assigned by the hired NRSROs on the securitized utility tariff bonds might adversely affect the value of the securitized utility tariff bonds and, for regulated entities, could affect the status of the securitized utility tariff bonds as a legal investment or the capital treatment of the securitized utility tariff bonds. Investors in the securitized utility tariff bonds should consult with their legal counsel regarding the effect of the issuance of a rating by a non-hired NRSRO that is lower than the rating of a hired NRSRO.

A portion of the fees paid by Atmos Energy to a NRSRO that is hired to assign a rating on the securitized utility tariff bonds is contingent upon the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds. In addition to the fees paid by Atmos Energy to a NRSRO at closing, Atmos Energy will pay a fee to the NRSRO for ongoing surveillance for so long as the securitized utility tariff bonds are outstanding. However, no NRSRO is under any obligation to continue to monitor or provide a rating on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus is part of a registration statement the issuing entity and Atmos Energy have filed with the SEC relating to the securitized utility tariff bonds. This prospectus describes the material terms of some of the documents that have been filed or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement. However, this prospectus does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits.

Information filed with the SEC can be inspected at the SEC’s Internet site located at http://www.sec.gov, or on a website associated with Atmos Energy, currently located at https://www.atmosenergy.com/company/investor-relations. The information contained on such website is not part of this registration statement or any report that Atmos Energy files with, or furnishes to, the SEC. Atmos Energy and the issuing entity are providing the address to this website solely for the information of investors and does not intend the address to be an active link. You may also obtain a copy of the issuing entity’s filings with the SEC at no cost, by writing to or telephoning the issuing entity at the following address:

Atmos Energy Corporation

1800 Three Lincoln Centre,

5430 LBJ Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75240

(972) 934-9227

The depositor’s SEC Securities Act file number is 001-10042.

The issuing entity or Atmos Energy, as depositor, will also file with the SEC all of the periodic reports the issuing entity or the depositor are required to file under the Securities Exchange Act and the rules, regulations or orders of the SEC thereunder; however, neither the issuing entity nor Atmos Energy as depositor will intend to file any such reports relating to the securitized utility tariff bonds following completion of the reporting period required by Rule 15d-1 or Regulation 15D under the Exchange Act, unless required by law. Unless specifically stated in the report, the reports and any information included in the report will neither be examined nor reported on by an independent public accountant. A more detailed description of the information to be included in these periodic reports, please read “DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS—Website” in this prospectus.

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows the issuing entity to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus information the issuing entity or the depositor file with the SEC. This means the issuing entity can disclose important information to you by referring you to the documents containing the information. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, unless the issuing entity update or supersedes that information with information that the issuing entity or the depositor file subsequently that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

To the extent that the issuing entity is required by law to file such reports and information with the SEC under the Exchange Act, the issuing entity will file annual and current reports and other information with the SEC. The issuing entity is incorporating by reference any future filings the issuing entity or the sponsor, but solely in its capacity as the issuing entity’s sponsor, make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the offering, excluding any information that is furnished to, and not filed with, the SEC. These reports will be filed under the issuing entity’s own name as issuing entity. Under the Indenture, the issuing entity may voluntarily suspend or terminate the filing obligations as issuing entity (under the SEC rules) with the SEC, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

The issuing entity is incorporating into this prospectus any future distribution report on Form 10-D, current report on Form 8-K or any amendment to any such report which the issuing entity or Atmos Energy, solely in its capacity as the issuing entity’s depositor, make with the SEC until the offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds is completed. These reports will be filed under the issuing entity’s own name as issuing entity. In addition, these reports will be posted on a website associated with Atmos Energy, currently located at https://www.atmosenergy.com/company/investor-relations. These reports will be filed under the issuing entity’s own name as issuing entity. Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any separately filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this prospectus.

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INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 AND VOLCKER RULE MATTERS

We expect to rely on an exemption from the definition of “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), contained in Rule 3a-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act, although there may be additional exceptions or exemptions available to us. As a result of such exemption, we will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the 1940 Act.

In addition, we are being structured so as not to constitute a “covered fund” for purposes of the Volcker Rule, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). As part of the Dodd-Frank Act, federal law prohibits a “banking entity,” which is broadly defined to include banks, bank holding companies and affiliates thereof, from engaging in proprietary trading or holding ownership interests in certain private funds. The definition of “covered fund” in the regulations adopted to implement the Volcker Rule includes (generally) any entity that would be an investment company under the 1940 Act but for the exceptions provided under Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) thereunder. Because we expect to rely on Rule 3a-7 under the 1940 Act, we expect to not be considered a “covered fund” within the meaning of the Volcker Rule regulations.

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RISK RETENTION

This offering of the securitized utility tariff bonds is a public utility securitization exempt from the risk retention requirements imposed by Section 15G of the Exchange Act due to the exemption provided in Rule 19(b)(8) of Regulation RR.

For information regarding the requirements of the EU Securitization Regulation as to risk retention and other matters, please read “RISK FACTORS—Other risks associated with an investment in the securitized utility tariff bonds—Regulatory provisions affecting certain investors could adversely affect the liquidity and the regulatory treatment of investments in the securitized utility tariff bonds” in this prospectus.

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters relating to us and the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be passed upon for Atmos Energy and us by Sidley Austin LLP, Houston, Texas, special counsel to Atmos Energy, and Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware, special Delaware counsel to the issuing entity. Certain other legal matters relating to the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be passed on by Anderson & Byrd, LLP, Ottawa, Kansas, and by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the underwriter. Certain legal matters relating to the federal income tax consequences of the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds will be passed upon for us by Sidley Austin LLP.

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OFFERING RESTRICTIONS IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE MADE AVAILABLE TO, AND SHOULD NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE MADE AVAILABLE TO, ANY RETAIL INVESTOR IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (“EEA”). FOR THESE PURPOSES, THE EXPRESSION “RETAIL INVESTOR” MEANS A PERSON WHO IS ONE (OR MORE) OF THE FOLLOWING: (1) A RETAIL CLIENT AS DEFINED IN POINT (11) OF ARTICLE 4(1) OF DIRECTIVE 2014/65/EU (AS AMENDED, “MIFID II”); (2) A CUSTOMER WITHIN THE MEANING OF DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/97 (AS AMENDED), WHERE THAT CUSTOMER WOULD NOT QUALIFY AS A PROFESSIONAL CLIENT AS DEFINED IN POINT (10) OF ARTICLE 4(1) OF MIFID II; OR (3) NOT A QUALIFIED INVESTOR (“QUALIFIED INVESTOR”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF DIRECTIVE 2003/71/EC (AS AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED, THE “PROSPECTUS DIRECTIVE”). CONSEQUENTLY NO KEY INFORMATION DOCUMENT REQUIRED BY REGULATION (EU) NO 1286/2014 (AS AMENDED, THE “PRIIPS REGULATION”) FOR OFFERING OR SELLING THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS OR OTHERWISE MAKING THEM AVAILABLE TO RETAIL INVESTORS IN THE EEA HAS BEEN PREPARED; AND THEREFORE OFFERING OR SELLING THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS OR OTHERWISE MAKING THEM AVAILABLE TO ANY RETAIL INVESTOR IN THE EEA MAY BE UNLAWFUL UNDER THE PRIIPS REGULATION.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT A PROSPECTUS FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROSPECTUS DIRECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN PREPARED ON THE BASIS THAT ANY OFFER OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS IN ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EEA WHICH HAS IMPLEMENTED THE PROSPECTUS DIRECTIVE (EACH, A “RELEVANT MEMBER STATE”) WILL BE MADE ONLY TO A QUALIFIED INVESTOR. ACCORDINGLY, ANY PERSON MAKING OR INTENDING TO MAKE AN OFFER IN THAT RELEVANT MEMBER STATE OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY DO SO ONLY WITH RESPECT TO QUALIFIED INVESTORS. NEITHER WE NOR ANY UNDERWRITER HAS AUTHORIZED, NOR DO WE OR THEY AUTHORIZE, THE MAKING OF ANY OFFER SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS OTHER THAN TO QUALIFIED INVESTORS.

ANY DISTRIBUTOR SUBJECT TO MIFID II THAT IS OFFERING, SELLING OR RECOMMENDING THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERTAKING ITS OWN TARGET MARKET ASSESSMENT IN RESPECT OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS AND DETERMINING ITS OWN DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE MIFID II PRODUCT GOVERNANCE RULES UNDER COMMISSION DELEGATED DIRECTIVE (EU) 2017/593 (AS AMENDED, THE “DELEGATED DIRECTIVE”). NEITHER WE NOR ANY UNDERWRITER MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO A DISTRIBUTOR’S COMPLIANCE WITH THE DELEGATED DIRECTIVE.

THE UNDERWRITER HAS REPRESENTED AND AGREED THAT IT HAS NOT OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE MADE AVAILABLE, AND WILL NOT OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE MAKE AVAILABLE, ANY SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED BY THIS PROSPECTUS TO ANY RETAIL INVESTOR (AS DEFINED ABOVE) IN THE EEA. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE EXPRESSION “OFFER” INCLUDES THE COMMUNICATION IN ANY FORM AND BY ANY MEANS OF SUFFICIENT INFORMATION ON THE TERMS OF THE OFFER AND THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS SO AS TO ENABLE AN INVESTOR TO DECIDE TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS.

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NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF UNITED KINGDOM

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THIS PROSPECTUS IS BEING COMMUNICATED ONLY TO, AND IS DIRECTED ONLY AT, (1) PERSONS WHICH HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS AND WHICH FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005 (AS AMENDED, THE “ORDER”); (2) PERSONS WHICH FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) OF THE ORDER; OR (3) PERSONS TO WHICH IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED OR DIRECTED (EACH SUCH PERSON, A “RELEVANT PERSON”). ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS RELATES, INCLUDING THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS, IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. THIS PROSPECTUS MUST NOT BE ACTED ON OR RELIED ON BY ANY PERSON WHICH IS NOT A RELEVANT PERSON.

THE UNDERWRITER HAS REPRESENTED AND AGREED THAT (I) IT HAS ONLY COMMUNICATED OR CAUSED TO BE COMMUNICATED AND WILL ONLY COMMUNICATE OR CAUSE TO BE COMMUNICATED AN INVITATION OR INDUCEMENT TO ENGAGE IN INVESTMENT ACTIVITY (WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 21 OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000, AS AMENDED (THE “FSMA”)) RECEIVED BY IT IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUE OR SALE OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS IN CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SECTION 21(1) OF THE FSMA DOES NOT APPLY TO THE ISSUING ENTITY; AND (II) IT HAS COMPLIED AND WILL COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE FSMA WITH RESPECT TO ANYTHING DONE BY IT IN RELATION TO THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS IN, FROM OR OTHERWISE INVOLVING THE UNITED KINGDOM.

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NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF CANADA

THE BONDS MAY BE SOLD IN CANADA ONLY TO PURCHASERS PURCHASING, OR DEEMED TO BE PURCHASING, AS PRINCIPAL THAT ARE ACCREDITED INVESTORS, AS DEFINED IN NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 45-106 PROSPECTUS EXEMPTIONS OR SUBSECTION 73.3(1) OF THE SECURITIES ACT (ONTARIO), AND ARE PERMITTED CLIENTS, AS DEFINED IN NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 31-103 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, EXEMPTIONS AND ONGOING REGISTRANT OBLIGATIONS. ANY RESALE OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE PROSPECTUS REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS.

SECURITIES LEGISLATION IN CERTAIN PROVINCES OR TERRITORIES OF CANADA MAY PROVIDE A PURCHASER WITH REMEDIES FOR RESCISSION OR DAMAGES IF THIS PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENT THERETO) CONTAINS A MISREPRESENTATION, PROVIDED THAT THE REMEDIES FOR RESCISSION OR DAMAGES ARE EXERCISED BY THE PURCHASER WITHIN THE TIME LIMIT PRESCRIBED BY THE SECURITIES LEGISLATION OF THE PURCHASER’S PROVINCE OR TERRITORY. THE PURCHASER SHOULD REFER TO ANY APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES LEGISLATION OF THE PURCHASER’S PROVINCE OR TERRITORY FOR PARTICULARS OF THESE RIGHTS OR CONSULT WITH A LEGAL ADVISOR.

PURSUANT TO SECTION 3A.3 OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 33-105 UNDERWRITING CONFLICTS (NI 33-105), THE UNDERWRITER IS NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS OF NI 33-105 REGARDING UNDERWRITER CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING.

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NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN SWITZERLAND

THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR A SOLICITATION TO PURCHASE OR INVEST IN THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS. THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MAY NOT BE PUBLICLY OFFERED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN SWITZERLAND WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SWISS FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT (“FINSA”) AND NO APPLICATION HAS OR WILL BE MADE TO ADMIT THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS TO TRADING ON ANY TRADING VENUE (EXCHANGE OR MULTILATERAL TRADING FACILITY) IN SWITZERLAND. NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY OTHER OFFERING OR MARKETING MATERIAL RELATING TO THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS CONSTITUTES A PROSPECTUS PURSUANT TO (I) THE FINSA OR (II) THE LISTING RULES OF THE SIX SWISS EXCHANGE AG OR ANY OTHER REGULATED TRADING VENUE IN SWITZERLAND AND NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY OTHER OFFERING OR MARKETING MATERIAL RELATING TO THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MAY BE PUBLICLY DISTRIBUTED OR OTHERWISE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE IN SWITZERLAND. THIS PROSPECTUS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED NOR APPROVED BY A REVIEWING BODY FOR PROSPECTUSES (PRÜFSTELLE).

NONE OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY OTHER OFFERING OR MARKETING MATERIAL RELATING TO THE OFFERING, THE ISSUING ENTITY OR THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE FILED WITH OR APPROVED BY ANY SWISS REGULATORY AUTHORITY. IN PARTICULAR, THIS PROSPECTUS WILL NOT BE FILED WITH, AND THE OFFER OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS WILL NOT BE SUPERVISED BY, THE SWISS FINANCIAL MARKET SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY (“FINMA”), AND THE OFFER OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED UNDER THE SWISS FEDERAL ACT ON COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES (“CISA”). ACCORDINGLY, INVESTORS DO NOT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE SPECIFIC INVESTOR PROTECTION PROVIDED UNDER THE CISA.

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE INVESTMENT ADVICE. IT MAY ONLY BE USED BY THOSE PERSONS TO WHOM IT HAS BEEN HANDED OUT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS AND MAY NEITHER BE COPIED NOR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY DISTRIBUTED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO OTHER PERSONS.

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NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN HONG KONG

THE CONTENTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED BY ANY REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG. YOU ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION IN RELATION TO THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT ANY OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS, YOU SHOULD OBTAIN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

THIS PROSPECTUS HAS NOT BEEN OR WILL NOT BE REGISTERED AS A PROSPECTUS (AS DEFINED IN THE COMPANIES (WINDING UP AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE (CAP. 32) OF HONG KONG (“C(WUMP)O”)) IN HONG KONG NOR HAS IT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION OF HONG KONG PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES ORDINANCE (CAP. 571) OF HONG KONG (“SFO”).

ACCORDINGLY: (I) THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN HONG KONG BY MEANS OF ANY DOCUMENT, OTHER THAN (A) TO “PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS” AS DEFINED IN THE SFO AND ANY RULES MADE UNDER THE SFO, OR (B) IN OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH DO NOT RESULT IN THE DOCUMENT BEING A “PROSPECTUS” AS DEFINED IN THE C(WUMP)O OR WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE C(WUMP)O; AND (II) NO PERSON MAY ISSUE OR HAVE IN ITS POSSESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ISSUE, WHETHER IN HONG KONG OR ELSEWHERE, ANY ADVERTISEMENT, INVITATION OR DOCUMENT RELATING TO THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS, WHICH IS DIRECTED AT, OR THE CONTENTS OF WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE ACCESSED OR READ BY, THE PUBLIC OF HONG KONG (EXCEPT IF PERMITTED TO DO SO UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF HONG KONG) OTHER THAN WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS WHICH ARE OR ARE INTENDED TO BE DISPOSED OF ONLY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE HONG KONG OR ONLY TO “PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS” AS DEFINED IN THE SFO AND ANY RULES MADE UNDER THE SFO.

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NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN JAPAN

THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND EXCHANGE ACT OF JAPAN (ACT NO. 25 OF 1948, AS AMENDED, THE “FIEA”). NEITHER THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN JAPAN OR TO, OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF, ANY RESIDENT OF JAPAN (AS DEFINED UNDER ITEM 5, PARAGRAPH 1, ARTICLE 6 OF THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND FOREIGN TRADE ACT (ACT NO. 228 OF 1949, AS AMENDED)), OR TO OTHERS FOR RE-OFFERING OR RESALE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN JAPAN OR TO, OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF, ANY RESIDENT OF JAPAN, EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF, AND OTHERWISE IN COMPLIANCE WITH, THE FIEA AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS AND MINISTERIAL GUIDELINES OF JAPAN.

THE PRIMARY OFFERING OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS AND THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER FOR ACQUISITION THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER PARAGRAPH 1, ARTICLE 4 OF THE FIEA. AS IT IS A PRIMARY OFFERING, IN JAPAN, THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MAY ONLY BE OFFERED, SOLD, RESOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO, OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF CERTAIN QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS AS DEFINED IN THE FIEA (“QIIS”) IN RELIANCE ON THE QIIS-ONLY PRIVATE PLACEMENT EXEMPTION AS SET FORTH IN ITEM 2(I), PARAGRAPH 3, ARTICLE 2 OF THE FIEA. A QII WHO PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE OBTAINED THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS CANNOT RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS IN JAPAN TO ANY PERSON EXCEPT ANOTHER QII.

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NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN TAIWAN

THE OFFER OF THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED OR FILED WITH, OR APPROVED BY, THE FINANCIAL SUPERVISORY COMMISSION OF TAIWAN AND/OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF TAIWAN PURSUANT TO RELEVANT SECURITIES LAWS AND REGULATIONS, AND THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MAY NOT BE OFFERED, ISSUED OR SOLD IN TAIWAN THROUGH A PUBLIC OFFERING OR IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH CONSTITUTE AN OFFER WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF TAIWAN THAT REQUIRES THE REGISTRATION OR FILING WITH OR APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL SUPERVISORY COMMISSION OF TAIWAN. THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE TAIWAN FOR PURCHASE BY INVESTORS RESIDING IN TAIWAN (EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH PROPERLY LICENSED TAIWAN INTERMEDIARIES), BUT MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN TAIWAN EXCEPT TO QUALIFIED INVESTORS VIA A TAIWAN LICENSED INTERMEDIARY, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ANY SUBSCRIPTIONS OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS SHALL ONLY BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON ACCEPTANCE BY THE ISSUING ENTITY OR THE RELEVANT DEALER OUTSIDE TAIWAN AND SHALL BE DEEMED A CONTRACT ENTERED INTO IN THE JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OF THE ISSUING ENTITY OR RELEVANT DEALER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THE SUBSCRIPTION DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS SIGNED BY THE INVESTORS.

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GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

The following definitions are used in this prospectus:

“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

“Adjustment request” with regard to the securitized utility tariff charges means a request filed by the servicer with the Kansas commission requesting modifications to the securitized utility tariff charges.

“Applicable similar law” means, with regard to ERISA considerations, other applicable federal, state and local law that is similar to the provisions of Title I of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.

“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.), as amended.

“Basic documents” means the administration agreement, the sale agreement, the servicing agreement, the Indenture, the series supplement, the bill of sale given by Atmos Energy, as the seller, to us, the notes evidencing the securitized utility tariff bonds, and our Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement, in each case, as amended to the date of this prospectus.

“Business day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in Dallas, Texas, or New York, New York, are, or DTC is, authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to be closed.

“Capital subaccount” means that subaccount of the collection account into which the seller will contribute capital in an amount equal to                 % of the initial principal amount of the securitized utility tariff bonds.

“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, Luxembourg, S.A.

“Collection account” means the one or more segregated trust accounts relating to the securitized utility tariff bonds designated the collection account and held by the trustee under the Indenture. The collection account shall initially be divided into subaccounts, which need not be separate accounts: a general subaccount, a capital subaccount and an excess funds subaccount, as specified in the series supplement.

“COVID-19” means Coronavirus Disease 2019.

“Customer” means any existing or future retail customer (including individuals, corporations, other businesses and federal, state and local governmental entities) receiving natural gas service from Atmos Energy or its successors or assignees within the service area under Kansas commission-approved rate schedules or under special contracts.

“Daily remittance” means the collected securitized utility tariff charges to be remitted by the servicer on each servicer business day to the trustee for deposit to the general subaccount of the collection account as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than two servicer business days following receipt of such securitized utility tariff charge collections.

“Depositor” means Atmos Energy.

“Direct Participants” means DTC’s participants.

“Dodd-Frank Act” means the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, and its nominee holder, Cede & Co.

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“DTCC” means The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation.

“EEA” means the European Economic Area.

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

“EU” means the European Union.

“EU Securitization Regulation” means EU legislation comprising Regulation (EU) 2017/2402.

“Euroclear” means the Euroclear System.

“European Securitization Rules” means the EU Securitization Regulation together with certain related regulatory technical standards, implementing technical standards and official guidance.

“Excess funds subaccount” means that subaccount of the collection account into which funds collected by the servicer in excess of amounts necessary to make the payments specified on a given payment date.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“FATCA” means the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

“Financing order” means the financing order issued by the Kansas commission to Atmos Energy on October 25, 2022 in Atmos Energy’s Docket No. 22- ATMG-538-TAR which, among other things, authorizes the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds and the creation of securitized utility tariff property.

“Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. or its successor in interest. References to Fitch are effective so long as Fitch is a rating agency.

“General subaccount” means that subaccount that will hold funds held in the collection account that are not held in the other subaccounts of the collection account.

“Hired NRSRO” means the NRSRO hired by Atmos Energy.

“Indenture” means the indenture to be entered into among us, the trustee and the securities intermediary, providing for the issuance of the securitized utility tariff bonds, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time by one or more indentures supplemental thereto (each, a “series supplement”).

“Indirect Participants” means participants accessing the DTC system, including both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly.

“Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.

“Issuance date” means the date the securitized utility tariff bonds are issued and sold to the underwriter.

“Issuing entity” means Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC.

“Kansas commission” means the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas or any successor.

“Kansas UCC” means the Kansas Uniform Commercial Code, Chapter 84 Kansas Revised Statutes.

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“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor in interest. References to Moody’s are effective so long as Moody’s is a rating agency.

“Nonbypassable” refers to the right of the servicer to collect the securitized utility tariff charges from all existing and future retail customers of Atmos Energy, subject to certain limitations specified in the financing order.

“NRSRO” means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

“OID” means original issue discount.

“Payment date” means the date or dates on which interest and principal are to be payable on the securitized utility tariff bonds.

“Plan asset regulations” means United States Department of Labor regulations at 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA.

“Qualified extraordinary costs” means costs that Atmos Energy incurred before, on or after the effective date of the Securitization Act of an extraordinary nature that would cause extreme customer rate impacts if recovered through customary rate-making, including, but not limited to, purchases of gas supplies, transportation costs, fuel and power costs, including carrying charges incurred during anomalous weather events.

“Rating agencies” means Moody’s and Fitch. If no such organization (or successor) is any longer in existence, “rating agency” shall be a NRSRO or other comparable person designated by us, notice of which designation shall be given to the trustee and the servicer.

“Rating agency condition” means, with respect to any action, at least 10 business days’ prior written notification to each rating agency of such action, and written confirmation from each of Moody’s and Fitch to the servicer, the trustee and us that such action will not result in a suspension, reduction or withdrawal of the then current rating by such rating agency of the securitized utility tariff bonds; provided, that, if within such 10 business day period, any rating agency has neither replied to such notification nor responded in a manner that indicates that such rating agency is reviewing and considering the notification, then (i) we shall be required to confirm that such rating agency has received the rating agency condition request, and if it has, promptly request the related rating agency condition confirmation and (ii) if the rating agency neither replies to such notification nor responds in a manner that indicates it is reviewing and considering the notification within five business days following such second request, the applicable rating agency condition requirement shall not be deemed to apply to such rating agency. For the purposes of this definition, any confirmation, request, acknowledgment or approval that is required to be in writing may be in the form of electronic mail or a press release (which may contain a general waiver of a rating agency’s right to review or consent).

“Record date” means the date or dates with respect to each payment date on which it is determined the person in whose name each securitized utility tariff bond is registered will be paid on the respective payment date.

“Regulation AB” means the rules of the SEC promulgated under Subpart 229.1100—Asset Backed Securities (Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. §§229.1100-229.1123, as such may be amended from time to time.

“Retail customer” means an end-use customer in Kansas who purchases natural gas for consumption from Atmos Energy.

“Revenue Procedure 2005-62” means Revenue Procedure 2005-62, 2005-2 CB 507.

“Sale agreement” means the sale agreement to be entered into between us and Atmos Energy, pursuant to which Atmos Energy sells and we purchase the securitized utility tariff property.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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“Securities intermediary” means U.S. Bank National Association or any successor securities intermediary under the Indenture.

“Securitization Act” means K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240 - 66-1,253, the Utility Financing and Securitization Act, a Kansas senate substitute for House Bill 2072 (Volume 40 - Issue 16 - April 22, 2021).

“Securitized utility tariff bonds” means the Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds offered pursuant to this prospectus.

“Securitized utility tariff charges” means the amounts authorized by the Kansas commission in the financing order to provide a source of revenue solely to repay, finance or refinance the securitized utility tariff bonds and financing costs and that are nonbypassable charges imposed on, and part of all retail customer bills, including bills to special contract customers as provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,241, and amendments thereto, collected by Atmos Energy or its successors or assignees, or a collection agent, in full, separate and apart from Atmos Energy’s base rates.

“Securitized utility tariff property” means all of Atmos Energy’s rights and interest under the financing order (including, without limitation, rights to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive the securitized utility tariff charges approved in the financing order), except the rights of Atmos Energy to earn and receive a rate of return on its invested capital in us, to receive administration and servicer fees, or to use Atmos Energy’s proceeds from the sale of the securitized utility tariff property to us.

“Seller” means Atmos Energy.

“Servicer” means Atmos Energy, acting as the initial servicer, and any successor or assignee servicer, which will service the securitized utility tariff property under the servicing agreement.

“Servicing agreement” means the servicing agreement to be entered into between us and Atmos Energy, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time, pursuant to which Atmos Energy, as the initial servicer, undertakes to service the securitized utility tariff property.

“Service area” means all territory within the State of Kansas subject to the jurisdiction of the Kansas commission in which Atmos Energy provides natural gas distribution service as of the date of the financing order, as such territory may be expanded.

“Sponsor” means Atmos Energy.

“Terms and Conditions” with regard to Euroclear means the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of Euroclear, and applicable Belgian law.

“Treasury Regulations” means proposed or issued regulations promulgated from time to time under the Internal Revenue Code.

“True-up mechanism” means a provision required by the financing order whereby the servicer will apply to the Kansas commission for adjustments to the securitized utility tariff charges based on actual collected securitized utility tariff charges and updated assumptions by the servicer as to future collections of securitized utility tariff charges.

“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

“Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association or any successor trustee under the Indenture.

“Unsolicited Ratings” means ratings on the securitized utility tariff bonds issued by an NRSRO other than the hired NRSRO.

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$92,684,000 Series 2023-A Senior Secured

Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Atmos Energy Corporation

Sponsor, Depositor and Initial Servicer

Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC

Issuing Entity

Sole Structuring Agent and Sole Bookrunner

J.P. Morgan

Through and including                , 2023 (the 90th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and when offering an unsold allotment or subscription.

Part II

Information not Required in Prospectus

Item 12. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the various expenses expected to be incurred by the registrants in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered by this prospectus, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All amounts are estimated except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee	$	10,213.78
Printing expenses*
Trustee fees and expenses*
Legal fees and expenses*
Accounting fees and expenses*
Rating Agencies’ fees and expenses*
Underwriter fees and expenses*
Miscellaneous fees and expenses*
Total*	$

* To be filed by amendment.

Item 13. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC

Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act provides that subject to such standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its limited liability company agreement, a limited liability company may and has the power to indemnify and hold harmless any member, manager, or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. The LLC Agreement provides that we shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Issuing Entity) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, manager, officer, employee or agent of us, or is or was serving at the request of us as a manager, director, officer, employee or agent of another company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with such action, suit or proceeding actually and reasonably incurred by such person, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of us, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such conduct was unlawful; provided that such person shall not be entitled to indemnification if such judgment, penalty, fine or other expense was directly caused by such person’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct. The LLC Agreement provides that expenses incurred in defending or investigating a threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding may be paid by us in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the manager, director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by us as authorized in the LLC Agreement.

ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION

The Texas Business Organizations Code and the Virginia Stock Corporation Act permit, and in some cases require, corporations to indemnify directors and officers who are or have been a party or are threatened to be made a party to litigation against judgments, penalties, including excise and similar taxes, fines, settlements, and

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reasonable expenses under certain circumstances. Article IX of Atmos Energy’s Articles of Incorporation and Article IX of Atmos Energy’s Bylaws provide for indemnification of judgments, penalties, including excise and similar taxes, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, and the advance payment or reimbursement of such reasonable expenses to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.

As authorized by Section 8.101 of the Texas Business Organizations Code, and Section 13.1-697 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act, each of Atmos Energy’s directors and officers may be indemnified by Atmos Energy against expenses, including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed legal proceedings in which such person is involved by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of Atmos Energy if such person acted in good faith and in a manner that such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to Atmos Energy’s best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful. In each case, such indemnity shall be to the fullest extent authorized by the Texas Business Organizations Code and the Virginia Stock Corporation Act. If the director or officer is found liable to Atmos Energy, or received an improper personal benefit from Atmos Energy, whether or not involving action in such person’s official capacity, then indemnification will be limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred.

Article X of Atmos Energy’s Articles of Incorporation provides that no director shall be personally liable to Atmos Energy or its shareholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability:

• for any breach of duty of loyalty to Atmos Energy or its shareholders;

• for an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

• for a transaction from which the director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the director’s office;

• for an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided by statute; or

• for an act related to an unlawful stock repurchase or payment of a dividend.

In addition, Article IX of Atmos Energy’s Articles of Incorporation and Article IX of Atmos Energy’s Bylaws require us to indemnify to the fullest extent authorized by law any person made or threatened to be made party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative, arbitrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer or, while a director or officer, serves or served at Atmos Energy’s request as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of any other enterprise.

Atmos Energy maintains an officers’ and directors’ liability insurance policy insuring officers and directors against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. The effect of such policy is to indemnify such officers and directors against losses incurred by them while acting in such capacities.

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Item 14. Exhibits

List of Exhibits

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
1.1	Form of Underwriting Agreement*
3.1	Certificate of Formation of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC
3.2	Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC
3.3	Form of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC*
4.1	Form of Indenture between Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC, the Trustee and the Securities Intermediary (including the forms of the securitized utility tariff bonds and form of Series Supplement)*
5.1	Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP with respect to legality*
8.1	Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP with respect to federal tax matters*
10.1	Form of Securitized Utility Tariff Property Servicing Agreement between Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC and Atmos Energy Corporation, as Servicer*
10.2	Form of Securitized Utility Tariff Property Purchase and Sale Agreement between Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC and Atmos Energy Corporation, as Seller*
10.3	Form of Administration Agreement between Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC and Atmos Energy Corporation, as Administrator*
10.4	Form of Services and Indemnity Agreement by and among, the independent manager of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC and Atmos Energy Corporation*
23.1	Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (included as part of its opinions filed as Exhibit 5.1 and 8.1)*
24.1	Power of Attorney of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC (included on signature page to this Registration Statement)
24.2	Power of Attorney of Atmos Energy Corporation (included on signature page to this Registration Statement)
25.1	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association*
99.1	Financing Order
99.2	Form of Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP with respect to U.S. constitutional matters*
99.3	Form of Opinion of Husch Blackwell LLP with respect to Kansas constitutional matters*
99.3	Consent of Manager Nominee*
107	Filing Fee Table

* To be filed by amendment.

Item 15. Undertakings

The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that

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time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, each registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, each registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form SF-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Dallas, state of Texas, on the 28th day of February, 2023.

Atmos Energy Corporation

/s/ Christopher T. Forsythe

Christopher T. Forsythe

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Each of the persons whose signatures appear below constitute and appoint John K. Akers and Christopher T. Forsythe, or either of them acting alone or together, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ John K. Akers John K. Akers	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)	February 28, 2023
/s/ Christopher T. Forsythe Christopher T. Forsythe	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	February 28, 2023
/s/ Richard M. Thomas Richard M. Thomas	Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)	February 28, 2023
/s/ Kim R. Cocklin Kim R. Cocklin	Chairman of the Board	February 28, 2023
/s/ Richard K. Gordon Richard K. Gordon	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ John C. Ale John C. Ale	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ Kelly H. Compton Kelly H. Compton	Director	February 28, 2023

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Signature	Title	Date
/s/ Sean Donohue Sean Donohue	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ Rafael G. Garza Rafael G. Garza	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ Nancy K. Quinn Nancy K. Quinn	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ Richard A. Sampson Richard A. Sampson	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ Diana J. Walters Diana J. Walters	Director	February 28, 2023
/s/ Frank Yoho Frank Yoho	Director	February 28, 2023

II-6

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form SF-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Dallas, state of Texas, on the 28th day of February, 2023.

Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC.
By:	/s/ Christopher T. Forsythe
Christopher T. Forsythe
Manager

Each of the persons whose signatures appear below constitute and appoint Christopher T. Forsythe and John K. Akers, or either of them acting alone or together, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following person in the capacity and on the date indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ John K. Akers John K. Akers	Manager	February 28, 2023
/s/ Christopher T. Forsythe Christopher T. Forsythe	Manager	February 28, 2023

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EX-3.1

Exhibit 3.1

CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION

OF

ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC

This Certificate of Formation of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC (the “Company”) is being duly executed and filed by L. M. Wilson, as an authorized person, to form a limited liability company under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (6 Del. C. § 18-101 et seq.).

FIRST. The name of the limited liability company formed hereby is Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC.

SECOND. The address of the Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, New Castle County. The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Formation as of October 28, 2022.

/s/ L. M. Wilson

L. M. Wilson, Authorized Person

EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC

Effective as of October 28, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
Article I Definitions			3
Article II Formation of the Company			4
2.1.	Formation		4
2.2.	Name		5
2.3.	Place of Business		5
2.4.	Registered Office and Registered Agent		5
2.5.	Term		5
2.6.	Business Purpose		5
Article III Initial Member			6
3.1.	Name and Place of Business		6
3.2.	Sole Member		6
Article IV Capital of the Company			6
4.1.	Membership Interest and Initial Contributions		6
4.2.	Additional Contributions		7
4.3.	Interest		7
Article V Rights and Obligations of the Member			7
5.1.	Limitation of Member’s Responsibility, Liability		7
5.2.	Return of Distributions		7
Article VI Acts of the Member			7
6.1.	Action by the Member at a Meeting		7
6.2.	Action by the Member Without a Meeting		7
6.3.	Waiver of Notice		8
6.4.	Special Prohibitions and Limitations		8
6.5.	Amendments to Be Adopted Solely by the Managers		8
6.6.	Amendments		8
Article VII Rights and Duties of Managers			8
7.1.	Management		8
7.2.	Number and Qualifications		9
7.3.	Powers of the Managers		9
7.4.	Initial Manager		9
7.5.	Place of Meetings		9
7.6.	Meetings of Managers		9
7.7.	Quorum		9
7.8.	Attendance and Waiver of Notice		9
7.9.	Action by Managers Without a Meeting		9
7.10.	Compensation of Managers		10

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7.11.	Committees	10
7.12.	Liability of Managers	10
Article VIII Indemnification		10
8.1.	Indemnification	10
8.2.	Advancement or Reimbursement of Expenses	11
8.3.	Nonexclusivity and Survival of Indemnification	11
8.4.	Insurance	11
Article IX Allocations and Distributions		11
9.1.	Allocations	11
9.2.	Distributions	11
Article X Accounting Period, Records and Reports		12
10.1.	Accounting Period	12
10.2.	Records, Audits and Reports	12
Article XI Tax Matters		12
11.1.	Tax Returns and Elections	12
11.2.	State, Local or Foreign Income Taxes	12
Article XII Restrictions on Transferability		12
Article XIII Dissolution and Termination		12
13.1.	Dissolution	12
13.2.	Effect of Dissolution	13
13.3.	Winding Up, Liquidating and Distribution of Assets	13
13.4.	Certificate of Cancellation	13
13.5.	Return of Contribution	13
Article XIV Miscellaneous Provisions		14
14.1.	Notices	14
14.2.	Books of Account and Records	14
14.3.	Application of Delaware Law	14
14.4.	Waiver of Action for Partition	14
14.5.	Execution of Additional Instruments	14
14.6.	Headings	14
14.7.	Waivers	14
14.8.	Rights and Remedies Cumulative	14
14.9.	Severability	15
14.10.	Heirs, Successors and Assigns	15
14.11.	Creditors	15
14.12.	Counterparts	15

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LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC

This Limited Liability Company Agreement is made and executed to be effective as of October 28, 2022, by Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy”), as the sole member.

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Formation of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC (the “Company”), was filed on October 28, 2022 with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, it is desired that the orderly management of the affairs of the Company be provided for.

NOW THEREFORE, the Member hereby forms the Company as a limited liability company pursuant to and in accordance with the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (6 Del. C. §§18-101, et seq.), as the same may be amended from time to time hereafter (the “Delaware Act”), and hereby agrees as follows:

Article I

DEFINITIONS

The following terms used in this Agreement shall have the following meanings (unless otherwise expressly provided herein):

“Agreement” shall mean this Limited Liability Company Agreement as originally executed and as it may be amended from time to time hereafter.

“Capital Contribution” shall mean any contribution to the capital of the Company in cash or property by the Member whenever made.

“Certificate of Formation” shall mean the Certificate of Formation of the Company filed with and endorsed by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as such certificate may be amended from time to time hereafter.

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or corresponding provisions of subsequent superseding federal revenue laws.

“Company” shall have the meaning given such term in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Delaware Act” shall have the meaning given such term in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Entity” shall mean any foreign or domestic general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint enterprise, trust, business trust, employee benefit plan, cooperative or association.

“Financing Order” shall mean and include the financing order issued on October 25, 2022 by the Kansas Commission in Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR.

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“Fiscal Year” shall mean the Company’s fiscal year, which shall be determined by the Managers in accordance with Section 706(b) of the Code.

“Governmental Authority” shall mean any court or any federal or state regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental instrumentality.

“Kansas Commission” shall mean the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas or any successor entity thereto.

“Manager” shall mean any of the managers of the Company duly appointed or elected to serve in such capacity under Delaware law and this Agreement.

“Member” shall mean (a) initially, Atmos Energy and (b) thereafter, each Person who may hereafter become a Member pursuant to Article XII; but shall not include any Member that ceases to be a Member.

“Membership Interest” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 4.1.

“Person” shall mean any individual or Entity, and any heir, executor, administrator, legal representative, successor or assign of such “Person” where the context so admits.

“Securitization Act” means the Utility Financing and Securitization Act, as codified in K.S.A. §§66-1,240 – 66-1,253.

“Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.6(a).

“Securitized Utility Tariff Property” shall mean the rights and interests of Atmos Energy or its successor under the Financing Order, once those rights are first transferred to the Company or pledged in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including the right to impose, collect and receive through the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges (as defined in the Financing Order) payable by all existing and future Retail Customers (as defined in the Financing Order) of Atmos Energy, an amount sufficient to cover the qualified extraordinary costs of Atmos Energy and upfront financing costs and ongoing financing costs, in each case, as authorized in the Financing Order, the right to receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges in amounts and at times sufficient to pay principal and interest and make other deposits in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all revenues and collections resulting from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

“Treasury Regulations” shall mean regulations, including proposed or temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code. References herein to specific provisions of proposed or temporary regulations shall include analogous provisions of final Treasury Regulations or other successor Treasury Regulations.

Article II

FORMATION OF THE COMPANY

2.1. Formation. On October 28, 2022, the Certificate of Formation of the Company was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Act. L. M. Wilson, as an authorized person within the meaning of the Delaware Act, caused a Certificate of Formation of the Company to be executed and filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 28, 2022 (such execution and filing being hereby

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ratified and approved in all respects). Upon the filing of the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, L. M. Wilson’s powers as an “authorized person” ceased, and the Member thereupon became the designated “authorized person” and shall continue as the designated “authorized person” within the meaning of the Delaware Act. The existence of the Company as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the Certificate of Formation of the Company as provided in the Delaware Act.

2.2. Name. The name of the Company is Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC. If the Company shall conduct business in any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware, it shall register the Company or its trade name with the appropriate authorities in such state in order to have the legal existence of the Company recognized.

2.3. Place of Business. The Company may locate its places of business and registered office at any place or places as the Managers may from time to time deem advisable.

2.4. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Company’s registered office shall be at the office of its registered agent at 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, and the name of its initial registered agent at such address shall be the Corporation Service Company.

2.5. Term. The term of the Company and this Agreement shall continue until such time as the Company’s existence has been terminated as provided herein or in the Delaware Act.

2.6. Business Purpose. The nature of the business or purpose to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage exclusively in the following business and financial activities:

(a) to authorize, issue, sell and deliver a series of securitized utility tariff bonds (as defined in the Securitization Act) (the “Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds”) and, in connection therewith, to enter into any agreement or document providing for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds;

(b) to purchase, acquire, own, hold, administer, service, and enter into agreements for the servicing of, finance, manage, sell, assign, pledge, collect amounts due on and otherwise deal with the Securitized Utility Tariff Property and other assets to be acquired in connection therewith and any proceeds or rights associated therewith;

(c) to negotiate, authorize, execute, deliver, assume the obligations under, and perform its duties under, any agreement, instrument or document relating to the activities set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above; provided, that each party to any such agreement under which material obligations are imposed upon the Company shall covenant that it shall not, prior to the date which is one year and one day after the termination of the indenture governing the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the payment in full of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and any other amounts owed under such indenture, acquiesce, petition or otherwise invoke or cause the Company to invoke the process of any court or Governmental Authority for the purpose of commencing or sustaining a case against the Company under any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any substantial part of the property of the Company; or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the business and affairs of the Company; and provided, further, that the Company shall be permitted to incur additional indebtedness or other liabilities payable to service providers and trade creditors in the ordinary course of business in connection with the foregoing activities;

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(d) to invest proceeds from the Securitized Utility Tariff Property and its other assets and any capital and income of the Company in accordance with the applicable agreements or instruments entered into in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or as otherwise determined by the Managers and not inconsistent with this Section or such applicable agreements or instruments;

(e) to do such other things and carry on any other activities which the Managers determine to be necessary, convenient or incidental to any of the foregoing purposes, and have and exercise all of the powers and rights conferred upon limited liability companies formed pursuant to the Delaware Act that are related or incidental to any of the foregoing; and

(f) to enter into and perform all agreements or instruments entered into in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including a registration statement on Form SF-1, as amended from time to time, and any underwriting agreements, and all documents, certificates or financing statements contemplated thereby or related thereto, all without any further act, vote or approval of the Member, any Manager or other Person notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Delaware Act or applicable law, rule or regulation. The foregoing authorization shall not be deemed a restriction on the powers of the Member or any Manager to enter into other agreements on behalf of the Company.

Article III

INITIAL MEMBER

3.1. Name and Place of Business. The name and place of business of the initial Member are as follows:

Atmos Energy Corporation
1800 Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75240

3.2. Sole Member. The initial Member was admitted as the sole member of the Company upon its execution of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

Article IV

CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY

4.1. Membership Interest and Initial Contributions.

(a) A class of equity interests denominated the “Membership Interest” is hereby designated as the sole class of equity interests of the Company. The Membership Interest shall represent 100% of all of the rights, duties, obligations and ownership interests in the Company.

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(b) The Company will issue to the initial Member the full Membership Interest upon payment of $1,000 to the Company from the initial Member, which shall be deemed to be the initial Capital Contribution of the initial Member. Upon receipt of such initial Capital Contribution and execution of this Agreement by the Member, such Membership Interest shall be validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable.

4.2. Additional Contributions. The Member shall not be required to make additional Capital Contributions unless, and except on such terms as, the Managers and the Member unanimously agree.

4.3. Interest. No interest shall be paid by the Company on Capital Contributions.

Article V

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE MEMBER

5.1. Limitation of Member’s Responsibility, Liability. The Member shall not perform any act on behalf of the Company, incur any expense, obligation or indebtedness of any nature on behalf of the Company, or in any manner participate in the management of the Company or receive or be credited with any amounts, except as specifically contemplated hereunder. The Member shall not be personally liable for any amount in excess of its Capital Contribution, and shall not be liable for any of the debts or losses of the Company, except to the extent that a liability of the Company is founded upon or results from an unauthorized act or activity of the Member. In addition, the Member’s liability shall be limited as set forth in the Delaware Act and other applicable law hereafter in effect.

5.2. Return of Distributions. In accordance with Section 18-607 of the Delaware Act, the Member will be obligated to return any distribution from the Company only as provided by applicable law.

Article VI

ACTS OF THE MEMBER

6.1. Action by the Member at a Meeting. The Member may act by voting the Membership Interest at a meeting, which meeting may be called by the Member or any Manager, and which may be held at any place designated by the Member. If a Manager calls such a meeting, written notice shall be given to the Member not less than 10 and not more than 60 days before the date of the meeting. At all meetings of the Member, the Member may vote in person or by proxy executed in writing by the Member or by a duly authorized attorney in fact. Such proxy shall be filed with the Managers of the Company before or at the time of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after 11 months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

6.2. Action by the Member Without a Meeting. Action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Member may be taken without a meeting if the action is evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by the Member and delivered to the Managers of the Company for inclusion in the minutes or for filing with the Company records.

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6.3. Waiver of Notice. When any notice is required to be given to the Member, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the Person entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

6.4. Special Prohibitions and Limitations. Without the prior approval of the Member, the Company shall not (i) sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company outside the ordinary course of business of the Company, (ii) merge, consolidate or combine with any other Person, or (iii) issue additional membership interests in the Company.

6.5. Amendments to Be Adopted Solely by the Managers. The Managers, without the consent at the time of the Member, may amend any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect:

(a) a change in the name of the Company or the location of the principal place of business of the Company;

(b) a change that is necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Managers to qualify the Company as a company in which members have limited liability under the laws of any state or other jurisdiction or to ensure that the Company will not be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes;

(c) a change that (i) in the sole discretion of the Managers does not adversely affect the Member in any material respect, (ii) is necessary or desirable to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any Governmental Authority or contained in any federal or state statute or (iii) is required or contemplated by this Agreement;

(d) a change in any provision or provisions of this Agreement that requires any action to be taken by or on behalf of the Company or the Member pursuant to the requirements of Delaware law if the provisions of Delaware law are amended, modified or revoked so that the taking of such action is no longer required; provided that this Section 6.5(d) shall be applicable only if such changes are not materially adverse to the Member; or

(e) any other amendments similar to the foregoing.

The Member hereby appoints each Manager as its attorney in fact to execute any amendment permitted by this Section 6.5.

6.6. Amendments. A proposed amendment to this Agreement (other than one permitted by Section 6.5) shall be effective upon its adoption by the Member.

Article VII

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MANAGERS

7.1. Management. The powers of the Company shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed under, its Managers. In addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred by this Agreement upon the Managers, the Managers may exercise all such powers of the Company and do all such lawful acts and things as are not directed or required to be exercised or done by the

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Member by the Delaware Act, the Certificate of Formation or this Agreement. In accordance with and pursuant to the provisions of Section 18-407 of the Delaware Act, the Managers may delegate to one or more other persons their rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company, provided that any such delegation may not authorize any action that would violate or reasonably be expected to violate the limited business purpose of the Company specified in Section 2.6.

7.2. Number and Qualifications. The number of Managers of the Company shall initially be one; but the number of Managers may be changed by the Member. Managers need not be residents of the State of Delaware or Members of the Company. The Managers, in their discretion, may elect a chairman of the Managers who shall preside at any meetings of the Managers.

7.3. Powers of the Managers. Without limiting the generality of Section 7.1, the Managers shall have power and authority, acting in concert in accordance with this Agreement, to cause the Company to do and perform all acts as may be necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the Company’s business.

7.4. Initial Managers. The initial Managers shall be John Kevin Akers, Christopher T. Forsythe, and                  as Independent Manager. The Member shall have the right to take action pursuant to Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 to designate one or more Managers and to remove, replace or fill any vacancy occurring for any reason of any Manager.

7.5. Place of Meetings. All meetings of the Managers or committees thereof may be held either within or outside of the State of Delaware. Any Manager may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone, video call or similar equipment, and participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

7.6. Meetings of Managers. Meetings of the Managers may be called by any Manager on two (2) days’ notice to each other Manager (if any), either personally or by mail, telephone or e-mail.

7.7. Quorum. At all meetings of the Managers, the presence of a majority of the Managers shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business unless a greater number is required by law. The act of a majority of the Managers present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Managers, except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Formation or this Agreement. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Managers, the Managers present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

7.8. Attendance and Waiver of Notice. Attendance of a Manager at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Manager attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Managers need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

7.9. Action by Managers Without a Meeting. Action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of Managers may be taken without a meeting if the action is evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by a majority of the Managers and included in the Company minutes or records. Action taken under this Section is effective when a majority of the Managers have signed the consent, unless the consent specifies a different effective date. The record date for determining Managers entitled to take action without a meeting shall be the date the first Manager signs a written consent.

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7.10. Compensation of Managers. Managers, as such, shall not receive any stated salary for their services, but shall receive such compensation for their services as may be from time to time approved by the Member, provided that nothing contained in this Agreement shall preclude any Manager from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving compensation for service. In addition, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each meeting of the Managers.

7.11. Committees. The Managers may, by resolution, designate from among the Managers one or more committees, each of which shall be comprised of one or more Managers, and may designate one or more of the Managers as alternate members of any committee, who may, subject to any limitations imposed by the Managers, replace absent or disqualified Managers at any meeting of that committee. Such committee shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the Managers, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement and under the Delaware Act.

7.12. Liability of Managers. A Manager shall not be liable under any judgment, decree or order of a court, or in any other manner, for any debt, obligation or liability of the Company by reason of his acting as a Manager. A Manager shall not be personally liable to the Company or the Member for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Manager, except for liability for any acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law or for a distribution in violation of Delaware law as a result of the willful or grossly negligent act or omission of the Manager. If the laws of the State of Delaware are amended after the date of this Agreement to authorize action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of Managers, then the liability of a Manager, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the amended laws of the State of Delaware. Any repeal or modification of this Section 7.12 by the Member shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a Manager existing at the time of such repeal or modification or thereafter arising as a result of acts or omissions prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

Article VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

8.1. Indemnification. Each Person who at any time shall be, or shall have been, a Member or Manager, or any Person who, while a Member, Manager or agent of the Company, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, member, manager, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of an Entity, shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company as and to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of Delaware law or any successor statutory provisions, as from time to time amended. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which one to be indemnified may be entitled as a matter of law or under this Agreement, any other agreement, by vote of the Member or disinterested Managers or otherwise, both as to any action in an official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. Any repeal of this Section 8.1 shall be prospective only, and shall not

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adversely affect any right of indemnification existing at the time of such repeal or modification or thereafter arising as a result of acts or omissions prior to the time of such repeal or modification. Any Person entitled to indemnification in accordance with this Section 8.1 shall hereinafter be referred to as an “Indemnitee.” If any provision or provisions of this Agreement relating to indemnification shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, including, without limitation, by allowing indemnification by vote of the Member or Managers or the disinterested minority thereof.

8.2. Advancement or Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company may pay in advance or reimburse expenses actually or reasonably incurred or anticipated by an Indemnitee in connection with an appearance as a witness or other participation in a proceeding whether or not such Indemnitee is a named defendant or a respondent in the proceeding.

8.3. Nonexclusivity and Survival of Indemnification. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which one seeking indemnification and advancement of expenses may be entitled under this Agreement, any other agreement, by vote of the disinterested Member or Managers or otherwise, both as to action in an official capacity and as to action in any other capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Company that, if the Managers and the Member unanimously approve, indemnification specified in this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any Person who is not specified in this Article VIII but whom the Company has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the Delaware Act or otherwise.

8.4. Insurance. The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any Person who is or was a Member, Manager or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, member, manager, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of an Entity against any liability asserted against and incurred by such Person in any such capacity or arising out of such Person’s status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.

Article IX

ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

9.1. Allocations. Except as may otherwise be unanimously agreed by the Managers with the consent of the Member, all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit of the Company shall be allocated to the Member in respect of its Membership Interest.

9.2. Distributions. The Member shall be entitled to receive, out of the assets of the Company legally available therefor, when, as and if declared by unanimous vote of the Managers, distributions payable in cash in such amounts, if any, as the Managers shall declare. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to make a distribution to the Member on account of its interest in the Company if such distribution would violate Sections 18-607 or 18-804 of the Delaware Act or any other applicable law or any agreement or instrument entered into by the Company in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

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Article X

ACCOUNTING PERIOD, RECORDS AND REPORTS

10.1. Accounting Period. The Company’s accounting period shall be the Fiscal Year.

10.2. Records, Audits and Reports. At the expense of the Company, the Managers shall maintain records and accounts of all operations and expenditures of the Company.

Article XI

TAX MATTERS

11.1. Tax Returns and Elections. The Managers or their designees shall cause the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company pursuant to the Code and all other tax returns that the Managers or their designees deem necessary and are required to be filed by the Company. Copies of such returns, or pertinent information therefrom, shall be furnished to the Member as promptly as practicable after filing.

11.2. State, Local or Foreign Income Taxes. In the event state or foreign income taxes are applicable, any references to federal income taxes or to “income taxes” contained herein shall refer to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. References to the Code or Treasury Regulations shall be deemed to refer to corresponding provisions that may become applicable under state, local or foreign income tax statutes and regulations.

Article XII

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY

The Membership Interest constitutes personal property and shall be freely transferable and assignable in whole but not in part upon registration of such transfer and assignment on the books of the Company in accordance with the procedures established for such purpose by the Managers. Upon registration of the transfer and assignment of the Membership Interest on the books of the Company, and without any further action of any Person, the transferee/assignee shall be admitted as a member and become the sole Member of the Company and shall have the rights and powers, and be subject to the restrictions and liabilities, of the Member under this Agreement and the Delaware Act, and following such admission, the transferor/assignor shall cease to be the Member, each as of the date of such registration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Membership Interest may not be transferred unless any conditions thereto specified in agreements or instruments entered into by the Company in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are satisfied.

Article XIII

DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION

13.1. Dissolution. The Company shall dissolve upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) if the Member so elects by vote or in writing;

(ii) at any time that there are no members of the Company, unless the business of the Company is continued in accordance with the Delaware Act; or

(iii) as otherwise provided under Delaware law.

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13.2. Effect of Dissolution. Upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in this Article effecting the dissolution of the Company, the Company shall cease to carry on its business, except insofar as may be necessary for the winding up of its business, but its separate existence shall continue until a Certificate of Cancellation has been issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

13.3. Winding Up, Liquidating and Distribution of Assets.

(a) Upon dissolution, an accounting shall be made of the accounts of the Company and of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations, from the date of the last previous accounting until the date of dissolution. The Managers shall immediately proceed to wind up the affairs of the Company.

(b) If the Company is dissolved and its affairs are to be wound up, the Managers shall (i) sell or otherwise liquidate all of the Company’s assets as promptly as practicable (except to the extent the Managers may determine to distribute any assets in kind to the Member), (ii) allocate any income or loss resulting from such sales to the Member in accordance with this Agreement, (iii) satisfy (whether by payment or making reasonable provision for payment thereof) all liabilities to creditors in the order of priority as provided by law, (iv) discharge all liabilities of the Member (other than liabilities to the Member or for Capital Contributions to the extent unpaid in breach of an obligation to do so), including all costs relating to the dissolution, winding up and liquidation and distribution of assets, (v) discharge any liabilities of the Company to the Member other than on account of their interests in Company capital or profits and (vi) distribute the remaining assets to the Member, either in cash or in kind, as determined by the Managers.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, upon a liquidation of the Company no Member shall have any obligation to make any contribution to the capital of the Company other than any Capital Contributions such Member agreed to make in accordance with this Agreement.

(d) Upon (i) completion of the winding up, liquidation and distribution of the assets and (ii) the filing of a Certificate of Cancellation as provided in Section 13.4, the Company shall terminate.

(e) The Managers shall comply with any applicable requirements of applicable law pertaining to the winding up of the affairs of the Company and the final distribution of its assets.

13.4. Certificate of Cancellation. When all debts, liabilities and obligations have been paid and discharged or adequate provisions have been made therefor and all of the remaining property and assets have been distributed to the Member, a Certificate of Cancellation shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which Certificate of Cancellation shall set forth the information required by the Delaware Act.

13.5. Return of Contribution. Except as provided by law, upon dissolution, the Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company for the return of its Capital Contribution.

Article XIV

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

14.1. Notices. Any notice, demand or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes if delivered personally to the party or to an executive officer of the party to whom the same is directed or if sent by electronic mail or by registered or certified mail, postage and charges prepaid, addressed to the Member’s and/or Company’s address, as appropriate, which is set forth in this Agreement. If sent by electronic mail, any such notice shall be deemed to be delivered upon delivery of such notice. If mailed, any such notice shall be deemed to be delivered two (2) calendar days after being deposited in the United States mail with postage thereon prepaid, addressed and sent as aforesaid.

14.2. Books of Account and Records. Proper and complete records and books of account in which shall be entered fully and accurately all transactions and other matters relating to the Company’s business in such detail and completeness as is customary and usual for businesses of the type engaged in by the Company shall be kept or shall be caused to be kept by the Company. The books and records of the Company shall at all times be maintained at the principal place of business of the Company and shall be open to the reasonable inspection and examination of the Member or its duly authorized representatives during reasonable business hours.

14.3. Application of Delaware Law. This Agreement, and the application of interpretation hereof, shall be governed exclusively by its terms and by the laws of the State of Delaware, and specifically the Delaware Act.

14.4. Waiver of Action for Partition. The Member irrevocably waives, during the term of the Company, any right that the Member may have to maintain any action for partition with respect to the property of the Company.

14.5. Execution of Additional Instruments. The Member hereby agrees to execute such other and further statements of interest and holdings, designations, powers of attorney and other instruments necessary to comply with any laws, rules or regulations.

14.6. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

14.7. Waivers. No waiver of any right under this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced in writing and executed by the Person entitled to the benefits thereof. The failure of any party to seek redress for violation of or to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant or condition of this Agreement shall not prevent another act or omission, which would have originally constituted a violation, from having the effect of an original violation.

14.8. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive the right to use any or all other rights or remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by law, statute, ordinance or otherwise.

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14.9. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application thereof shall not be affected and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

14.10. Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Each and all of the covenants, terms, provisions and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

14.11. Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company.

14.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

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EXECUTED to be effective as of the date first above written.

ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION as sole Member
By:	/s/ Daniel M. Meziere
Name:	Daniel M. Meziere
Title:	Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasurer

Signature Page to Limited Liability Company Agreement

of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

20221025150915

Kansas Corporation

Commission

BEFORE THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF KANSAS

Before Commissioners:	Dwight D. Keen, Chair
	Susan K. Duffy
	Andrew J. French

In The Matter of The Application of	)
Atmos Energy Corporation For the	)
Recovery of Qualified Extraordinary	)	DOCKET NO. 22-ATMG-538-TAR
Costs and Issuance of a Financing	)
Order.	)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FINANCING ORDER		1
I. Discussion and Statutory Overview		7
II. Description of Proposed Transaction		14
III. Findings of Fact		22
A. IDENTIFICATION AND PROCEDURE		22
1.	Identification of Applicant and Application	22
2.	Procedural History	24
B. QUALIFIED EXTRAORDINARY COSTS AND AMOUNT TO BE SECURITIZED		25
1.	Identification and Amounts	25
2.	Balance to be Securitized	26
3.	Issuance Advice Letter	27
4.	Benefits to Customers	31
C. STRUCTURE OF THE PROPOSED SECURITIZATION		33
1.	Special Purpose Entity	33
2.	Credit Enhancement and Arrangements to Reduce Interest Rate Risk or Enhance Marketability	37
3.	Securitized Utility Tariff Property	38
4.	Servicer and the Servicing Agreement	39
5.	Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds	42
6.	Security for Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds	43
a.	The General Sub-account	44
b.	The Capital Sub-account	45
c.	The Excess Funds Sub-account	46
d.	Other Sub-accounts	47
7.	General Provisions	48
8.	Securitized Utility Tariff Charges—Imposition and Collection, Nonbypassability, Settlement Fee	49
9.	Allocation of Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Ongoing Financing Costs among Sales Customer
	Classes	52
10.	True-Up of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges	54
11.	Interim True-Up	55
12.	Additional True-Up Provisions	56
13.	Lowest Bond Charges	57

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page ii

D. USE OF PROCEEDS		59
E. METHOD OF TRACING FUNDS		59
F. RECONCILIATION PLAN		60
G. CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS PLAN		60
H. STATE PLEDGE		61
IV. Conclusions of Law		62
V. Ordering Paragraphs		72
A. APPROVAL		72
B. SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF CHARGES		76
C. SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS		79
D. SERVICING AND ADMINISTRATION		83
E. STRUCTURE OF THE SECURITIZATION		86
F. USE OF PROCEEDS		86
G. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS		87
Appendix A	Form of Issuance Advice Letter
Appendix B	Form of Tariff (Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider)
Appendix C	Form of True-Up Letter
Appendix D	Form of Securitized Utility Tariff Property Servicing Agreement
Appendix E	Form of Securitized Utility Tariff Property Purchase and Sale Agreement
Appendix F	Customer Communications Plan
Appendix G	Form of Administration Agreement
Appendix H	Form of Indenture
Appendix I	Form of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the SPE
Appendix J	Glossary of Terms

BEFORE THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF KANSAS

Before Commissioners:	Dwight D. Keen, Chair
	Susan K. Duffy
	Andrew J. French

In The Matter of The Application of	)
Atmos Energy Corporation for the	)
Recovery of Qualified Extraordinary	)	DOCKET NO. 22-ATMG-538-TAR
Costs and Issuance of a Financing	)
Order.	)

FINANCING ORDER

This Financing Order addresses the Application for Financing Order (the “Application”) of Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy” or the “Company”), under the Utility Financing and Securitization Act¹ (the “Act”): (1) to securitize the Company’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs,² currently estimated to be $118,514,030,³ which will be finalized and set forth in the Issuance Advice Letter; (2) to approve the proposed securitization financing structure; and (3) to approve the creation of Securitized Utility Tariff Property⁴ consisting of the right to impose and collect Securitized Utility Tariff Charges⁵ sufficient to repay, finance or refinance Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including Upfront Financing Costs and Ongoing Financing Costs.⁶

¹  K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240—66-1,253

²  K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(21) defines Securitized Utility Tariff Costs as either Energy Transition Costs or Qualified Extraordinary Costs.

³  See Revised Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, p. 4 (July 22, 2022), as further amended by Direct Testimony of Justin T. Grady, filed on August 26, 2022.

⁴  K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(22).

⁵  K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(20).

⁶  K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(19)(B).

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 2

The Commission approves Atmos Energy’s Application, as modified by this Financing Order. The Commission also finds that the securitization approved in this Financing Order meets all applicable requirements of the Act. Accordingly, the Commission: (1) authorizes, subject to the terms of this Financing Order, the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Financing Costs; (2) approves the creation of Securitized Utility Tariff Property consisting of the right to impose and collect Securitized Utility Tariff Charges in an amount to be calculated as provided in this Financing Order; (3) approves the form of tariff, as provided in this Financing Order, to implement those Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, (4) approves the securitization of Qualified Extraordinary Costs, including Upfront Financing Costs and Ongoing Financing Cost estimates (subject to review of the Designated Representative); and (5) approves the review of the structure of the proposed securitization financing through a pre-issuance review and ultimate Issuance Advice Letter process.

In order to approve the securitization, the Commission must make certain findings, among them, that: (1) the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be just and reasonable; (2) the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the imposition and collection of a Securitized Utility Tariff Charge are expected to provide net quantifiable rate benefits to customers as compared to the traditional methods of financing and recovering Securitized Utility Tariff Costs from customers or would avoid or mitigate rate impacts to customers; and (3) the structuring, pricing and Financing Costs of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are expected to result in the lowest Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, consistent with market conditions at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 3

are priced and the terms of the Financing Order.⁷ Based on the evidence submitted by Atmos Energy, the Commission Staff and CURB, the Commission finds that the proposed securitization warrants such findings.

Considering the magnitude of the benefits provided, the Commission declines to determine a particular number for each benefit conferred by the securitization. Accordingly, in quantifying the benefit to Retail Customers as a result of this securitization, the Commission refers to the ranges of benefits calculated under Atmos Energy’s proposed securitization structure presented in Atmos Energy Witness Jason L. Schneider’s Revised Direct Testimony, and confirmed by Staff witness Justin Grady Direct Testimony.

Based on the evidence submitted by Atmos Energy and Commission Staff, the Commission finds that as a result of the securitization approved by this Financing Order, Customers in Atmos Energy’s service area will realize benefits currently estimated to be approximately $8.5 million on a present value basis assuming a 10-year securitization.⁸ The Commission concludes that the benefits for Customers set forth in Atmos Energy’s and Commission Staff’s evidence are indicative of the benefits that Customers will realize from the securitization approved in this Financing Order; however, the pre-issuance review and Issuance Advice Letter will require Atmos Energy to update the benefit analysis (subject to review of the Designated Representative) to verify that the final structure of the securitization satisfies the statutory financial tests.

⁷  See K.S.A. §§ 66-1,241(d) and (e)(5). For purposes of this Order, the Commission has concluded the term “customer” as reflected in this particular statutory provision has the same meaning as Retail Customer, as hereinafter defined in the Glossary.

⁸  See K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240—66-1,253; Jason L Schneider Revised Direct, July 22, 2022; Justin T. Grady Direct, August 26, 2022. As indicated in Mr. Grady’s testimony, the final NPV benefit to Atmos Energy’s customers will change depending on the actual interest rate and the term length of the securitization bonds, which will be known at the time the bonds are issued. The final NPV benefit shall be provided to the Commission in the final Issuance Advice Letter. See, Justin Grady’s Direct Testimony, 22-538 Docket, filed August 26, 2022, page 13, line 4 through page 14, line 21.”

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 4

Atmos Energy provided a description of the proposed transaction structure in its Application, as supported by the testimony and accompanying exhibits. The proposed transaction structure does not contain every relevant detail and, in certain places, uses only approximations of certain costs and requirements. The final transaction structure will depend, in part, upon the considerations of the nationally recognized credit rating agencies that rate the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and, in part, upon the market conditions that exist at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are taken to the market.

While the Commission recognizes the need for some degree of flexibility with regard to the final details of the securitization transaction approved in this Financing Order, its primary focus is on the statutory requirements that must be met prior to issuing a Financing Order. By statute, the Commission must adopt the following findings of fact, in accordance with K.S.A. § 66-1,240(e):

a) The amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Costs to be financed using Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds;⁹

b) An approved customer billing mechanism for Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, including a specific methodology for allocating the necessary Securitized Utility Tariff Charges among the different customer classes;¹⁰

c) A finding that the proposed issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the imposition and collection of a Securitized Utility Tariff Charge are expected to provide net quantifiable rate benefits to customers as compared to the traditional methods of financing and recovering Securitized Utility Tariff Costs from customers or would avoid or mitigate rate impacts to customers;¹¹

⁹  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(1).

¹⁰  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(2)(A).

¹¹  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(3).

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 5

d) An approved plan for the public utility, by means other than on the monthly bill, to provide information regarding the benefits of securitization obtained for customers through the Financing Order;¹²

e) A finding that the structuring, pricing and financing costs of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are expected to result in the lowest Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, consistent with market conditions at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are priced and the terms of the Financing Order;¹³

f) A requirement that, for so long as the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are outstanding and until all financing costs have been paid in full, the imposition and collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges authorized under a Financing Order shall be nonbypassable;¹⁴

g) An Adjustment Mechanism;¹⁵

h) A description of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property that is, or shall be, created in favor of a public utility, or its successors and assignees, and that shall be used to pay and secure the payment of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all financing costs authorized in the Financing Order;¹⁶

i) A statement specifying the degree of flexibility to be afforded to the public utility in establishing the terms and conditions of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including, but not limited to, repayment schedules, expected interest rates and other financing costs;¹⁷

j) Authorization for the applicant public utility to finance Securitized Utility Tariff Costs through the issuance of one or more series of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds;¹⁸

k) A requirement that, after the final terms of an issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been established and before the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the public utility determines the resulting initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charge is in accordance with the Financing Order and that such initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charge be final and effective upon the issuance of such Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds without further

¹²  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(4).

¹³¹³  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(5).

¹⁴ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(6).

¹⁵ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(7).

¹⁶ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(8).

¹⁷ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(9).

¹⁸ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(10).

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 6

Commission action so long as the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge is consistent with the Financing Order;¹⁹

l) A method of tracing funds collected as Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, or other proceeds of securitized utility tariff property, demonstrating that such method shall be deemed the method of tracing such funds and determining the identifiable cash proceeds of any securitized utility tariff property subject to a Financing Order under applicable law;²⁰

m) A statement specifying a future rate-making process to reconcile any differences between the actual Securitized Utility Tariff Costs financed by Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the final Securitized Utility Tariff Costs incurred by the utility or assignee provided that any such reconciliation shall not affect the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or the associated security tariff charges paid by customers;²¹

n) A procedure that allows the public utility to earn a return, at the cost of capital authorized from time to time by the Commission in the public utility’s rate proceedings, on any moneys advanced by the public utility to fund reserves, if any, or capital accounts established under the terms of any Indenture, Ancillary Agreement or other financing documents pertaining to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds;²²

o) A date, not earlier than one year after the date that the Financing Order is no longer subject to appeal, when the authority to issue Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds granted in such Financing Order shall expire;²³ and

p) Any other conditions that the Commission deems appropriate and that are consistent with this section.²⁴

The Commission finds that Atmos Energy’s Application, testimony, and accompanying exhibits, which the Commission has reviewed and evaluated, provides support for findings on each of these requirements. The findings themselves and the basis for each are set out in this Financing Order.

¹⁹  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(11).

²⁰ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(12).

²¹ K.S.A. 66-1,241(e)(13).

²² K.S.A. 66-1,241(e)(14).

²³ K.S.A. 66-1,241(e)(17).

²⁴ K.S.A. 66-1,241(e)(18).

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 7

Finally, the Commission has established certain criteria in this Financing Order that must be met for the approvals and authorizations granted in this Financing Order to become effective. The authority and approval granted in this Financing Order is effective only upon Atmos Energy filing with the Commission an Issuance Advice Letter, in the form as set forth in Appendix A hereto, demonstrating compliance with the provisions of this Financing Order. If market conditions make it desirable to issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in more than one series, then the authority and approval granted in this Financing Order is effective as to each issuance upon, but only upon, Atmos Energy filing with the Commission a separate Issuance Advice Letter for that issuance demonstrating compliance of that issuance with the provisions of the Financing Order.

I. Discussion and Statutory Overview

In mid-February 2021, Kansas experienced sub-zero temperatures brought by Winter Storm Uri (the “Winter Event”), which led to a significant increase in demand for electricity and natural gas. On February 14, 2021, Governor Laura Kelly declared a State of Disaster Emergency due to expected prolonged low temperatures and the strain on natural gas and utility providers; at the time, wholesale natural gas prices were reflecting increases from 10 to 100 times their normal rates.

On February 15, 2021, pursuant to K.S.A. § 77-536(a), the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas (“Commission”) issued an Emergency Order in Docket No. 21-GIMX-303-MIS (Docket 21-303), directing jurisdictional natural gas utilities to take all reasonably feasible, lawful, and appropriate actions to ensure adequate transportation of natural gas to interconnected,

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 8

non-jurisdictional Kansas utilities.²⁵ Jurisdictional natural gas utilities were ordered to do everything necessary to ensure that natural gas service continued to be provided to their customers in Kansas.²⁶ The Commission authorized every jurisdictional natural gas distribution utility to defer extraordinary costs incurred during the Winter Event to a regulatory asset account.²⁷ By September 14, 2021, Atmos Energy had incurred and deferred approximately $87,880,622 of extraordinary gas costs, exclusive of carrying costs, related to the Winter Event.²⁸ This amount was later estimated as $89,799,233, including estimated carrying costs of 2%, through March 31, 2023.²⁹

The Act was enacted, in part, in response to the extraordinary costs experienced by Atmos Energy and other gas utilities due to the Winter Event. The Act refers to these costs as “Qualified Extraordinary Costs,” and defines them to include,

costs the public utility has incurred before, on or after the effective date of this act of an extraordinary nature that would cause extreme customer rate impacts if recovered through customary rate-making, including, but not limited to, purchases of gas supplies, transportation costs, fuel and power costs, including carrying charges incurred during anomalous weather events.³⁰

The Commission further identified possible costs to be deferred including, but,

not limited to the cost of procuring and transporting natural gas supplies for jurisdictional utility customers, costs associated with jurisdictional utilities coordinating and assisting non-jurisdictional utilities with the transportation of gas supplies, and any other reasonable costs necessary to ensure stability and reliability of natural gas and electric service. These deferred costs may also include carrying costs at the utility’s weighted average cost of capital.³¹

²⁵  Emergency Order, 2l-GIMX-303-MIS (21-303 Docket), p. 2, ¶3 (Feb. 15, 2021) (Emergency Order).

²⁶  Id.

²⁷  Id. at ¶4.

²⁸  See Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 21-ATMG-333-GIG, p. 5 (Feb. 24, 2022).

²⁹  See Revised Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR (July 22, 2022).

³⁰ K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(18).

³¹  Emergency Order, Page 2, paragraph 4.

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As shown in the testimony and exhibits filed in support of its Application, Atmos Energy incurred costs as a result of the Winter Event that meet the definition of Qualified Extraordinary Costs and should be included in the costs to be recovered by Atmos Energy.

To securitize a utility’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs, the Commission may authorize the issuance of securities known as Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are evidence of indebtedness or ownership that are issued under a Financing Order, are limited to a term of no longer than 32 years, and are secured by or payable from Securitized Utility Tariff Property.³² The net proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds must be used to directly or indirectly recover, finance or refinance Commission-approved Qualified Extraordinary Costs.³³ If Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are approved and issued, Retail Customers (including bills to special contract customers) must pay the principal, interest, and related charges of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds through Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.³⁴ Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are Nonbypassable charges that will be paid by all existing or future Retail Customers receiving natural gas service from the public utility or its successors or assignees under Commission-approved rate schedules or under special contracts, even if a Retail Customer elects to purchase natural gas from an alternative natural gas supplier following a fundamental change in regulation of public utilities in Kansas.³⁵ Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are to be billed, collected and remitted by Atmos Energy as Servicer, or a successor Servicer, in full, separate and apart from Atmos Energy’s base rates.³⁶

³² K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(19)(A).

³³  Id.

³⁴ K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(20).

³⁵  Id.

³⁶ Id.

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The rights to impose, collect, and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges (including all other rights of a utility under the Financing Order) are only contract rights until such rights (which may relate to all or, if more than one series of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued due to market conditions, a portion of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs) are first transferred to an assignee or pledged in connection with the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.³⁷ Upon the transfer or pledge of those rights, they become Securitized Utility Tariff Property and, as such, are afforded certain statutory protections to ensure that the charges are available for the payment of principal and interest on the bonds and other related costs.³⁸

This Financing Order includes a mandatory semi-annual formula-based rate Adjustment Mechanism requiring that Securitized Utility Tariff Charges be reviewed by the Servicer and adjusted at least semi-annually, to correct any overcollections or under-collections during the preceding six months and to ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.³⁹ In addition to required semi-annual reviews, the Servicer may implement more frequent reviews at any time to ensure that the amount of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges matches the funding requirements approved in this Financing Order. Atmos Energy, as Servicer, or a Substitute Servicer, may modify the Adjustment Mechanism in the event it finds that the Adjustment Mechanism will not provide Securitized Utility Tariff Charges

³⁷ K.S.A. § 66-1,246(c).

³⁸  See K.S.A. § 66-1,246.

³⁹ K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(2).

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sufficient to meet the funding requirements for its next two scheduled principal and interest payments and related Ongoing Financing Costs. These provisions will help to ensure that the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges paid by Retail Customers is equal to, but does not exceed, the amount necessary to cover the costs of this securitization. The Financing Order also reflects other statutory benefits and assurances that are necessary for securitization.

The Commission may adopt a Financing Order only if it finds that the proposed issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the imposition and collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are expected to provide net quantifiable rate benefits to customers when compared to the costs that would result from the application of the traditional method of financing and recovering the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs with respect to Qualified Extraordinary Costs or avoid or mitigate rate impacts to customers.⁴⁰ To make that determination, the Commission must review a comparison between the net present value of the costs to customers that are estimated to result from the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the costs that would result from the application of traditional methods of financing and recovery of such Qualified Extraordinary Costs, which Atmos Energy has included in its Application.⁴¹

Economic benefits depend upon a favorable financial market—one in which Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds may be sold at an interest rate lower than the carrying costs of the assets being securitized. The precise interest rate at which Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds can be sold in a future market, however, is not yet known. Nevertheless, benefits can be calculated based upon certain known facts (e.g., the amount of assets to be securitized and the cost of the alternative to securitization) and assumptions (e.g., the interest rate of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the

⁴⁰ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(d)(2).

⁴¹ See K.S.A. § 66-1,241(c)(9)(B).

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term of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds). By analyzing the proposed securitization based upon those facts and assumptions, a determination can be made as to whether net quantifiable benefits result. To ensure that benefits are realized, an Issuance Advice Letter must be presented to the Commission after pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds demonstrating that the actual structure and costs of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will provide net quantifiable benefits to customers.

Atmos Energy’s financial analysis, as confirmed by Commission Staff, shows that securitizing the Qualified Extraordinary Costs will produce an economic benefit to Retail Customers currently estimated to be approximately $8.5 million on a present value basis assuming a 10-year securitization. ⁴² Before the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds may be issued, Atmos Energy must submit to the Commission an Issuance Advice Letter that indicates the final structure of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and provides the best available estimate of total Ongoing Financing Costs.⁴³ An example Form of Issuance Advice Letter is attached to this Financing Order as Appendix A.

The State of Kansas and its agencies, including the Commission, have pledged and agreed that the state and its agencies shall not:

• Alter the statute that authorizes the Commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a Financing Order, to create Securitized Utility Tariff Property and to make the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges imposed by a Financing Order irrevocable, binding or nonbypassable charges for all existing and future retail customers within the service area of the public utility;

⁴²  See K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240—66-1,253; Application Exhibit JLS-3. As indicated in Mr. Grady’s testimony, the final NPV benefit to Atmos Energy’s customers will change depending on the actual interest rate and the term length of the securitization bonds, which will be known at the time the bonds are issued. The final NPV benefit shall be provided to the Commission in the final Issuance Advice Letter. See, Justin Grady’s Direct Testimony, 22-538 Docket, filed August 26, 2022, page 13, line 4 through page 14, line 21.”

⁴³ K.S.A. § 66-1,241(h)(4).

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• Take any action that would impair the value of Securitized Utility Tariff Property or the security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or revises the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs for which recovery is authorized;

• Impair the rights and remedies of the bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way; or

• Except for changes made pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism expressly allowed by law, reduce, alter, or impair the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected, and remitted for the benefit of the bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, financing costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been paid and performed in full. ⁴⁴

Notwithstanding that the imposition and collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges depends on Atmos Energy performing its servicing functions relating to the collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and on the number of future natural gas customers, Securitized Utility Tariff Property (whether associated with a single bond series covering the entire Qualified Extraordinary Costs or with one of multiple bond series covering only a portion of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs) constitutes a present property right for purposes of contracts concerning the sale or pledge of property and the property will continue to exist until Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued pursuant to the Financing Order have been paid in full and all Financing Costs and other costs of such Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been recovered in full.⁴⁵ In addition, the interests of an assignee or pledgee in Securitized Utility Tariff Property (as well as the revenues and collections arising from the property) are not subject to setoff, counterclaim, surcharge, or defense by the utility or any other person or in connection with the bankruptcy of the utility or any other entity.⁴⁶

⁴⁴  K.S.A. § 66-1,252(a).

⁴⁵ K.S.A. §§ 66-1,244(a)-(b).

⁴⁶  K.S.A. § 66-1,244(e).

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The Commission may, at the request of a utility, adopt a Financing Order providing for the refinancing, retiring or refunding of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued pursuant to this Financing Order if the Commission finds that the subsequent Financing Order satisfies all of the criteria for a Financing Order under the Act.⁴⁷ This Financing Order does not preclude Atmos Energy from filing a request for a Financing Order to refinance, retire or refund Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds approved in this Financing Order upon a showing that the statutory criteria are met.⁴⁸

To facilitate compliance and consistency with applicable statutory provisions, this Financing Order adopts the definitions in K.S.A. § 66-1,240. In addition, capitalized terms not defined in the Act are defined in the Glossary of Terms (the “Glossary”), attached to this Financing Order as Appendix J.

II. Description of Proposed Transaction

A description of the transaction proposed by Atmos Energy is contained in its Application and the filing package submitted as part of the Application. A brief summary of the proposed transaction is provided in this section. A more detailed description is included in the Findings of Fact, Section C, titled “Structure of the Proposed Securitization,” attached appendices, and in the Application itself. In general, the proposal consists of the following framework:

a) The Qualified Extraordinary Costs will be updated, trued-up, verified, and allocated among Atmos Energy’s Retail Customers;

⁴⁷  K.S.A. § 66-1,241(i).

⁴⁸ Id.

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b) Atmos Energy will form a wholly owned, subsidiary, a Delaware Special Purpose Entity, referred to in the Act as an Assignee;⁴⁹

c) The SPE will be designed to be a bankruptcy-remote limited purpose entity;⁵⁰

d) This Financing Order will establish the mechanism for the creation of Securitized Utility Tariff Property;⁵¹

e) Atmos Energy will transfer, via a true sale, its rights in Securitized Utility Tariff Property to the SPE, rendering this Financing Order irrevocable;

f) The SPE will issue Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to investors;

g) The proceeds from the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be used, directly or indirectly to recover, finance or refinance Atmos Energy’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Financing Costs;

h) The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and Financing Costs will be secured by or payable from the Securitized Utility Tariff Property transferred to the SPE;

i) Atmos Energy will act as a collection agent or servicer for the SPE and the SPE’s right to collect and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges;

j) Atmos Energy will, on at least a semi-annual basis, apply an Adjustment Mechanism to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to ensure the timely and complete payment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all other Financing Costs.

⁴⁹  “Assignee” means a corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, public authority, trust, financing entity or other entity to which a public utility assigns, sells or transfers, other than as security, all, or a portion of its interest in, or right to, securitized utility tariff property. K.S.A. §66-1,240(b)(4).

⁵⁰  See Direct Testimony of Jason L. Schneider, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, p. 8 (May 25, 2022).

⁵¹  “Securitized Utility Tariff Property” includes:

(A) All rights and interests of a public utility, its successor or assignee under a financing order, including the right to impose, bill, charge, collect and receive securitized utility tariff charges authorized under the financing order and to obtain periodic adjustments to such charges authorized under this section and as provided in the financing order; and

(B) all revenues, collections, claims, rights to payments, payments, money or proceeds arising from the rights and interests specified in the financing order, regardless of whether such revenues, collections, claims, rights to payment, payments, money or proceeds are imposed, billed, received, collected or maintained together with or commingled with other revenues, collections, rights to payment, payments, money or proceeds. K.S.A. 66-1,240(b)(22).

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 16

To facilitate the proposed securitization, Atmos Energy will form a Delaware Special Purpose Entity, the SPE, to which Atmos Energy will transfer the rights to impose, collect, and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges along with the other rights arising pursuant to this Financing Order. Upon transfer (in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds), the rights to impose, collect, and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges along with the other rights arising pursuant to this Financing Order will become Securitized Utility Tariff Property as provided by K.S.A. § 66-1,244. The SPE will issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and will transfer the net proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to Atmos Energy in consideration for the transfer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property. The SPE will be organized and managed in a manner designed to maintain the SPE as a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity that will not be affected by any bankruptcy or insolvency of Atmos Energy, any other division, their affiliates, or respective successors. In addition, the SPE will have at least one independent manager whose approval will be required for certain actions or changes by the SPE. A form of the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the SPE (“SPE LLC Agreement”) is attached to this Financing Order as Appendix I.

The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be issued pursuant to an Indenture and a series supplement, which will be administered by an indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”). The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be secured by and payable solely out of the corresponding Securitized Utility Tariff Property created pursuant to this Financing Order and any collateral described in Atmos Energy’s Application. Such collateral will be pledged to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and to secure payment of the principal, interest, and related charges for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. A form of the Indenture (including a form of series supplement as an exhibit thereto) (the “Indenture”) is attached to this Financing Order as Appendix H.

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The Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will bill and collect the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and remit those amounts to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the SPE. The Servicer will be responsible for filing any required or permitted true ups of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The Servicer will perform these functions for the SPE pursuant to the Securitized Utility Tariff Property Servicing Agreement (the “Servicing Agreement”) by and between Atmos Energy, as the initial servicer, and the SPE. If the Servicer defaults on its obligations under the Servicing Agreement, the Indenture Trustee may appoint a successor Servicer. Atmos Energy will act as the initial Servicer for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and will collect fees as described in the Servicing Agreement. A form of the Servicing Agreement is attached to this Financing Order as Appendix D.

The Servicing Agreement will prohibit the initial Servicer’s ability to resign as Servicer unless (i) it is unlawful for the initial Servicer to continue in such a capacity, or (ii) the Commission consents and the credit rating agencies confirm that the resignation would not impact the ratings on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Resignation of the initial Servicer cannot become effective until the successor Servicer has fully assumed all obligations to continue servicing the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds without interruption. The Servicer may be terminated from its responsibilities in certain cases upon a majority vote of bondholders.

Atmos Energy requested approval of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges sufficient to recover the principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as described in this Financing Order and Attachment 2, Schedule B of Appendix A, Form of Issuance Advice Letter, attached hereto. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be calculated to ensure the collection of an amount sufficient to service the principal, interest, and related charges for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and in a manner that allocates this amount to the various classes of Retail Customers as provided in this Financing Order or as otherwise ordered by the Commission.    

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The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be calculated on a fixed monthly charge per Retail Customer, pursuant to the method described in the Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider (“WESCR”), a pro forma copy of which is contained in Appendix B, Form of Tariff. The fixed monthly per-Retail Customer Securitized Utility Tariff Charge will be adjusted semi-annually pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism described in this Financing Order. The per-Retail Customer charge initially will be calculated using the customer count reported in the most recent Atmos Energy Annual Report and will be updated semi-annually. Additionally, if the customer count for a particular class declines by more than ten percent (10%) from that identified in the 2021 Annual Report, then the allocation factors will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather normalized volume for each customer class.    

The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges shall be collected over the expected life of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. However, Securitized Utility Tariff Charges shall be collected only until all of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and related Ongoing Financing Costs are paid in full. The scheduled final maturity date of the bonds shall be determined by Atmos Energy subject to review of the Designated Representative. The Issuance Advice Letter shall specify both the scheduled final maturity of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bond tranches and the legal maturity for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bond tranches. The legal maturity is expected to be longer than the scheduled final maturity, based upon rating agency and market considerations, but in no event shall the final legal maturity exceed 32 years from the issuance date of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, as described in K.S.A.§ 66-1,240(b)(19)(A). Amounts remaining unpaid after final legal maturity of the last Securitized Utility Tariff Bond tranche may be recovered but only to the extent that the charges are attributable to services rendered prior to the final legal maturity of the last Securitized Utility Tariff Bond tranche.

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The Securitized Utility Tariff Charge will become effective on the day after the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued. As required by the Act, this charge will be a separate line item on the Retail Customers’ bill. Billing will begin with the first billing cycle of the month following bond issuance.    

An Adjustment Mechanism, as described in K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(2) and as authorized by the Commission in this Financing Order, shall be used to make necessary corrections to: (a) adjust for the overcollection or under-collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, or (b) to ensure the timely and complete payment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, other Financing Costs, and other amounts due in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. In addition to the semi-annual true-up required by K.S.A. § 66-1,241(g), periodic true-ups may be performed as necessary to ensure that the amount collected from Securitized Utility Tariff Charges is sufficient to service the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. The methodology for making true-up adjustments under the Adjustment Mechanism and the circumstances under which any such adjustment shall be made are described in the pro-forma WESCR, attached to this Financing Order as Appendix B.    

The Financial Plan Settlement approved by the Commission in Docket No. 21-ATMG-333-GIG (“Docket 21-333”) includes several elements which Atmos Energy was required to incorporate into its Application. At the time of the Financial Plan Settlement, Atmos Energy had prudently incurred Qualified Extraordinary Costs totaling $102,517,847.⁵² Atmos Energy has

⁵²  See Exhibit A to Financial Plan Settlement Order, p. 5, ¶8.

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updated and verified the Qualified Extraordinary Costs as part of this proceeding. The updated Qualified Extraordinary Costs are:⁵³

QUALIFIED EXTRAORDINARY COST DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT
Gas Costs	$	76,652,625
Carrying Costs – at 2% through March 31, 2023	$	3,142,758
Docket Cost, Including Customer Education	$	779,000
Atmos Energy Penalties from Docket 21-333	$	9,559,372
Credit for Passthrough Penalties to 3rd Parties	$	(334,521	)
Legal/Consulting Fees (excluding financing fees)	$	2,885,000
Total Amount to be Securitized	$	92,684,233
Illustrative Interest Expense Relating to Securitization	$	22,157,796
Operation & Admin/ Net Reserve Funding Costs (Ongoing Costs)	$	3,672,001
Total Qualified Extraordinary Costs	$	118,514,030

Atmos Energy was permitted to recover carrying charges on the Qualified Extraordinary Costs, at a rate of 2.0%, between the time the Qualified Extraordinary Costs were incurred until the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued and Atmos Energy begins to charge customers a Securitized Utility Tariff Charge.⁵⁴ The principal amount being securitized is $92,684,223. The remaining portion of the $118,514,030 identified as the total qualified extraordinary cost in the table above ($25,829,797) includes the estimated interest cost for the bonds themselves and Ongoing Financing Cost.

⁵³  See Rebuttal and Responsive Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, (September 9, 2022).

⁵⁴  See Exhibit A to Financial Plan Settlement Order, pp. 5 – 6, ¶10.

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The Financial Plan Settlement deferred certain determinations to this proceeding. Notwithstanding the Act’s requirements, this proceeding determined the term of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, and how Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be recovered from Atmos Energy’s Retail Customers.⁵⁵ Unless otherwise prohibited by law, Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will not be charged to Transportation Customers, as defined in the Glossary. Furthermore and pursuant to the Financial Plan Settlement, unless otherwise prohibited by law, Retail Customers who become Transportation Customers during the period Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are being recovered shall be required to pay a settlement fee prior to becoming a Transportation Customer.The settlement fee owed by the customer shall be based on the present value of the expected charges the customer would have paid as a Retail Customer over the remaining period in which the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge is being recovered.⁵⁶ The charges shall use a discount rate equal to the weighted average remaining rate of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds at the time of such settlement. This settlement fee will be credited to Atmos Energy’s other Retail Customers once a year through its Purchased Gas Adjustment (“PGA”) tariff and associated Annual Cost Adjustment (“ACA”) (collectively, “PGA/ACA”).⁵⁷

Atmos Energy’s Application contains a method of tracing funds collected as Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges collected from customers will be placed on a separate line on customers’ bills, allowing the Company to assign the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges a specific code, by customer class, in its billing system. This code will allow the Company to trace proceeds from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

See Exhibit A to Financial Plan Settlement Order, p. 6, ¶11.

⁵⁶  Id.

⁵⁷  Id.

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Atmos Energy’s Application also contains a reconciliation proposal. As contemplated by the Financial Plan Settlement, this proposal considers both the deferred tax liability associated with Qualified Extraordinary Cost recoveries, as well as the corresponding and offsetting deferred tax asset associated with the net operating loss carry-forward created by the Qualified Extraordinary Costs.⁵⁸

III. Findings of Fact

A. Identification and Procedure

1. Identification of Applicant and Application

1. Atmos Energy is a natural gas public utility which owns and operates for compensation an extensive natural gas distribution network to provide service in this state.

2. On February 15, 2021, in Docket No. 21-GIMX-303-MIS, the Commission issued an Emergency Order.⁵⁹ Sub-zero temperatures and increased demand for electricity and natural gas caused by the Winter Event placed significant stress on utilities. Wholesale natural gas prices increased 10 to 100 times higher than normal.

3. The Commission ordered jurisdictional utilities to do everything necessary to ensure natural gas and electricity continued to be provided to customers in Kansas.⁶⁰ The Commission authorized every jurisdictional electric and natural gas

⁵⁸  See Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, p. 36-37 (May 25, 2022) Settlement., Exhibit A, p. 8, ¶15.

⁵⁹  Emergency Order, Docket No. 21-GIMX-303-MIS, p. 1, ¶1 (Feb. 15, 2021) (Emergency Order).

⁶⁰  See id. at p. 2, ¶3.

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utility to defer extraordinary costs related to the Winter Event to a regulatory asset account.61 Concurrent with this decision, the Commission directed Atmos Energy to develop a plan to minimize the Winter Event’s financial impact on Atmos Energy’s customers.⁶² By September 14, 2021, Atmos Energy had incurred and deferred approximately $87,880,622 million of extraordinary costs, exclusive of carrying costs, related to the Weather Event.⁶³ This amount was later estimated as $89,799,233, including estimated carrying costs of 2%, through March 31, 2023.⁶⁴

4. On September 14, 2021, Atmos Energy submitted its plan to minimize the financial impact of the Winter Event on customers.⁶⁵ Supported by testimony from five witnesses,⁶⁶ Atmos Energy proposed to apply for a Financing Order in a separate docket. Atmos Energy would seek authorization to issue Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to finance the Winter Event’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs.⁶⁷ After including additional carrying costs, legal and consulting fees, and other expenses, the estimated cost to be securitized totaled $118,514,030 million for a ten-year period.⁶⁸

⁶¹  See id. at p. 2, ¶4.

⁶²  Emergency Order, Docket No. 21-GIMX-303-MIS, p. 3, ¶5 (Feb. 15, 2021).

⁶³  See Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket 21-333, p. 5 (Feb. 24, 2022).

⁶⁴  See Revised Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR (July 22, 2022).

⁶⁵  Plan to Minimize the Financial Effects of the 2021 Winter Weather Event, Docket 21-333 (Sep. 14, 2021).

⁶⁶  Barton W. Armstrong, Rob R. Leivo, Kenneth M. Malter, Kathleen R. Ocanas and Jason L. Schneider.

⁶⁷  Plan To Minimize the Financial Effects of the 2021 Winter Weather Event, Docket 21-333, p.1 (Sep. 14, 2021).

⁶⁸  See Revised Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, (July 22, 2022); and Direct Testimony of Justin T. Grady, (August 26, 2022).

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5. On February 9, 2022, Atmos Energy, Commission Staff (“Staff”), and the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board (“CURB”) submitted a Joint Motion to Approve Settlement Agreement (“Financial Plan Settlement”).⁶⁹

6. On March 24, 2022, in Docket 21-333, the Commission issued an order⁷⁰ approving the Financial Plan Settlement in its entirety.⁷¹ The Commission emphasized: (1) it was in the public interest for Atmos Energy to incur extraordinary costs during the Winter Event,⁷² (2) it is in the public interest to recover these costs,⁷³ and (3) the plan implemented by this Application will result in just and reasonable rates.⁷⁴

2. Procedural History

7. On May 25, 2022, in Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, Atmos Energy filed an Application for Financing Order for the recovery of Securitized Utility Tariff Costs (i.e., Qualified Extraordinary Costs)⁷⁵ and Financing Costs incurred because of the Winter Event. Atmos Energy provided a general description of the proposed transaction structure in its Application and in the testimony and exhibits submitted in support of its Application.

⁶⁹  Joint Motion to Approve Settlement Agreement, Docket 21-333 (Feb. 9, 2022) (Settlement).

⁷⁰  Order Approving Unanimous Settlement Agreement on Atmos Energy Corporation’s Financial Plan, Docket 21-333(Mar. 24, 2022). (“Financial Plan Settlement Order”)

⁷¹  See id. at p. 9, Ordering Clause (A).

⁷² See id. at p. 8 ¶13.

⁷³ See id. at p. 9 ¶14.

⁷⁴ See id. at p. 9 ¶16.

⁷⁵  Pursuant to the Act, and relevant for this Application, “Securitized Utility Tariff Costs” means “Qualified Extraordinary Costs.” K.S.A. 66-1,240(b)(21). As such, Atmos Energy’s Application refers to these terms collectively as “Qualified Extraordinary Costs.”

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8. The following parties intervened in this proceeding and were granted party status:

• CURB

9. Atmos Energy’s Application in this proceeding is consistent with the Financial Plan Settlement approved by the Commission in Docket 21-333.⁷⁶

10. No party opposes Atmos Energy’s Application in this docket for a Financing Order.

B. Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Amount to be Securitized

1. Identification and Amounts

11. Qualified Extraordinary Costs are defined in the Act to include costs the public utility has incurred before, on or after the effective date of the Act of an extraordinary nature that would cause extreme customer rate impacts if recovered through customary rate-making, including, but not limited to, purchases of gas supplies, transportation costs, fuel and power costs, including carrying charges incurred during anomalous weather events.⁷⁷ The Commission has further identified deferred costs including, but, not limited to the cost of procuring and transporting natural gas supplies for jurisdictional utility customers, costs associated with jurisdictional utilities coordinating and assisting non-jurisdictional utilities with the transportation of gas supplies, and any other reasonable costs necessary to ensure stability and reliability of natural gas and electric service.⁷⁸

⁷⁶  Order Approving Unanimous Settlement Agreement on Atmos Energy’s Financial Plan, Docket 21-333, (Mar. 24, 2022).

⁷⁷  K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(18).

⁷⁸  Emergency Order, Page 2, paragraph 4.

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2. Balance to be Securitized

12. Atmos Energy should be authorized to cause Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to be issued in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the Qualified Extraordinary Costs plus any incurred and Upfront Financing Costs. Pursuant to this Financing Order, Atmos Energy will be responsible for costs of issuance, which may be paid out of proceeds of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. It is appropriate to recover operations and maintenance, financing fees, legal and consulting fees, and additional Financing Costs identified in this proceeding directly through Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. As indicated above, the principal amount of the issuance is $92,684,223. The difference between the total qualified extraordinary cost ($118,514,030) and the principal amount of the issuance ($92,684,233) is $25,829,797, which constitutes the estimated interest costs for the bonds themselves and Ongoing Financing Cost.

13. The proposed recovery of costs described in Finding of Fact 12 through issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as provided in this Financing Order should be approved because Retail Customers will receive net quantifiable rate benefits under this securitization when compared to the costs that would result from the Application of the traditional method of financing and recovering the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs with respect to Qualified Extraordinary Costs or that would avoid or mitigate rate impacts to Retail Customers.

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3. Pre-Issuance Review Process

14. As the actual structure and pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will not be known at the time this Financing Order is issued, the Act provides for the Commission to provide additional provisions related to the Issuance Advice Letter process as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission finds a pre- issuance review process is necessary to approve the Financing Order and to meet the requirement that the financing can be expected to result in the lowest securitized utility tariff charges, consistent with market conditions at the time the securitized utilities bonds are priced. As such, following the approval of the Financing Order, Atmos Energy shall be subject to the review of the Designated Representative of the Commission Staff, including its legal and investment banking advisors, who shall have all authority to review and observe all facets of the process undertaken by Atmos Energy to place the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to market so the Commission’s Designated Representative can be prepared, if requested, to provide the Commission with an opinion on the reasonableness of the pricing, terms, and conditions of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds on an expedited basis. The Designated Representative shall have the authority to review, confer, and consult with Atmos Energy regarding the proposals of Atmos Energy, including but not limited to, the structuring, marketing, and pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to achieve the Act’s statutory requirements. Any costs incurred by Designated Representative in connection with its review would be treated as a financing cost of the securitized utility tariff bonds and shall be included in the securitized utility tariff charge or as otherwise required by the Act.

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15. The Designated Representative will have all authority to review, confer, and consult with Atmos Energy and its underwriters on all facets of the securitization process, including but not limited to all material terms of the Securitized Bonds and other items it determines appropriate to perform its role, which may include, without limitation, (1) the underwriter and syndication group sizes, selection process for the lead underwriter, co-lead underwriter, and all other underwriters (the foregoing constitutes the “Underwriter Selection Process”) involved in the securitization process review and criteria, participants, allocations, and economics; (2) the structure of the Securitized Bonds and compliance with the requirements; (3) the marketing process, including the Securitized Bonds’ credit rating agency application, the underwriters’ preparation, marketing, and syndication of the Securitized Bonds; (4) the pricing of the Securitized Bonds and certifications provided by the issuer and underwriter(s); (5) all associated Securitized Bond costs (including Bond Issuance Costs and other Financing Costs), servicing and administrative fees; (6) maturities; (7) reporting templates; (8) the amount of equity contribution to the related SPE; (9) overcollateralization and other credit enhancements; and (10) the initial calculation of the related Fixed Recovery Charges. Whenever this Finance Order provides the Designated Representative will review and observe any matter, that means that the Designated Representative’s review includes, and it has all of the authority to, review, confer, consult with Atmos Energy and its underwriters regarding the matter or proposal

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being reviewed, including the provision of substantive input and advice as needed without further explanation or expansion at each reference. Atmos Energy shall endeavor in good faith to provide as much notice as possible to the Commission’s Designated Representative, including its legal and investment banking advisors, when meeting with investors or ratings agencies on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Atmos Energy shall provide this notice to the Commission’s Designated Representative through email, unless the Designated Representative requests otherwise. The Commission recognizes meetings with investors or ratings agencies may occur with very little or no notice. Provided Atmos Energy operates in good faith to inform the Designated Representative of such meetings, Atmos Energy shall not be required to wait for the Designated Representative prior to meeting with investors or ratings agencies. The Designated Representative, including its legal and investment banking advisors, shall be allowed to listen in on meetings with investors or ratings agencies, but shall not be allowed to speak or otherwise take an active role in such meetings.

16. Atmos Energy shall file with the Commission no later than the end of the first business day after the pricing date for that series of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, an Issuance Advice Letter. The Issuance Advice Letter for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will report the actual dollar amount of the initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and other information specific to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. All amounts that require computation will be computed using the mathematical formulas contained in the form of the Issuance Advice Letter in Appendix A to this Financing Order and the WESCR. The initial Securitized

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Utility Tariff Charges and the final terms of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds set forth in the Issuance Advice Letter shall become effective on the date of issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds unless prior to noon on the fourth business day after pricing the Commission issues a Disapproval Letter pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,241(h)(4), finding that the proposed issuance does not comply with the requirements of the Act and this Financing Order.

17. Atmos Energy will submit a draft Issuance Advice Letter to Commission Staff and the Designated Representative for review as explained in the review process outlined above not later than two weeks prior to the expected date of commencement of the marketing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Commission Staff will provide Atmos Energy comments and recommendations regarding the adequacy of the information provided in a timely manner.

18. The Issuance Advice Letter for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds shall be filed with the Commission not later than the end of the first day after the pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Commission Staff may request such revisions of the Issuance Advice Letter as may be necessary to assure the accuracy of the calculations and that the requirements of the Act and of this Financing Order have been met. Atmos Energy may proceed with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds unless, prior to noon on the fourth business day after the Commission receives the Issuance Advice Letter, the Commission issues a disapproval letter directing that the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as proposed shall not be issued and the basis for that disapproval.

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19. The completion and filing of the pre-issuance review and Issuance Advice Letter in the form of the Issuance Advice Letter attached as Appendix A to this Financing Order is necessary to ensure that any securitization actually undertaken by Atmos Energy complies with the terms of this Financing Order and the requirements of the Act.

4. Benefits to Customers

20. K.S.A. § 66-1,241 directs the Commission to ensure that securitization provides net quantifiable rate benefits to customers when compared to the costs that would result from the application of the traditional method of financing and recovering the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs with respect to Qualified Extraordinary Costs or avoid or mitigate rate impacts to customers. As Transportation Customers will not be subject to the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs, this Financing Order address only net quantifiable rate benefits to Retail Customers. An analysis that compares the net present value of the costs to Retail Customers that are estimated to result from the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the costs that would result from the application of traditional methods of financing and recovery of such Qualified Extraordinary Costs, which Atmos Energy has included in its Application, is an appropriate economic analysis to demonstrate whether securitization provides economic benefits to Retail Customers. Likewise, a net present value analysis demonstrates whether securitizing Atmos Energy’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs provides net quantifiable rate benefits or avoids or mitigates rate impacts to Atmos Energy’s customers.

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21. The financial analysis presented by Atmos Energy as confirmed by Staff witness Grady, indicates that securitization of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs plus Financing Costs as requested by Atmos Energy is expected to result in approximately $8.5 million of net quantifiable rate benefits to Retail Customers if the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued at a weighted average interest rate of 4.269% allowed by this Financing Order and with a ten-year expected life. This estimate assumes that actual Ongoing Financing Costs will be as shown on Appendix C to this Financing Order. The benefits for Customers set forth in Atmos Energy’s evidence are fully indicative of the benefits Customers will realize from the securitization approved in this Financing Order; however, the actual benefit to Retail Customers will depend upon market conditions on the date of pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the actual scheduled maturity of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

22. K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(13) requires that the Financing Order contain a statement to ensure that a future rate-making process to reconcile any differences between the actual Securitized Utility Tariff Costs financed by Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the final Securitized Utility Tariff Costs incurred by Atmos Energy or its assignee shall not affect the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or the associated Securitized Utility Tariff Charges paid by customers. The Commission finds that this requirement, as reflected in Ordering Paragraph 160, provides customers with additional assurance that rate impacts to Retail Customers will be mitigated or avoided.

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C. Structure of the Proposed Securitization

1. Special Purpose Entity

23. For purposes of this securitization, Atmos Energy will form a Delaware limited liability company special purpose subsidiary, the SPE, with Atmos Energy as its sole member. The SPE will be formed for the limited purpose of acquiring Securitized Utility Tariff Property, issuing Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in one or more tranches or classes, and performing other activities relating thereto or otherwise authorized by this Financing Order. The SPE will not be permitted to engage in any other activities and will have no assets other than Securitized Utility Tariff Property and related assets to support its obligations under the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Obligations relating to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be the SPE’s only significant liabilities. These restrictions on the activities of the SPE and restrictions on the ability of Atmos Energy to take action on the SPE’s behalf are imposed to achieve the objective that the SPE will be bankruptcy remote and not affected by a bankruptcy of Atmos Energy.

24. The SPE will be managed by a board of managers with rights and duties set forth in its organizational documents. As long as the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds remain outstanding, the SPE will have at least one independent manager with no organizational affiliation with Atmos Energy other than possibly acting as an independent manager for one or more other bankruptcy-remote subsidiaries of Atmos Energy, or their affiliates.

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25. The SPE will not be permitted to amend the provisions of its limited liability agreement or other organizational documents that relate to bankruptcy-remoteness of the SPE without the consent of the independent manager. Similarly, the SPE will not be permitted to institute bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or to consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or to dissolve, liquidate, consolidate, convert, or merge without the consent of the independent manager. Other restrictions to facilitate bankruptcy-remoteness may also be included in the organizational documents of the SPE as required by the credit rating agencies. The Commission agrees that these restrictions to ensure that the SPE is bankruptcy-remote are reasonable and required.

26. Per credit rating agency and Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) requirements, Atmos Energy will transfer to the SPE an amount required to capitalize the SPE adequately (the “SPE Capitalization Level”) for deposit into the capital sub- account. The SPE Capitalization Level is expected to be 0.5% of the initial principal amount of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to be issued by the SPE or such greater amount as might be needed to meet credit rating agency and IRS requirements. The actual SPE Capitalization Level will depend on credit rating agency and IRS requirements. Moreover, the Commission confirms that the SPE will be an “Assignee” as defined in K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(4), when ownership of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property is transferred to such SPE and such SPE may issue Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in accordance with this Financing Order.

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27. When Atmos Energy transfers its rights to the SPE under an agreement that expressly states that the transfer is a sale or other absolute transfer in accordance with the true-sale provisions of K.S.A. § 66-1,246, then that transfer will be a “true sale” of an interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property and not a secured transaction or other financing arrangement and title, legal and equitable, to the Securitized Utility Tariff Property will pass to the SPE. The transfer of an interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property to an assignee will be perfected against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the person granting the security interest and regardless of whether the parties have notice of the security interest, and a security interest in the Securitized Utility Tariff Property shall be perfected against all claims of lien creditors and shall have priority over all competing security interests and other claims other than any security interest previously perfected in accordance with the Act. The priority of a lien and security interest perfected should not be impaired by any later change in the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism or by the commingling of funds arising from Securitized Utility Tariff Charges with other funds, and any other security interest that may apply to those funds will be terminated when they are transferred to a segregated account for an assignee or a Financing Party.

28. The SPE will issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in one or more tranches, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the principal amount approved by this Financing Order and will pledge to the Indenture Trustee, as collateral for payment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the Securitized Utility Tariff Property, including the SPE’s right to receive the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges when collected, as described in Atmos Energy’s Application.

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29. The scheduled final maturity of the last tranche of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will not exceed ten years, provided, however, that if a longer term is required to achieve the best possible credit rating and lowest resulting Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, such term may extend to a maximum of 12 years in consultation with and subject to the review rights of the Designated Representative. The legal final maturity is anticipated to be two years outside of the final scheduled maturity date.

30. Concurrent with the issuance of any of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, Atmos Energy will transfer to the SPE the Securitized Utility Tariff Property approved in this Financing Order. This transfer will be structured so that it will qualify as a true sale within the meaning of K.S.A. § 66-1,256(a). By virtue of the transfer, the SPE will acquire all of the right, title, and interest of Atmos Energy in the Securitized Utility Tariff Property arising under this Financing Order.

31. The use and proposed structure of the SPE and the limitations related to its organization and management are necessary to minimize risks related to the proposed securitization transactions and to minimize the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. Therefore, the use and proposed structure of the SPE should be approved.

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2. Credit Enhancement and Arrangements to Reduce Interest Rate Risk or Enhance Marketability

32. The primary forms of credit enhancements are the true-up process established with the Adjustment Mechanism and the capital sub-account. Atmos Energy requested approval to use additional forms of credit enhancement (e.g., letters of credit, additional amounts of overcollateralization or reserve accounts) and other mechanisms designed to promote the credit quality and marketability of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. In connection with implementing any such other credit enhancement, the Company may enter into one or more Ancillary Agreements.

33. Atmos Energy also asked that the costs of any credit enhancements as well as the costs of arrangements to enhance marketability be included in the amount of Qualified Extraordinary Costs to be securitized. Atmos Energy should be permitted to recover the ongoing costs of credit enhancements and arrangements to enhance marketability, provided that the Commission’s Designated Representative and Atmos Energy agree in advance that such enhancements and arrangements provide benefits greater than their tangible and intangible costs. This finding does not apply to the collection account or its sub-accounts approved in this Financing Order.

34. Atmos Energy’s proposed use of credit enhancements and arrangements to enhance marketability is reasonable and should be approved, provided that Atmos Energy certifies that the enhancements or arrangements provide benefits greater than their cost and that such certifications are agreed with by the Commission’s Designated Representative.

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3. Securitized Utility Tariff Property

35. Under K.S.A. § 66-1,246(c), the rights to impose, collect, and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges (including all other rights of a utility under the Financing Order) are only contract rights until such rights are first transferred to an assignee or pledged in connection with the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, at which time they will become Securitized Utility Tariff Property. That transfer will be a true sale of an interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property and not a secured transaction or other financing arrangement and title, legal and equitable, to the Securitized Utility Tariff Property will pass to the SPE.

36. The rights to impose, collect, and receive the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges approved in this Financing Order along with the other rights arising pursuant to this Financing Order will become Securitized Utility Tariff Property upon the transfer of such rights by Atmos Energy to the SPE pursuant to K.S.A. § 66- 1,246(c). The rights to impose, collect and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges along with the other rights arising pursuant to this Financing Order as they relate to any portion of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs that remains unsecuritized shall remain with Atmos Energy and shall not become Securitized Utility Tariff Property until transferred to the SPE in connection with a subsequent issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

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37. Securitized Utility Tariff Property and all other collateral will be held and administered by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture, as described in Atmos Energy’s Application and the testimony of Mr. Jason Schneider. This proposal will help ensure the lowest bond charges.

38. Under K.S.A. §§ 66-1,244(a)-(b), Securitized Utility Tariff Property constitutes a present property right for purposes of contracts concerning the sale or pledge of property and the property will continue to exist until Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued pursuant to the Financing Order have been paid in full and all Financing Costs and other costs of such Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been recovered in full.

4. Servicer and the Servicing Agreement

39. Atmos Energy will execute a Servicing Agreement with the SPE. The entity responsible for carrying out the servicing obligations under any Servicing Agreement is the Servicer. Atmos Energy will be the initial Servicer but may be succeeded as Servicer by another entity under certain circumstances detailed in the Servicing Agreement, a form of which is attached hereto as Appendix D, and as hereby incorporated into this Financing Order, approved, and authorized by the Commission.

40. Pursuant to the Servicing Agreement, the Servicer will be required, among other things, to bill and collect the applicable Securitized Utility Tariff Charges for the benefit and account of the SPE, to make the periodic true-up adjustments of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges as required or allowed by this Financing Order,

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and to account for and remit the applicable Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to, or for the account of the SPE, in accordance with the remittance procedures contained in the Servicing Agreement without any charge, deduction or surcharge of any kind (other than the servicing fee specified in the Servicing Agreement).    

41. Under the terms of the Servicing Agreement, if the Servicer fails to perform its servicing obligations in any material respect it shall be considered a default under the Servicing Agreement and the Indenture Trustee, acting under the Indenture to be entered into in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or the Indenture Trustee’s designee, may, or, upon the instruction of the requisite percentage of holders of the outstanding amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds shall, appoint an alternate party to replace the defaulting Servicer (the “Replacement Servicer”), in which case the Replacement Servicer will perform the obligations of the Servicer under the Servicing Agreement. The obligations of the Servicer under the Servicing Agreement and the circumstances under which an alternate Servicer may be appointed will be more fully described in the Servicing Agreement. The rights of the SPE under the Servicing Agreement will be included in the collateral pledged to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture for the benefit of holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

42. The Servicing Agreement shall include a provision that Atmos Energy shall indemnify the Commission (for the benefit of Customers) in connection with any increase in servicing fees that become payable as a result of a default resulting from Atmos Energy’s willful misconduct, bad faith, or negligence in performance of its duties or observance of its covenants under the Servicing Agreement. The indemnity will be enforced by the Commission but will not be enforceable by any Customers.

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43. The proposed Servicing Agreement and servicing obligations of the Servicer are reasonable, will reduce risk associated with the proposed securitization and will, therefore, result in lower bond charges and greater benefits to customers and should be approved. Atmos Energy has represented that in order to obtain the necessary true sale and bankruptcy opinions, the SPE must pay a servicing fee to Atmos Energy that is set at a level that constitutes fair and adequate consideration sufficient to obtain the true sale and bankruptcy opinions required for the Securitization. Atmos Energy proposes to charge an annual servicing fee of 0.05 percent of the presumed initial principal Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, plus out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., legal, accounting fees), to cover Atmos Energy’s incremental costs and expenses in servicing the Bonds and should be approved. The servicing and administration fees proposed by Atmos Energy shall be reviewed by the Designated Representative as part of the pre-issuance review process If the incremental cost to Atmos Energy to perform its servicing and administrative services under the Servicing Agreement and the Administration Agreement, a form of which is attached as Appendix D and Appendix G to this Financing Order, respectively, is less than what the Company is paid for those services, then that difference in cost (the associated profit margin earned by the Company as servicer and administrator) shall be tracked by Atmos Energy and included in a regulatory liability account to be addressed in Atmos Energy’s next general rate case.

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5. Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

44. Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be issued in one or more tranches. The legal final maturity date of any tranche of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will not exceed 32 years from the date of issuance, as required by the Act. It is not expected that the scheduled final maturity of the Securitized Bonds will exceed ten years, provided, however, that if a longer term is required to achieve the best possible credit rating and lowest resulting Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, such term may be modified to a maximum of twelve years, in consultation with and subject to review rights of the Designated Representative. The legal final maturity date of each tranche and amounts in each tranche is anticipated to be two years outside of the final scheduled maturity date. The legal final maturity will be finally determined by Atmos Energy, and subject to the Designated Representative’s review, consistent with market conditions and indications of the rating agencies, at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are priced, but subject to ultimate Commission review through the Issuance Advice Letter process. Atmos Energy will retain sole discretion regarding whether or when to assign, sell, or otherwise transfer any rights concerning Securitized Utility Tariff Property arising under this Financing Order, or to cause the issuance of any Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds authorized in this Financing Order, subject to the right of the Commission to find that the proposed issuance does not comply with the requirements of the Act and this Financing Order. The SPE will issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds on or after the fifth business day after pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds unless, prior to noon on the fourth business day following pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the Commission issues a Disapproval Letter finding that the proposed issuance does not comply with the requirements of the Act or this Financing Order.

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45. The Commission finds that the proposed structure is in the public interest and should be used. The proposed structure as subject to the pre-issuance review process is reasonable and should be approved, provided that the structure may be modified based upon rating agency and market considerations, as long as the final Issuance Advice Letter demonstrates that all of the statutory financial requirements are met. This restriction is necessary to ensure that the stated economic benefits to customers materialize.

6. Security for Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

46. The payment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and related charges authorized by this Financing Order is to be secured by the Securitized Utility Tariff Property created by this Financing Order. The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be issued pursuant to an Indenture and series supplement administered by the Indenture Trustee. The Indenture will include provisions for a collection account and sub-accounts for the collection and administration of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and payment or funding of the principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and other costs, including fees and expenses, in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, as described in Atmos Energy’s Application. Pursuant to the Indenture, the SPE will establish a collection account as a trust account to be held by the Indenture Trustee as

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collateral for the payment of the scheduled principal, interest, and other costs approved in this Financing Order related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in full and on a timely basis. The collection account will include the general sub-account, the capital sub-account, and the excess funds sub-account, and may include other sub-accounts.

7. The General Sub-account

47. The Indenture Trustee will deposit the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge remittances that the Servicer remits to the Indenture Trustee for the account of the SPE into the general sub-account. The Indenture Trustee will on a periodic basis allocate or use all amounts in this sub-account to pay expenses of the SPE, to pay principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, and to meet the funding requirements of the other sub-accounts. The funds in the general sub-account will be invested by the Indenture Trustee in short-term high-quality investments, and such funds (including, to the extent necessary, investment earnings) will be applied by the Indenture Trustee to pay principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all other components of the Periodic Payment Requirement (as defined in Finding of Fact 69), and otherwise in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

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8. The Capital Sub-account

48. When the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued, Atmos Energy will make a capital contribution to the SPE for that series, which the SPE will deposit into the capital sub-account. The amount of the capital contribution is expected to be not

less than 0.5% of the original principal amount of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, although the actual amount will depend on tax and rating agency requirements. The capital sub-account will serve as collateral to ensure timely payment of principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all other components of the Periodic Payment Requirement (as defined in Finding of Fact 68). Any funds drawn from the capital sub-account to pay these amounts due to a shortfall in the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge remittances will be replenished through future Securitized Utility Tariff Charge remittances.    

49. The funds in the capital sub-account will be invested by the Indenture Trustee in short-term high-quality investments, and such funds (including investment earnings) will be available to be used by the Indenture Trustee to pay principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all other components of the Periodic Payment Requirement (as defined in Finding of Fact 69). Atmos Energy will be authorized to receive an annual return on the capital contribution at Atmos Energy’s cost of capital, which is currently 8.396%. The required revenue, if any, to provide an annual return on any such additional capital at Atmos Energy’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is an Ongoing Financing Cost. Upon payment of the principal amount of all Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the discharge of all obligations that may be paid by use of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, all principal amounts in the capital sub-account, will be released to the SPE for payment to Atmos Energy. Retail Customers shall receive the benefit of the investment earnings on this Capital Sub-account as earnings will be transferred to the Excess Funds Subaccount in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, with the funds in this Subaccount being taken into account in the semi-annual true-up Adjustment Mechanism process.

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50. The capital sub-account, funded by a capital contribution by Atmos Energy of an amount equal to 0.5% of the initial principal balance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, will serve as a credit enhancement of the transaction. To ensure that Retail Customers receive the appropriate benefit from the securitization approved in this Financing Order, the proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds should not be applied towards this capital contribution. Because Atmos Energy funds the capital sub-account, Atmos Energy should receive its authorized WACC as a return on the capital sub-account. If Atmos Energy is required to make a capital contribution in excess of 0.5% of the original Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, Atmos Energy should receive the WACC return on any such additional capital contribution, from time to time, and should receive a return of all capital contributions after all Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been paid. So long as no event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, and the Periodic Payment Requirement is satisfied, such return on amounts in the capital sub-account shall be released to Atmos Energy.

9. The Excess Funds Sub-account

51. The excess funds sub-account will hold any Securitized Utility Tariff Charge remittances and investment earnings on the collection account (other than earnings attributable to the capital sub-account and released under the terms of the Indenture) in excess of the amounts needed to pay current principal and interest

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on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and to pay Ongoing Financing Costs related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (including, but not limited to, replenishing the capital sub-account). Any balance in or allocated to the excess funds sub-account on a true-up adjustment date will be subtracted from the Periodic Payment Requirement for purposes of the true-up adjustment. The funds in this sub-account will be invested by the Indenture Trustee in short-term high-quality investments, and such funds (including investment earnings thereon) will be available to be used by the Indenture Trustee to pay principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and other Ongoing Financing Costs relating to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

10. Other Sub-accounts

52. Other credit enhancements in the form of sub-accounts may be used for the transaction provided that the Commission’s Designated Representative and Atmos Energy agree in advance that such enhancements provide benefits greater than their tangible and intangible costs. If the Commission’s Designated Representative and Atmos Energy subsequently agree that use of an over- collateralization sub-account or other sub-account is necessary to obtain such tax treatment or AAA ratings or will otherwise increase the tangible and quantifiable benefits of the securitization, Atmos Energy may implement such sub-accounts in order to reduce Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

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11. General Provisions

53. The collection account and the sub-accounts described above are intended to provide for full and timely payment of scheduled principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all other components of the Periodic Payment Requirement (as defined in Finding of Fact 69). If the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges remitted to the general sub-account is insufficient to make all scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and to make payment on all of the other components of the Periodic Payment Requirement, the excess funds sub-account, and the capital sub-account will be drawn down, in that order, to make those payments. Any deficiency in the capital sub-account due to such withdrawals must be replenished on a periodic basis through the Adjustment Mechanism. In addition to the foregoing, there may be such additional accounts and sub-accounts as are necessary to segregate amounts received from various sources, or to be used for specified purposes. Such accounts will be administered and used as set forth in the Servicing Agreement and the Indenture. Upon the maturity of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the discharge of all obligations in respect thereof, remaining amounts in the collection account, other than amounts that were in the capital sub-account, will be released to the SPE and equivalent amounts will be credited by Atmos Energy to Retail Customers. The Indenture Trustee will distribute to Atmos Energy the final balance of the sub-accounts.

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54. The use of a collection account and its sub-accounts in the manner proposed by Atmos Energy is reasonable, will lower risks associated with the securitization and thus lower the costs to Retail Customers, and should, therefore, be approved.

12. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges—Imposition and Collection, Nonbypassability, Settlement Fee

55. Atmos Energy seeks authorization to impose on and collect from Retail Customers Securitized Utility Tariff Charges in an amount sufficient to provide for the timely payment of principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and Financing Costs related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

56. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are Nonbypassable charges that will be paid by all existing and/or future Retail Customers receiving natural gas service from the public utility or its successors or assignees under Commission-approved rate schedules or under special contracts, even if a Retail Customer elects to purchase natural gas from an alternative natural gas supplier following a fundamental change in regulation of public utilities in Kansas. The Nonbypassable Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are applicable to existing and/or future Retail Customers located within Atmos Energy’s service area, as such service area exists on the date of this Financing Order, and, as this Financing Order so provides, at the discretion of Atmos Energy, as such service area may be expanded or acquired.

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57. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be calculated on a fixed monthly charge per Retail Customer, pursuant to the method described in the WESCR, a pro forma copy of which is contained in Appendix B. The fixed monthly per-Retail Customer Securitized Utility Tariff Charge will be adjusted semi-annually pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism described below. The per-Retail Customer charge initially will be calculated using the Retail Customer count reported in the most recent Atmos Energy Annual Report and will be updated semi-annually. Additionally, if the customer count for a particular class declines by more than ten percent (10%) from that identified in the 2021 Annual Report, then the allocation factors will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather normalized volume for each customer class.

58. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be identified as a separate line item on bills presented to customers. Billing will begin with the first billing cycle of the month following bond issuance.

59. The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will have a scheduled maturity of no longer than ten years, provided, however, that if a longer term is required to achieve the best possible credit rating and lowest resulting Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, such term may extend to a maximum of twelve years subject to review rights of the Designated Representative. The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds may be issued in one or more tranches of varying duration and maturity, subject to the review of the Designated Representative. The legal final maturity of any tranche of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds may be longer than the scheduled final maturity of such tranche, based upon rating agency and market considerations, but in no event shall the final legal maturity of any tranche exceed 32 years, as required by the Act.

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60. Atmos Energy, acting as Servicer, and any subsequent Servicer, will collect Securitized Utility Tariff Charges from all existing and future Retail Customers located within Atmos Energy’s service area, as such service area exists on the date of this Financing Order. Atmos Energy should be granted the opportunity, but not the obligation, to collect Securitized Utility Tariff Charges from all existing and future Retail Customers located in any such service area as may be expanded or acquired in the future. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will not be charged to Transportation Customers. In accordance with the Settlement in Docket No. 21-ATMG-333-GIG, Retail Customers who become Transportation Customers during the period Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are being recovered shall be required to pay a settlement fee prior to becoming a Transportation Customer. The settlement fee owed by the Retail Customer shall be based on the estimated present value of the expected charges the customer would have paid as a Retail Customer over the remaining period in which the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge is being recovered. The charges shall use a discount rate described in this Order. This settlement fee will be credited to Atmos Energy’s other Retail Customer once a year through its PGA/ACA.

61. Atmos Energy’s proposal related to imposition and collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, the Nonbypassability of such charges, and the imposition of a settlement fee on Retail Customers that become Transportation Customers is reasonable and is necessary to ensure collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges sufficient to support recovery of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs plus Financing Costs should be approved. It is reasonable to approve Atmos Energy’s Form of Tariff, attached hereto as Exhibit B (WESCR) in this Financing Order and require that these tariff provisions be filed before any Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued pursuant to this Financing Order.

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13. Allocation of Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Ongoing Financing Costs among Retail Customer Classes

62. Atmos Energy proposed that a single allocation percentage be developed for each Securitized Utility Tariff Charge class and that such percentages be set forth in the WESCR.

63. Atmos Energy proposes to allocate Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to its Retail Customer classes based on each customer classes’ percentage of the total estimated February 2021 sales volumes. The proposed allocation method is as follows:

	Estimate of
	February 2021 Usage
Customer Class	(Mcf)		Allocation%
Residential Sales Service		23,505,675		75.015%
Commercial/Public Authority		7,572,483		24.167%
School Sales Service		82,668		0.264%
Industrial Sales Service		50,073		0.160%
Small Generator		31		0.000%
Irrigation Engine		123,509		0.394%
		31,334,439		100.000%

64. The Servicer is responsible for assessing and collecting Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The procedures for assessing, collecting, and remitting Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are detailed in the Servicing Agreement, attached to this Financing Order as Appendix D. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges received by

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the Servicer shall be remitted to the Indenture Trustee each business day based on estimated amounts collected, with cash held no more than two business days prior to remittance. The Indenture Trustee shall hold Securitized Utility Tariff Charge amounts received from the Servicer until the next payment date. In the event that an entity not the Servicer (e.g., a third-party energy provider or collection agent) assesses or collects Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, such entity is bound to the requirements of this Financing Order for any such assessment, collection, or remittance of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

65. The methodology for allocating Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and developing the initial percentages as described above is reasonable and appropriate and should be approved.

66. Except for Retail Customers outside of Atmos Energy’s service area as it exists on the date of this Financing Order which are subsequently acquired by Atmos Energy, customers will be assigned to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge classes listed in the WESCR based on the definitions and procedures described in the WESCR. Customers outside of Atmos Energy’s service area as it exists on the date of this Financing Order may become subject to Securitized Utility Tariff Charges at the time Atmos Energy files an application to expand its service area. As long as the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are being collected, any application to expand or acquire service area by Atmos Energy will detail whether customers located within the expanded or acquired service area will be assessed Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

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67. The initial percentages will remain in effect throughout the life of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Notwithstanding the above, the customer classes are cross-collateralized in the Adjustment Mechanism, meaning that projected revenue shortfalls in one customer class are remedied by adjustments to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges for each customer class, not only the customer class with the projected revenue shortfalls.

68. The method of calculating percentages as set forth in Atmos Energy’s Application and the WESCR complies with the requirements of the Act and should be approved.

14. True-Up of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges

69. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(2), the Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will make semi-annual adjustments to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to:

(a) correct any under-collection or over-collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges during the preceding 6 months; and

(b) ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

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Such amounts are referred to as the “Periodic Payment Requirement” and the amounts necessary to be billed to collect such Periodic Payment Requirement are referred to as the “Periodic Billing Requirement.” The Servicer will make true-up adjustment filings with the Commission utilizing the Adjustment Mechanism at least semi-annually.

70. True-up filings will be based on the cumulative differences, regardless of the reason, between scheduled principal and interest payments and Ongoing Financing Costs on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Charge remittances to the Indenture Trustee. The Adjustment Mechanism is cross-collateralized across customer classes, meaning that any projected under-collection in one customer class requires an adjustment of charges for that customer class as well as of the other customer classes. True-up procedures are necessary to ensure full recovery of amounts sufficient to meet the Periodic Payment Requirements over the expected life of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

71. The Servicer will make true-up adjustments utilizing the Adjustment Mechanism described in the Servicing Agreement, attached hereto as Appendix D.

15. Interim True-Up

72. In addition to semi-annual true-up adjustments, true-up adjustments may be made by the Servicer more frequently at any time during the term of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to correct any under-collection or over-collection, as provided for in this Financing Order, in order to assure timely payment of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as scheduled.

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73. In the event an interim true-up is necessary, the interim true-up adjustment should be filed by the fifteenth day of the current month for implementation in the first billing cycle of the following month. In no event would such interim true-up adjustments occur more frequently than every three months if quarterly Securitized Utility Tariff Bond payments are required or every six months if semi-annual bond payments are required; provided, however, that quarterly true-up adjustments shall be required for any Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds remaining outstanding during the year immediately preceding scheduled final maturity of the last tranche of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

16. Additional True-Up Provisions

74. The Adjustment Mechanism filing will set forth the Servicer’s calculation of the Adjustment Mechanism to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The Commission will have 30 days after the date of an Adjustment Mechanism filing in which to confirm the mathematical accuracy of the Servicer’s adjustment and to confirm that there are no clerical errors. Any Adjustment Mechanism filed with the Commission should be effective on its proposed effective date, which shall be not less than 30 days after filing. Any necessary corrections to the Adjustment Mechanism, due to mathematical or clerical errors in the calculation of such adjustment or otherwise, will be made in future Adjustment Mechanism filings.

75. The true-up procedures contained in the WESCR are reasonable and will reduce risks related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, resulting in lower bond charges and greater benefits to Retail Customers and should be approved.

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76. The broad-based nature of the Adjustment Mechanism and the pledge of the State of Kansas, along with the bankruptcy remoteness of the SPE and the collection account, will serve to minimize credit risk and support the highest ratings.

17. Lowest Bond Charges

77. Atmos Energy has proposed a transaction structure that is expected to include (but is not limited to):

(a) the use of the SPE as issuer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, limiting the risks to bondholders of any adverse impact resulting from a bankruptcy proceeding of its parent or any affiliate;

(b) the right to impose and collect Securitized Utility Tariff Charges that are Nonbypassable, and which must be trued-up at least semi-annually, but may be trued-up more frequently under certain circumstances, in order to assure the timely payment of the debt service and other ongoing transaction costs;

(c) additional collateral in the form of a collection account which includes a capital sub-account funded in cash in an amount not less than 0.5% of the original principal amount of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and other sub-accounts resulting in greater certainty of timely payment of interest and principal to investors and that are consistent with the IRS requirements that must be met to receive the desired federal income tax treatment for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bond transaction;

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(d) protection of bondholders against potential defaults by a Servicer that is responsible for billing and collecting the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges from existing or future Retail Customers located within Atmos Energy’s service area as it exists on the date of this Financing Order, and, at Atmos Energy’s discretion, from existing or future Retail Customers located within service areas Atmos Energy expands into or acquires after the date of this Financing Order;

(e) the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be marketed using proven underwriting and marketing processes including Designated Representative and advisor review through which market conditions and investors’ preferences, with regard to the timing of the issuance, the terms and conditions, scheduled and legal final maturities, and other aspects of the structuring and pricing will be determined, evaluated, and factored into the structuring and pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds; and

(f) furnishing timely information to the Commission’s Designated Representative and its advisors, to allow the Commission, through the pre-issuance review and Issuance Advice Letter process, to ensure that the structuring, marketing and pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds result in the lowest bond charges consistent with market conditions at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are priced and the terms of this Financing Order.

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78. Atmos Energy’s proposed transaction structure, coupled with the review of the Designated Representative and its advisors, is necessary to enable the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to obtain the highest possible bond credit rating, ensures that the structuring and pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will result in the lowest bond charges consistent with market conditions and the terms of this Financing Order, ensures the greatest benefit to customers consistent with market conditions and the terms of this Financing Order, and protects the competitiveness of the gas market.

D. Use of Proceeds

79. Upon the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the SPE will use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (after payment of transaction costs) to pay to Atmos Energy the purchase price of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property.

80. The net proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property (after payment of transaction costs) will be applied to recover Atmos Energy’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs incurred because of the Winter Event.

E. Method of Tracing Funds

81. Atmos Energy’s Application also contains a method of tracing funds collected as Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges collected from customers will be placed on a separate line on customers’ bills, allowing the Company to assign the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges a specific code, by customer class, in its billing system. This code will allow the Company to trace proceeds from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

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F. Reconciliation Plan

82. Atmos Energy’s Application contains a reconciliation proposal. As contemplated by the Financial Plan Settlement, this proposal considers both the deferred tax liability associated with Qualified Extraordinary Cost recoveries, as well as the corresponding and offsetting deferred tax asset associated with the net operating loss carry-forward created by the Qualified Extraordinary Costs. If the incremental cost to Atmos Energy to perform its servicing and administrative services under the Servicing Agreement and the Administration Agreement, respectively, is less than what the Company is paid for those services, then that difference in cost (the associated profit margin earned by the Company as servicer and administrator) shall be tracked by Atmos Energy and included in a regulatory liability account to be addressed in Atmos Energy’s next general rate case.

G. Customer Communications Plan

83. Atmos Energy shall provide information regarding the benefits of securitization to customers as set forth in the Customer Communications Plan, attached hereto as Appendix F.

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H. State Pledge

84. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,252(a), the State of Kansas and its agencies, including the Commission, have pledged and agreed with bondholders, the owners of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property and other financing parties that the state and its agencies shall not:

(a) Alter the statute that authorizes the Commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a Financing Order, to create securitized utility tariff property and to make the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges imposed by a Financing Order irrevocable, binding or Nonbypassable charges for all existing and future Retail Customers within the service area of the public utility;

(b) Take any action that would impair the value of Securitized Utility Tariff Property or the security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or revises the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs for which recovery is authorized; impair the rights and remedies of the bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way; or,

(c) Except for changes made pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism expressly allowed by law, reduce, alter, or impair the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected, and remitted for the benefit of the bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, Financing Costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been paid and performed in full.

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IV. Conclusions of Law

85. Atmos Energy is a natural gas public utility, as defined in K.S.A. § 66-1.200.

86. Atmos Energy is entitled to file an Application for a Financing Order under K.S.A. § 66-1,241(b).

87. The Commission has jurisdiction and authority over Atmos Energy’s Application pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,241(b).

88. The Commission has authority to issue this Financing Order under K.S.A. § 66-1,241(d).

89. Atmos Energy’s Application is in the public interest and complies with Commission rules.

90. K.S.A. § 66-1,241 allows a public utility to securitize its Qualified Extraordinary Costs.

91. The SPE will be an assignee as defined in K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(4) when an interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property is transferred, other than as security, to the SPE.

92. The holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the Indenture Trustee will each be a Financing Party as defined in K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(12).

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93. The securitization approved in this Financing Order satisfies the requirement of K.S.A. § 66-1,241(d)(2) mandating that the proposed issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the imposition and collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are expected to provide net quantifiable rate benefits to Retail Customers as compared to the traditional methods of financing and recovering Securitized Utility Tariff Costs from Retail Customers or would avoid or mitigate rate impacts to customers. An analysis that compares the net present value of the costs to Retail Customers that are estimated to result from the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the costs that would result from the Application of traditional methods of financing and recovery of such Qualified Extraordinary Costs, which Atmos Energy has included in its Application, is an appropriate economic analysis to demonstrate whether securitization provides the requisite benefits to customers.

94. The SPE’s issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds approved in this Financing Order in compliance with the criteria established by this Financing Order satisfies the requirement of K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(5) that the structuring, pricing and Financing Costs of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are expected to result in the lowest Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, consistent with market conditions at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are priced and the terms of the Financing Order.

95. This Financing Order adequately details the amount to be recovered and the period over which Atmos Energy will be permitted to recover Nonbypassable Securitized Utility Tariff Charges in accordance with the requirements of K.S.A. §§ 66-1,241(e)(1), (6).

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96. The payment of a Securitized Utility Tariff Charge may not be avoided by any existing or future Retail Customer, including special contract customers, located within Atmos Energy’s service area, as such service area existed on the date of this Financing Order, or, if the Financing Order so provides, as such service area may be expanded, even if the customer elects to purchase natural gas from a supplier other than Atmos Energy, or its successors or assignees, or receives natural gas service from another natural gas service utility operating in the same service area. Atmos Energy shall have the option, but not the obligation, to impose Securitized Utility Tariff Charges on existing or future Retail Customers in service areas expanded or acquired following the issuance of this Financing Order.

97. The method approved in this Financing Order for collecting and allocating the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges satisfies the requirements of K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(2)(A).

98. The Customer Communications Plan approved in this Financing Order for providing information regarding the benefits of securitization obtained for customers through this Financing Order satisfies the requirements of K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(4).

99. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,241(h)(1), this Financing Order, together with the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges authorized by this Financing Order, is irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment, or adjustment by further act of the Commission, except for true-up adjustments made in accordance with the Adjustment Mechanism approved in this Financing Order; provided, however, that such irrevocability shall not preclude the Commission from extending the deadline for issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds if requested to do so by Atmos Energy.

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100. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,246(c), the rights and interests of Atmos Energy or its successor under this Financing Order, including the right to impose, collect and receive the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges authorized in this Financing Order, are assignable and shall become Securitized Utility Tariff Property when they are first transferred to the SPE.

101. The rights, interests and property conveyed to the SPE in a Securitized Utility Tariff Property Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Sale Agreement”), a form of which is attached hereto as Appendix E, and the related Bill of Sale, including the irrevocable right to impose, collect and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and the revenues and collections from Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are “Securitized Utility Tariff Property” within the meaning of K.S.A. § 66-1,240(22), and all revenues and collections resulting from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will constitute proceeds only of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property arising from this Financing Order.

102. Upon the transfer by Atmos Energy of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property to the SPE, the SPE will have all of the rights, title and interest of Atmos Energy in the portion of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property arising under this Financing Order that is related to the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds the SPE issues, including the right to impose, collect and receive the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges authorized by the Financing Order.

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103. The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued pursuant to this Financing Order will be “Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds” within the meaning of K.S.A. § 66-1,240(19)(A), and the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and holders thereof are entitled to all of the protections provided under the Act.

104. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges paid by the Retail Customers to the Servicer as Securitized Utility Tariff Charges pursuant to this Financing Order are “Securitized Utility Tariff Charges” as defined in K.S.A. § 66-1,240(b)(20)

105. The terms “customer” and “sales customers” in the Kansas Utility Securitization Act means Retail Customers, as defined in the Glossary. Transportation Customers is defined in the Glossary are excluded from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

106. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,244(e), the interests of an assignee, the holders of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, and the Indenture Trustee in Securitized Utility Tariff Property and in the revenues and collections arising from that property are not subject to setoff, counterclaim, surcharge, or defense by Atmos Energy or any other person or in connection with the reorganization, bankruptcy or other insolvency of Atmos Energy or any other entity.

107. The Adjustment Mechanism approved in this Financing Order to true-up the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges satisfies the requirements of the Act.

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108. If and when Atmos Energy transfers to the SPE the right to impose, collect, and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and to issue Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the Servicer will be able to recover the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges associated with such Securitized Utility Tariff Property only for the benefit of the SPE and the holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in accordance with the Servicing Agreement.

109. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(12), this Financing Order contains a method of tracing funds collected as Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, or other proceeds of Securitized Utility Tariff Property, demonstrating that such method shall be deemed the method of tracing such funds and determining the identifiable cash proceeds of any Securitized Utility Tariff Property subject to a Financing Order under applicable law.

110. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,241(e)(13), this Financing Order contains a statement specifying a future rate-making process to reconcile any differences between the actual Securitized Utility Tariff Costs financed by Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the final Securitized Utility Tariff Costs incurred by Atmos Energy or assignee provided that any such reconciliation shall not affect the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or the associated Securitized Utility Tariff Charges paid by Retail Customers.

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111. If and when Atmos Energy transfers its rights under this Financing Order to the SPE under an agreement that expressly states that the transfer is a sale or other absolute transfer in accordance with the true-sale provisions of K.S.A. § 66-1,246,

then, pursuant to that statutory provision, that transfer will be a true sale of an interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property and not a secured transaction or other financing arrangement and title, legal and equitable, to the Securitized Utility Tariff Property will pass to the SPE. As provided by K.S.A. § 66-1,246(b), this true sale shall apply regardless of whether the purchaser has any recourse against the seller, or any other term of the parties’ agreement, including Atmos Energy’s retention of an equity interest in the SPE, Atmos Energy’s role as the Servicer, or the treatment of the transfer as a financing for tax, financial reporting, or other purposes.

112. As provided in K.S.A. §§ 66-1,245(d) and (e) the transfer of an interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property to an assignee will be perfected against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the person granting the security interest and regardless of whether the parties have notice of the security interest. Without limitation, upon such filing, a security interest in the Securitized Utility Tariff Property shall be perfected against all claims of lien creditors and shall have priority over all competing security interests and other claims other than any security interest previously perfected in accordance with the Act.

113. As provided in K.S.A. §§ 66-1,245(e) and (f), the priority of a lien and security interest perfected in accordance with K.S.A. § 66-1,245(d) will not be impaired by any later change in the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism or by the commingling of funds arising from Securitized Utility Tariff Charges with other funds, and any other security interest that may apply to those funds will be terminated when they are transferred to a segregated account for an assignee or a Financing Party.    

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114. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,245(e), if Securitized Utility Tariff Property is transferred to an assignee, any proceeds of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property will be treated as held in trust for the assignee.

115. As provided in K.S.A. § 66-1,245(g), if a default occurs under Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds that are secured by a security interest in Securitized Utility Tariff Property, the financing parties or their representatives may exercise the rights and remedies available to a secured party under the code, including the rights and remedies available under K.S.A. Chapter 84, Part 6, Article 9, and amendments thereto, as if they were secured parties with a perfected and prior lien under the code. The Commission may also order amounts arising from Securitized Utility Tariff Charges be transferred to a separate account for the financing parties’ benefit, to which their lien and security interest shall apply. On Application by or on behalf of the financing parties, the district court of the county where the public utility’s headquarters is located shall order the sequestration and payment to such financing parties of revenues arising from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

116. As provided by K.S.A. § 66-1,250, the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds authorized by this Financing Order are not a debt or obligation of the State of Kansas and are not a charge on its full faith and credit or taxing power.

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117. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 66-1,252(a), the State of Kansas and its agencies, including the Commission, have pledged and agreed with bondholders, the owners of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property and other financing parties that the state and its agencies shall not:

118. Alter the statute that authorizes the Commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a Financing Order, to create securitized utility tariff property and to make the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges imposed by a Financing Order irrevocable, binding or Nonbypassable charges for all existing and future Retail Customers within the service area of the public utility;

119. Take any action that would impair the value of Securitized Utility Tariff Property or the security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or revises the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs for which recovery is authorized; impair the rights and remedies of the bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way; or,

120. Except for changes made pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism expressly allowed by law, reduce, alter, or impair the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected, and remitted for the benefit of the bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, Financing Costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been paid and performed in full.

121. This Financing Order will remain in full force and effect and unabated notwithstanding the bankruptcy or insolvency of Atmos Energy, or their successors or assignees.

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122. Atmos Energy retains sole discretion regarding whether or when to assign, sell, or otherwise transfer the rights and interests created by this Financing Order or any interest therein, or to cause the issuance of any Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds authorized by this Financing Order, subject to the Commission’s authority through the Issuance Advice Letter process to find that the proposed issuance does not comply with the requirements of the Act and this Financing Order. The pre-issuance review process, with the review, consultation and collaboration of the Designated Representative and its advisors is necessary to comply with the lowest cost standard provided by the Act.

123. The Commission shall not, in exercising its powers and carrying out its duties regarding any matter within its authority, consider the (1) Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued pursuant to this Financing Order to be the debt of Atmos Energy other than for federal and state income tax purposes; (2) Securitized Utility Tariff Charges paid under this Financing Order to be the revenue of Atmos Energy for any purpose; or (3) Qualified Extraordinary Costs or Financing Costs specified in this Financing Order to be the costs of Atmos Energy.

124. The Commission shall not, directly or indirectly, utilize or consider the debt reflected by the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in establishing Atmos Energy’s capital structure used to determine any regulatory matter, including, but not limited to, Atmos Energy’s revenue requirement used to set its rates.

125. The Commission shall not, directly or indirectly, consider the existence of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or the potential use of Securitized Utility Tariff Bond financing in determining Atmos Energy’s authorized rate of return used to determine Atmos Energy’s revenue requirement used to set its rates.

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126. This Financing Order meets the requirements for a Financing Order under the Act.

V. Ordering Paragraphs

Based upon the record, the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth herein, and for the reasons stated above, this Commission orders:

A. Approval

127. Approval of Application. The Application of Atmos Energy for the issuance of a Financing Order under the Act, is approved, as provided in this Financing Order. Atmos Energy’s Application and accompanying testimony and schedules are incorporated into the record pursuant to this Financing Order. The form of the Servicing Agreement, Sales Agreement, Administration Agreement, Indenture, and SPE LLC Agreement discussed herein and attached hereto are approved, subject to the review of the Designated Representative of the Commission, including its legal and investment banking advisors during the Pre-Issuance Review process discussed in paragraphs 14 and 15.

128. Authority to Securitize. Atmos Energy is authorized in accordance with this Financing Order to securitize and to cause the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in one or more tranches with an aggregate principal amount estimated at $92,684,233 (the Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Financing Costs), with said estimated amount being finalized in the Issuance Advice Letter.⁷⁹

⁷⁹  This represents $89,799,233 in extraordinary gas costs and anticipated carrying costs through March 31, 2022, as well as anticipated Upfront Financing Costs of $2,885,000. See Revised Direct Testimony of Kathleen R. Ocanas, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR, p 4 (July 22, 2022).

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129. Imposition of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. Atmos Energy shall impose on, and the Servicer shall collect from, all Retail Customers and other entities which, under the terms of this Financing Order or the WESCR are required to pay Securitized Utility Tariff Charges as provided in this Financing Order, Securitized Utility Tariff Charges in an amount sufficient to provide for the timely payment of scheduled principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and Ongoing Financing Costs related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

130. Provision of Information. Atmos Energy shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the Commission or its Designated Representative is provided sufficient and timely information to allow the Commission or its Designated Representative to fully participate in and exercise its decision-making authority concerning the proposed securitization as provided in this Financing Order. Atmos Energy shall collaborate, confer, and consult with the Designated Representative of the Commission, including its legal and investment banking advisors, to review and observe all facets of the structuring, marketing, and pricing of the securitization bonds following approval of the Financing Order. The Designated Representative’s review shall be conducted with a goal of achieving the lowest cost standard as provided in the Act, and shall reflect the input and collaboration of the Designated Representative of steps necessary to ensure the statutory objective is achieved and minimize risk the Issuance Advice Letter is rejected.

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131. Issuance Advice Letter. Atmos Energy shall submit a draft Issuance Advice Letter to Commission Staff for review not later than three weeks prior to the expected date of commencement of marketing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Not later than the end of the first day after pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and prior to issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, Atmos Energy, in consultation with the Commission acting through its Designated Representative, shall file with the Commission an Issuance Advice Letter in substantially the form of the Issuance Advice Letter attached as Appendix A to this Financing Order. The Issuance Advice Letter shall be completed, shall evidence the actual dollar amount of the initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and other information specific to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to be issued, and shall certify to the Commission that the structure and pricing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds results in the lowest bond charges consistent with market conditions at the time that the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are priced utilizing the lowest cost standard, and the terms set out in this Financing Order. All amounts that require computation shall be computed using the mathematical formulas contained in the Form Issuance Advice Letter in Appendix A to this Financing Order and the Form of Tariff (WESCR) attached as Appendix B to this Financing Order. Electronic spreadsheets with the formulas supporting the schedules contained in the Issuance Advice Letter shall be included with such letter. The Commission’s review of the Issuance Advice Letter shall be limited to

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the arithmetic accuracy of the calculations and to compliance with the Act, this Financing Order, and the requirements contained in the Issuance Advice Letter. The initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and the final terms of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds set forth in the Issuance Advice Letter shall become effective on the date of issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (which shall not occur prior to the fifth business day after pricing) unless prior to noon on the fourth business day after pricing the Commission issues a Disapproval Letter finding that the proposed Issuance Advice Letter does not comply with the Act and this Financing Order.

132. Approval of Tariff. The Form of Tariff (WESCR) attached as Appendix B to this Financing Order is approved. Prior to the issuance of any Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds under this Financing Order, Atmos Energy shall file a tariff that conforms to the Form of Tariff (WESCR) attached to this Financing Order.

133. Customer Communications Plan. The Customer Communications Plan attached as Appendix F to this Financing Order is approved. Atmos Energy shall provide information regarding the benefits of securitization obtained for customers through this Financing Order as set forth in the Customer Communications Plan attached as Appendix F to this Financing Order.

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B. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges

134. Imposition and Collection. Atmos Energy is authorized to impose on, and the Servicer shall collect from, all Retail Customers and other entities which, under the terms of this Financing Order or the WESCR are required to pay Securitized Utility Tariff Charges as provided in this Financing Order, Securitized Utility Tariff Charges in an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and Ongoing Financing Costs related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as approved in this Financing Order. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be a separate line item on customers’ bills.    

135. SPE’s Rights and Remedies. Upon the transfer by Atmos Energy of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property to the SPE, the SPE shall have all of the rights, title, and interest of Atmos Energy with respect to such Securitized Utility Tariff Property, including, without limitation, the right to exercise any and all rights and remedies with respect thereto.

136. Collection Period. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges shall be designed to be collected over the scheduled life of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. However, to the extent that any amounts are not recovered at the end of this period, Atmos Energy may continue to recover Securitized Utility Tariff Charges over a period ending not more than 32 years from the date of issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Amounts remaining unpaid after this 32-year period may be recovered but only to the extent that the charges are attributable to services rendered during the 32-year period.

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137. Allocation. Atmos Energy shall allocate the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges among Retail Customer classes in the manner described in this Financing Order and the WESCR. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be calculated on a fixed monthly charge per Retail Customer, pursuant to the method described in the WESCR. The fixed monthly per-customer Securitized Utility Tariff Charge will be adjusted semi-annually pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism described in this Financing Order. The per-customer charge initially will be calculated using the Retail Customer count reported in the most recent Atmos Energy Annual Report and will be updated semi-annually. Additionally, if the customer count for a particular class declines by more than ten percent (10%) from that identified in the 2021 Annual Report, then the allocation factors will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather normalized volume for each customer class.

138. Nonbypassability. The payment of a Securitized Utility Tariff Charge may not be avoided by any existing or future Retail Customer, including special contract customers, located within Atmos Energy’s service area, as such service area existed on the date of this Financing Order, or as such service area may be expanded, even if the customer elects to purchase natural gas from a supplier other than Atmos Energy, or its successors or assignees, or receives natural gas service from another natural gas service utility operating in the same service area. Atmos Energy shall have the option, but not the obligation, to impose Securitized Utility Tariff Charges discussed in this Financing Order on existing or future Retail Customers in service areas expanded or acquired following the issuance of this Financing Order. Retail Customers who become Transportation Customers during the period Securitized Utility Tariff Charges are being recovered shall be required to pay a settlement fee prior to becoming a Transportation Customer. The settlement fee owed by the customer shall be based on the present value of the

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expected Securitized Utility Tariff Charges the customer would have paid as a Retail Customer over the remaining period in which the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge is being recovered. The settlement fee shall use a discount rate equal to the weighted average cost of securitization. This settlement fee will be credited to Atmos Energy’s other Retail Customers once a year through its PGA/ACA.

139. True-Ups. True-ups of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges shall be undertaken and conducted in accordance with the Adjustment Mechanism as described in the Form of True-Up Letter attached to this Financing Order as Appendix C. The Servicer shall file true-ups in a compliance docket, to be determined by the Commission, and shall give notice of the filing to all parties in this docket.

140. Semi-Annual True-Ups. The Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds shall make semi-annual adjustments to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to correct any under-collection or over-collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges during the preceding six (6) months, and ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of scheduled debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

141. Interim True-Ups. The Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds may make interim adjustments to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges at any time to correct any projected under-collection of Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to assure timely payment of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as scheduled, or as otherwise provided for in this Financing Order, as described in this Financing Order or in the WESCR.

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C. Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds

142. Issuance. Atmos Energy is authorized, through the SPE, to issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as specified in this Financing Order. The Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Ongoing Financing Costs described in the Form Issuance Advice Letter attached to this Financing Order as Appendix A may be recovered directly through the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars.

143. Ongoing Financing Costs. Atmos Energy may recover its incurred and Ongoing Financing Costs through its Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. The amount of Ongoing Financing Costs is subject to updating in the Issuance Advice Letter to reflect a change in the size of the bond issuance and any decision to issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in more than one series and other information available at the time of submission of the Issuance Advice Letter. As provided in Ordering Paragraph 154, a Servicer other than Atmos Energy may collect a higher servicing fee than that set forth in Appendix A to this Financing Order if such higher fee is approved by the Commission and the Indenture Trustee. Ongoing Financing Costs (along with Upfront Financing Costs) shall be reviewed by the Designated Representative and its advisors as part of the pre-issuance review process.

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144. Refinancing. Atmos Energy or any assignee may apply for one or more new Financing Orders to retire or refund Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds approved in this Financing Order upon a showing that the statutory criteria are met.

145. Collateral. All Securitized Utility Tariff Property and other collateral shall be held and administered by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture as described in Atmos Energy’s Application. The Indenture Trustee shall establish a collection account under the Indenture as described in Findings of Fact 46.

146. Distribution Following Repayment. Following repayment of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and all other related amounts authorized in this Financing Order, by the Indenture Trustee shall distribute funds remaining in the general sub-account and the excess funds sub-account to Atmos Energy, and equivalent amounts will be credited to Retail Customers in the form of a credit to their natural gas bills. Monies remaining in the Atmos Energy-funded capital sub-account along with the authorized return, will be returned to the Company through the SPE without any equivalent credit to customers’ bills, because the capital sub-account was funded at issuance with the Company’s own funds.

147. Funding of Capital Sub-account. The capital contribution by Atmos Energy to the SPE to be deposited into the capital sub-account shall, be funded by Atmos Energy and not from the proceeds of the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Upon payment of all of the principal amount of all Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the discharge of all obligations in respect thereof, all amounts in the capital sub-account and any amounts required to replenish the capital sub-

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account to the level of Atmos Energy’s capital contribution and any unpaid authorized return on all capital contributions, shall be released to the SPE for payment to Atmos Energy. Customers shall receive the benefit of the investment earnings on this Capital Sub-account as earnings will be transferred to the Excess Funds Subaccount in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, with the funds in this Subaccount being taken into account in the semi-annual true-up Adjustment Mechanism process. Investment earnings in this sub-account and authorized return on capital contributions in excess of 0.5% of the original principal amount of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, if any, may be released earlier in accordance with the terms of this Financing Order and the Indenture.

148. Credit Enhancement. Atmos Energy may provide for various forms of credit enhancement including letters of credit, reserve accounts, overcollateralization account, surety bonds, and other mechanisms designed to promote the credit quality or marketability of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to the extent not prohibited by this Financing Order. The decision to use such arrangements to enhance credit or promote marketability shall be made in conjunction with the Commission acting through its Designated Representative. Atmos Energy may not enter into an interest-rate swap, currency hedge, or other hedging arrangement. Atmos Energy shall not be required to enter any arrangements to promote credit quality or marketability unless all related costs and liabilities can be included in its Ongoing Financing Costs. Atmos Energy and the Commission’s Designated Representative shall evaluate the relative benefits of the arrangements in the same way that benefits are quantified under the quantifiable benefits test. This ordering paragraph does not apply to the collection account or its sub-accounts approved in this Financing Order.

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149. Life of Bonds. The scheduled maturity of the bonds is not anticipated to exceed 10 years unless required to meet the lowest cost standard as discussed in this Financing Order. The legal final maturity of any tranche of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds authorized by this Financing Order shall not exceed 32 years, as provided in the Act.

150. Commission Participation in Bond Issuance. Atmos Energy shall collaborate and consult with a Designated Representative of the Commission Staff, including its legal and investment banking advisors, on all facets the structuring, marketing and pricing of the securitization bonds following approval of the Financing Order. The pre-issuance review shall be conducted with a goal of achieving the lowest cost standard as provided in the Act, and shall reflect the review of the Designated Representative regarding the steps necessary to ensure the statutory objective is achieved and minimize risk the Issuance Advice Letter is rejected. For the avoidance of doubt, such process should begin prior to the commencement of the Underwriter Selection Process and conclude following the Commission’s review of the final issuance advice letter, allowing the Designated Representative the opportunity to review and observe all facets of the pre-issuance review process.

151. Use of SPE. Atmos Energy shall use the SPE, as proposed in its Application and described in this Financing Order, in conjunction with the issuance of any Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds authorized under this Financing Order. The SPE shall be funded with an amount of capital that is sufficient for the SPE to carry out its intended functions and to avoid the possibility that Atmos Energy would have to extend funds to the SPE in a manner that could jeopardize the bankruptcy remoteness of the SPE.

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D. Servicing and Administration

152. Servicing Agreement. The Commission authorizes Atmos Energy to enter into a Servicing Agreement with the SPE and to perform the services described in the Servicing Agreement as approved in this Financing Order as the “Servicer.” Without limiting the foregoing, in its capacity as initial Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property, Atmos Energy is authorized to calculate, bill and collect for the account of the SPE, the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges initially authorized in this Financing Order, as adjusted from time to time to meet the Periodic Payment Requirements as provided in this Financing Order; and to make such filings and take such other actions as are required or permitted by this Financing Order in connection with the periodic true-ups described in this Financing Order. The Servicer shall be entitled to collect servicing fees in accordance with the provisions of the Servicing Agreement, provided that the annual servicing fee payable to Atmos Energy while it is serving as Servicer (or to any other Servicer affiliated with Atmos Energy) shall not at any time exceed 0.05% of the original principal amount of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. The Servicing Agreement shall include a provision that Atmos Energy shall indemnify the Commission (for the benefit of Retail Customers) in connection

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with any increase in servicing fees that become payable as a result of a default resulting from Atmos Energy’s willful misconduct, bad faith, or negligence in performance of its duties or observance of its covenants under the Servicing Agreement. The indemnity will be enforced by the Commission but will not be enforceable by any Retail Customer. If the incremental cost to Atmos Energy to perform its servicing and administrative services under the Servicing Agreement and the Administration Agreement respectively, is less than what the Company is paid for those services, then that difference in cost (the associated profit margin earned by the Company as servicer and administrator) shall be tracked by Atmos Energy and included in a regulatory liability account to be addressed in Atmos Energy’s next general rate case.

153. Administration Agreement. The Commission authorizes Atmos Energy to enter into the Administration Agreement with the SPE to perform the administrative services set forth in the form of Administration Agreement attached hereto as Appendix G. The fee charged by Atmos Energy as administrator under the Administration Agreement shall not exceed $100,000 per annum plus reimbursable third-party costs.

154. Replacement of Atmos Energy as Servicer. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Servicing Agreement relating to Atmos Energy’s performance of its servicing functions with respect to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, a successor Servicer subject to the Designated Representative’s review, acting on behalf of the bond holders, and approved by the Commission, will replace Atmos Energy. The Financing Parties may also replace Atmos Energy as the Servicer in

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accordance with the terms of the Servicing Agreement. No entity may replace Atmos Energy as the Servicer in any of its servicing or administrative functions with respect to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges and the Securitized Utility Tariff Property authorized by this Financing Order, if the replacement would cause any of the then current credit ratings of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to be suspended, withdrawn or downgraded.

155. Amendment of Agreements. The parties to the Servicing Agreement, the Administration Agreement, the Indenture, and the Sale Agreement may amend the terms of such agreements; provided, however, that no amendment to any such agreement shall increase the Ongoing Financing Costs or result in less favorable terms for Retail Customers without the approval of the Commission. Any amendment that does not increase the Ongoing Financing Costs or result in less favorable terms for Retail Customers shall be effective without prior Commission approval. Any amendment to any such agreement that may have the effect of increasing Ongoing Financing Costs shall be provided by Atmos Energy to the Commission along with a statement as to the possible effect of the amendment on the Ongoing Financing Costs. The amendment shall become effective on the later of the date proposed by the parties to the amendment or 31 days after such submission to the Commission unless the Commission issues an order disapproving the amendment within a 30-day period.

156. Collection Terms. The Servicer shall remit collections of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to the SPE or the Indenture Trustee for the SPE’s account in accordance with the terms of the Servicing Agreement.

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E. Structure of the Securitization

157. Structure. Atmos Energy shall endeavor to structure the securitization consistent with the findings of fact made in this Financing Order and in a manner that achieves the lowest cost for the Securitized Bonds consistent with market conditions at the time of the issuance. The Commission provides Atmos Energy with the flexibility to modify the proposed structure based upon rating agency and market considerations, and the final structure shall satisfy the customer benefit requirements as reviewed and collaborated on with the Designated Representative throughout the pre-issuance review process and ultimately demonstrated by the final Issuance Advice Letter.

F. Use of Proceeds

158. Use of Proceeds. Upon the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, the SPE will use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (after payment of transaction costs) to pay to Atmos Energy the purchase price of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property. The net proceeds from the sale of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property (after payment of transaction costs) will be applied to recover Atmos Energy’s Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Financing Costs as approved by this Financing Order and specified in the final Issuance Advice Letter.

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G. Miscellaneous Provisions

159. Method of Tracing Funds. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charges collected from Retail Customers will be placed on a separate line on customers’ bills, allowing Atmos Energy to assign the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges a specific code, by customer class, in its billing system. This code will allow Atmos Energy to trace proceeds from the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges.

160. Reconciliation of Securitized Utility Tariff Costs. Because not all Securitized Utility Tariff Costs or offsets to the costs to be securitized are known at this time or at the time the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are issued, a future rate-making process using the existing PGA/ACA mechanism will reconcile any differences between the actual Securitized Utility Tariff Costs financed by Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and the final Securitized Utility Tariff Costs incurred by Atmos Energy or its assignee. The reconciliation process will also consider both the deferred tax liability associated with recovery of Qualified Extraordinary Costs, as well as the corresponding and offsetting deferred tax asset associated with the net operating loss carryforward created by the Qualified Extraordinary Costs. The reconciliation shall not affect the amount of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or the associated Securitized Utility Tariff Charges paid by customers.

161. Irrevocability. Upon issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds or transfer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property to the SPE, whichever occurs first, this Financing Order and the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges authorized by the Financing Order become irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment, or

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adjustment by further act of the Commission, except for any true-up adjustments made in accordance with the Adjustment Mechanism as approved in this Financing Order; provided, however, that such irrevocability shall not preclude the Commission from extending the deadline for the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds if requested to do so by Atmos Energy.

162. Pledge of the Commission. The Commission affirms the pledge of state set forth in K.S.A. § 66-1,252 and shall not take or permit any of the following actions that would impair the value of the Securitized Utility Tariff Property authorized by this Financing Order, unless otherwise permitted by the statute:

(a) Alter the statute that authorizes the Commission to create an irrevocable contract right or chose in action by the issuance of a Financing Order, to create securitized utility tariff property and to make the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges imposed by a Financing Order irrevocable, binding or Nonbypassable charges for all existing and future Retail Customers within the service area of the public utility;

(b) Take any action that would impair the value of Securitized Utility Tariff Property or the security for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or revises the Securitized Utility Tariff Costs for which recovery is authorized; impair the rights and remedies of the bondholders, assignees and other financing parties in any way; or,

(c) Except for changes made pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism expressly allowed by law, reduce, alter, or impair the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges to be imposed, billed, charged, collected, and remitted for the benefit of the bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties, until any and all principal, interest, premium, Financing Costs and other fees, expenses or charges incurred and any contracts to be performed in connection with the related Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have been paid and performed in full.

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163. Continuing Issuance Right. Atmos Energy has the continuing irrevocable right to cause the issuance of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in accordance with this Financing Order for a period commencing with the date of this Financing Order and extending 24 months following the later of (i) the date on which this Financing Order becomes final and no longer subject to any appeal; or (ii) the date on which any other regulatory approvals necessary to issue the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are obtained and no longer subject to any appeal. If at any time during the effective period of this Financing Order there is a severe disruption in the financial markets of the United States, the effective period shall automatically be extended to a date which is not less than 90 days after the date such disruption ends.

164. Internal Revenue Service Private Letter or Other Rulings. Atmos Energy is not required by this Financing Order to obtain a ruling from the IRS; however, if it elects to do so, then upon receipt, Atmos Energy shall promptly deliver to the Commission a copy of each private letter or other ruling issued by the IRS with respect to the proposed transaction, the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or any other matter related thereto. Atmos Energy shall also include a copy of every such ruling by the IRS it has received as an attachment to each Issuance Advice Letter required to be filed by this Financing Order. Atmos Energy may cause Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to be issued without a private letter ruling if it obtains an

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opinion of tax counsel sufficient to support the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

165. Binding on Successors. This Financing Order, together with the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges authorized in it, shall be binding on Atmos Energy and any successor to Atmos Energy. This Financing Order is also binding on any other entity responsible for billing and collecting Securitized Utility Tariff Charges on behalf of the SPE, and any successor to the Commission. In this paragraph, a “successor” means any entity that succeeds by any means whatsoever to any interest or obligation of its predecessor, including by way of bankruptcy, reorganization or other insolvency proceeding, merger, consolidation, conversion, assignment, pledge or other security, by operation of law or otherwise.

166. Flexibility. Subject to compliance with the requirements of this Financing Order (including Designated Representative review), Atmos Energy and the SPE shall be afforded flexibility in establishing the terms and conditions of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including the final structure of the SPE, repayment schedules, term, payment dates, collateral, credit enhancement, required debt service, reserves, interest rates, use of original issue discount, other Financing Costs, and the ability of Atmos Energy, at its option, to cause one or more series of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to be issued or to create more than one SPE for purposes of issuing such Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. The final terms and conditions of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be provided to the Commission through the Issuance Advice Letter process, as described in Ordering Paragraph 131.

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 91

167. Effectiveness of Order. This Financing Order is effective upon issuance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Securitized Utility Tariff Property shall be created hereunder, and Atmos Energy shall not be authorized to impose, collect, and receive Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, until Atmos Energy’s rights and interests under this Financing Order with respect to such Securitized Utility Tariff Property have been transferred to the SPE or another assignee or pledged in connection with the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

168. Regulatory Approvals. All regulatory approvals within the jurisdiction of the Commission that are necessary for the securitization of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges associated with the Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Financing Costs, including Upfront Financing Costs and Ongoing Financing Costs, and all related transactions contemplated in the Application, are granted.

169. Payment of Commission’s Costs for Professional Services. In accordance with K.S.A. § 66-1,241(h)(5), all expenses incurred by the Commission for financial advisors, counsel, or other professional services acquired for the purpose of evaluating Atmos Energy’s application and proposed transaction, the Financing Order, and the closing of the transaction shall be included as part of the Upfront Financing Costs and/or Ongoing Financing Costs as applicable of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and shall be included in the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge.

170. Effect. This Financing Order constitutes a legal Financing Order for Atmos Energy under the Act. The Commission finds this Financing Order complies with the provisions of the Act. A Financing Order gives rise to rights, interests,

Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR Financing Order Page 92

obligations, and duties as expressed in the Act. It is the Commission’s express intent to give rise to those rights, interests, obligations, and duties by issuing this Financing Order. Atmos Energy, as the initial Servicer, and any Replacement Servicer are directed to take all actions as are required to effectuate the transactions approved in this Financing Order, subject to compliance with the criteria established in this Financing Order.

171. Further Commission Action. The Commission guarantees that it will act pursuant to this Financing Order as expressly authorized by the Act to ensure that expected Securitized Utility Tariff Charge revenues are sufficient to pay on a timely basis scheduled principal and interest on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued pursuant to this Financing Order and other costs, including fees and expenses, in connection with the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

172. All Other Motions Denied. All motions, requests for entry of specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, and any other requests for general or specific relief not expressly granted herein, are denied for want of merit.

BY THE COMMISSION IT IS SO ORDERED.

Keen, Chair; Duffy, Commissioner; French, Commissioner

Dated: 10/25/2022

/s/ Lynn M. Retz

Lynn M. Retz

Executive Director

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

APPENDIX A

FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

[SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY PURPOSES]

______DAY, _________ __, 202_

THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS

[insert address]

SUBJECT: ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER FOR SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS

Pursuant to the Financing Order adopted on the _____ day of _____, 202_ in In The Matter of The Application of Atmos Energy Corporation For the Recovery of Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Issuance of a Financing Order (the “Financing Order”), ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION (the “Utility” or the “Applicant”) submits, no later than the end of the first business day after the pricing date for that series of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, this Issuance Advice Letter to report certain terms and information related to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds Series _____, Tranches _________. Any capitalized terms not defined in this letter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Financing Order or the Utility Financing and Securitization Act, K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240 - 66-1,253 (the “Act”).

PURPOSE

This filing includes the following information:

(1) The total principal amount and calculation of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds issued (“Authorized Amount”);

(2) The final terms and structure of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including a description of any credit enhancement, the final estimated Securitized Utility Tariff Bond issuance costs and the final estimates of ongoing Financing Costs for the first year following issuance;

(3) A calculation of projected customer savings relative to conventional methods of financing resulting from the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds; and

(4) The amount of initial Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Charges.

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

1. PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BONDS ISSUED (“AUTHORIZED AMOUNT”)

The total amount of Qualified Extraordinary Costs, other costs approved by the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas (the “Commission”), issuance costs being financed (the “Authorized Amount”) is presented in Attachment 1.

2. DESCRIPTION OF FINAL TERMS OF BONDS

Set forth below is a summary of the final terms of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Issuance.

Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Title and Series: ______

Trustee:        

Closing Date: _________ __, 202_

Bond Ratings: [S&P ___; Moody’s ___; Fitch ___]

Amount Issued (Authorized Amount): $_____________

Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Issuance Costs: See Attachment 1, Schedule B.

Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Ongoing Financing Costs: See Attachment 2, Schedule B.

Tranche	Coupon Rate			Scheduled Final Maturity		Legal Final Maturity
		_____	%		__/__/____		__/__/____
		_____	%		__/__/____		__/__/____
		_____	%		__/__/____		__/__/____

Effective Annual Weighted Average Interest Rate of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds:	_____%
Weighted Average Life of Series:	__ years
Call provisions (including premium, if any):
Expected Sinking Fund Schedule:	Attachment 2, Schedule A
Payments to Bondholders:	Semiannually Beginning________ __, _____

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

3. CALCULATION OF PROJECTED SAVINGS

The weighted average interest rate of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (excluding costs of issuance and ongoing financing costs) is less than [____]%, accordingly, the proposed structuring, expected pricing, and financing costs of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds are reasonably expected to result in substantial revenue requirement savings as compared to conventional methods of financing. The net present value of the savings, which will avoid or mitigate rate impacts as compared to conventional methods of financing the qualified costs, is estimated to be $_________ (see Attachment 2, Schedule C), based on an effective annual weighted average interest rate of __% for the Ratepayer-Backed Bonds.

4. INITIAL SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF BOND CHARGE

Applicant will recover the Qualified Extraordinary Costs through a fixed monthly Securitized Utility Tariff Charge per customer. The table below provides the monthly fixed charge for each customer class. The fixed monthly charge is calculated assuming securitization of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs over the life of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds using the carrying charges through March 31, 2023 (approximately $118.5 million) and the customer count from the Utility’s 2021 Annual Report.

Securitized Utility Tariff Charge					XX Year Recovery
Class	2021 Annual Report Customer Count		Allocation%		Annual $ Allocated to Class	Monthly Fixed Charge
Residential Sales Service		1,536,888		75.015%		$
Commercial/Public Authority		118,980		24.167%		$
School Sales Service		744		0.264%		$
Industrial Sales Service		168		0.160%		$
Small Generator		864		0.0001%		$
Irrigation Engine		2,928		0.394%		$

Based on the foregoing, the initial Securitized Utility Tariff Charges calculated for each Securitized Utility Tariff Customer Class are detailed in Attachment 3.

EFFECTIVE DATE

[In accordance with the Financing Order, the first billing of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge would begin with the first billing cycle of the month following issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.]

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

AUTHORIZED OFFICER

The undersigned are officers of Applicant and authorized to deliver this Issuance Advice Letter on behalf of Applicant.

Respectfully submitted,

ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION

By:                                                                                  

Name:                                                                             

Title:                                                                               

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 1

SCHEDULE A

CALCULATION OF AUTHORIZED AMOUNT

A. Qualified Extraordinary Costs and other costs authorized in Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR (including any adjustment to carrying costs)

B. Estimated issuance costs for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds (Attachment 1, Schedule B)

TOTAL AUTHORIZED AMOUNT

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 1

SCHEDULE B

ESTIMATED ISSUANCE COSTS

	Issuance Costs
Legal	$	640,000
Underwriting Fee	$	500,000
Issuer/Underwriter/Trustee Legal Fees	$	55,000
Rating Agency Fees	$	440,000
Servicer Set-Up Fees	$	400,000
Accountants/Auditors Fees	$	250,000
Printing/Filing/SEC Registration	$	100,000
SPV Set-Up Fee	$	100,000
Commission’s Financial Advisor Fee	$	400,000
Total Estimated Issuance Costs	$	2,885,000
Issuance Costs as a % of Issuance Amount		3.21%

Note: Any difference between the estimated issuance costs financed for, and the actual issuance costs incurred by the Utility will be resolved, if estimates are more or less than actual, pursuant to the Financing Order issued in this proceeding.

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 2

SCHEDULE A

BOND FUNDING REQUIREMENT INFORMATION

EXPECTED SINKING FUND SCHEDULE

SERIES ______, TRANCHE
Payment Date	Principal Balance	Interest	Principal	Total Payment
	$	$	$	$
SERIES ______, TRANCHE
Payment Date	Principal Balance	Interest	Principal	Total Payment
	$	$	$	$
SERIES ______, TRANCHE
Payment Date	Principal Balance	Interest	Principal	Total Payment
	$	$	$	$

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 2

SCHEDULE B

ESTIMATED ONGOING FINANCING COSTS

	Itemized Annual Ongoing Financing Costs
Servicing Fees	$	50,000
Administration Fees	$	100,000
Accounting Fees	$	100,000
Legal Fees	$	30,000
Rating Agency Surveillance	$	67,000
Trustee Fees	$	15,000
Independent Director Fees	$	5,000
Total Ongoing Financing Costs	$	367,000
Ongoing Financing Costs as % of Issuance Amount		0.41%

Note: The amounts shown for each category of ongoing Financing Costs in this attachment are the expected costs for the first year of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Securitized Utility Tariff Charges will be adjusted at least semi-annually to reflect the actual ongoing Financing Costs through the true-up process described in the Financing Order, except that the servicing fee is fixed as long as the Utility (or any affiliate) is servicer.

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 2

SCHEDULE C

BENEFITS VERSUS CONVENTIONAL FINANCING

	Conventional Financing	Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Financing	Savings/(Cost) of Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Financing
Present Value	$	$	$

The present value discount factor shall be the rate needed to discount future debt service payments on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to the net proceeds of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, including accrued interest, DSRS and any contingency retained by the trustee.

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 3

SCHEDULE A

INITIAL ALLOCATION OF COSTS TO CUSTOMER CLASSES

Customer Class	Estimate of February Usage (Mcf)		Allocation%
Residential Sales Service		23,505,675		75.015%
Commercial/Public Authority		7,572,483		24.167%
School Sales Service		82,668		0.264%
Industrial Sales Service		50,073		0.160%
Small Generator		31		0.000%
Irrigation Engine		123,509		0.394%
Total		31,334,439		100.000%

APPENDIX A – FORM OF ISSUANCE ADVICE LETTER

ATTACHMENT 3

SCHEDULE B

DESCRIPTION OF COST RECOVERY MECHANISM

The Qualified Extraordinary Costs will be recovered through a fixed monthly (per customer) Securitized Utility Tariff Charge on gas sales service customer bills. The Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider (“WESCR”) shall govern the calculation of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charge. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charge will appear as a separate line item on gas sales service customers’ bill as “Winter Event Securitized Cost.” The Qualified Extraordinary Costs will be allocated to customer classes as shown in Attachment 3, Schedule A. The fixed, per-customer charge will then be calculated using the customer count reported in the most recent Atmos Energy Annual Report which is provided to the Commission annually. This customer count will be updated semi-annually for use in the mandatory Adjustment Mechanism. The Securitized Utility Tariff Charge will be adjusted semi-annually through the Adjustment Mechanism. If the customer count for a particular class declines by more than ten percent (10%) from that identified in the 2021 Annual Report, then the allocation factors will be recalculated using the most recent 12-month weather normalized volume for each customer class.

APPENDIX B - FORM OF TARIFF

(WINTER EVENT SECURITIZED COST RECOVERY RIDER)

APPENDIX B

FORM OF TARIFF

(WINTER EVENT SECURITIZED COST RECOVERY RIDER)

Form RF
	Index No.
THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF KANSAS
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION	SCHEDULE V- Purchased Gas
	Adjustment (PGA)
(Name of Issuing Utility)
ENTIRE SERVICE AREA
(Territory to which Schedule is applicable)
No Supplement or separate understanding shall modify the tariff as shown hereon.	Sheet 9 of 11 Sheets

SECTION 4 – WINTER EVENT SECURITIZED CHARGE RIDER (WESCR)

Applicability

This rider is applicable to all service provided under sales rate schedules 910, 915, 920, 930, 940 and 965 beginning with the first billing cycle following the issuance of securitized bonds pursuant to a Financing Order issued in Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR. Service is subject to the Definitions and Conditions section below.

Net Monthly Charge

1. The Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider (WESCR) shall be applied as a fixed monthly charge calculated as described below for recovery of extraordinary costs incurred related to Winter Storm Uri (Winter Event).

2. All WESCR fixed monthly charges shall be calculated to the nearest $0.01 per customer. All charges set forth in the rate schedule under which the customer takes service shall also apply.

3. Initial Charge: The initial WESCR shall be determined as follows:

a. The initial 12 months of principal, interest and servicing costs (adjusted for forecasted write-offs and late payments) for the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds shall be allocated to the sales rate schedules as follows:

Rate Schedule	Estimate of February 2021 Usage (Ccf)		Allocation%
Residential Sales Service		23,505,675		75.015%
Commercial Sales Service		7,000,393		22.341%
Public Authority Sales Service		572,090		1.826%
School Sales Service		82,668		0.264%
Industrial Sales Service		50,073		0.160%
Small Generator Sales Service		31		0.0001%
Irrigation Engine Sales Service		123,509		0.394%
Total		31,334,439		100.000%

b. The allocated principal, interest, servicing costs shall then be divided by the forecasted annual customer count for each rate schedule to calculate a monthly charge per customer.

Issued:
	(Month)	(Day)	(Year)
Effective:
	(Month)	(Day)	(Year)
By:	/s/ Kathleen R. Ocanas, VP Rates & Reg Affairs
	(Signature of Officer)		(Title)

Form RF
	Index No.
THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF KANSAS
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION	SCHEDULE V- Purchased Gas
	Adjustment (PGA)
(Name of Issuing Utility)
ENTIRE SERVICE AREA
(Territory to which Schedule is applicable)
No Supplement or separate understanding shall modify the tariff as shown hereon.	Sheet 10 of 11 Sheets

4. WESCR Adjustment Mechanism: No less often than every six months, the Company shall adjust the WESCR charge for the over- or under-collections and to ensure the timely and complete payment of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds and other financing costs. The WESCR shall be calculated for each rate class in the following manner:

WESCR = (WESCR Adjustment Mechanism Revenue Requirement * Allocation % by Class) / Forecasted Customer Count by Class

Where:

WESCR Adjustment Mechanism Revenue Requirement =

Cumulative (Over)/Under Collections for Prior Remittance Period

+ Estimated Current Remittance Period (Over)/Under Collections

+ Projected Remittance Period Revenue Requirement

Where:

Cumulative (Over)/Under Collections for Prior Remittance Period = Prior Remittance Period Revenue Requirement + Prior Remittance Period Actual Cash Receipt Transfers and Interest Income + Cash in Excess Funds

Estimated Current Remittance Period (Over)/Under Collections = Current Remittance Period Revenue Requirement + Current Remittance Period Cash Receipts + Current Remittance Period Interest Income + Forecasted Current Remittance Period Cash Receipts + Forecasted Current Remittance Period Interest Income

Projected Remittance Period Revenue Requirement = Forecasted Revenue Requirement for the remittance period

Where:

Revenue Requirement = Securitized Utility Tariff Bond Principal + Interest + Servicing Costs +

Other Ongoing Costs + Replenishments to Capital Subaccounts if Needed

Forecasted Current Remittance Period Cash Receipts = Σ(Current Period WESCR by

Class * Forecasted Customer Count by Class) + Forecasted

Write-offs and Late payments

a. For the Prior Remittance Period, the actual Revenue Requirement and Remittances are used to determine the over- or under- recovery for that period.

b. For the Current Remittance Period, the actual Revenue Requirement and Remittances for three months are compared to determine the over- or under-recovery for first three months of the period. For the remaining three months of the period, forecasted information for the Revenue Requirement and Remittances are used to determine the remaining over- or under-recovery. The actual and the forecasted over- or under-recovery are added together.

Issued:
	(Month)	(Day)	(Year)
Effective:
	(Month)	(Day)	(Year)
By:	/s/ Kathleen R. Ocanas, VP Rates & Reg Affairs
	(Signature of Officer)		(Title)

Form RF
	Index No.
THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF KANSAS
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION	SCHEDULE V- Purchased Gas
	Adjustment (PGA)
(Name of Issuing Utility)
ENTIRE SERVICE AREA
(Territory to which Schedule is applicable)
No Supplement or separate understanding shall modify the tariff as shown hereon.	Sheet 11 of 11 Sheets

c. For the Projected Remittance Period the forecasted Revenue Requirement is provided.

d. The WESCR Adjustment Mechanism Revenue Requirement is allocated to rate schedules according to the allocation factors listed in Section 3(a) of this rate schedule.

5. Separation Fee: A customer served under a sales rate schedule who switches to service under transportation rate schedule during the period in which the WESCR charge is being recovered will be required to pay a Separation Fee. The Separation Fee shall be based on the present value of the expected charges the customer would have paid under its sales rate schedule over the remaining period the WESCR charge is being recovered. This is required pursuant to the Commission’s March 24, 2022, Order in Docket No. 21-ATMG-333-GIG. Any Separation Fees collected will be included in the WESCR Adjustment Mechanism as a cash remittance.

Definitions and Conditions

1. The WESCR is designed to recover Qualified Extraordinary Costs as set out in K.S.A. 66-1,240 et seq.

2. The WESCR shall be a separate line item on the customer’s bill.

3. The WESCR shall be subject to taxes and franchise fees as set out in the General Terms and Conditions for Gas Service Section 4.B.1.i and Section 4.L.1 and 2.

4. Notwithstanding the requirements of The General Terms and Conditions for Gas Service Section 4.B.2, payments will first be applied to the WESCR.

5. At least 30 days prior to when the proposed updated charges begin billing, the Company shall file a report with the Commission, at least semi-annually, detailing the calculations of the adjustment mechanism for deriving the charges authorized by this rider to be applied during the subsequent Remittance Period. The Commission’s review is limited to determining if any mathematical or clerical errors are present in the application of the adjustment mechanism.

6. The WESCR shall remain in effect until the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds approved in the Financing Order issued in Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR have been paid in full. After the bonds have been paid in full, any over-recovery will be credited to customers in a form of a credit to their natural gas bills.

Issued:
	(Month)	(Day)	(Year)
Effective:
	(Month)	(Day)	(Year)
By:	/s/ Kathleen R. Ocanas, VP Rates & Reg Affairs
	(Signature of Officer)		(Title)

APPENDIX C – FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

APPENDIX C

FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

[Atmos Energy Letterhead]

Date: ____________, 202_

[[Address]]

Re: In The Matter of The Application of Atmos Energy Corporation For the Recovery of Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Issuance of a Financing Order, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR

Dear___________:

Pursuant to the Financing Order adopted on the _____ day of _____, 202_ in In The Matter of The Application of Atmos Energy Corporation For the Recovery of Qualified Extraordinary Costs and Issuance of a Financing Order, Docket No. 22-ATMG-538-TAR (Financing Application) (the “Financing Order”), Atmos Energy Corporation (the “Utility”), as Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, or any successor Servicer on behalf of bond trustee as assignee of the Utility shall apply semi-annually for a mandatory periodic adjustment to the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges. Any capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Financing Order or the Utility Financing and Securitization Act, K.S.A. §§ 66-1,240 - 66-1,253 (the “Act”).

Each semi-annual true-up adjustment shall be filed with the Commission not less than 30 days prior to the first billing cycle of the month in which the revised Securitized Utility Tariff Charges, calculated under the Winter Event Securitized Cost Recovery Rider (“WESCR”), will be in effect. The Commission staff will have 30 days after the date of the true-up adjustment filing in which to confirm the mathematical and clerical accuracy of the servicer’s adjustment. However, any mathematical or clerical correction not made prior to the effective date of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges (WESCR Charges) will be made in future true-up adjustment filings and will not delay the effectiveness of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges (WESCR Charges).

Using the formula approved by the Commission in the Financing Order, this filing modifies the variables used in the WESCR calculation and provides the resulting modified Securitized Utility Tariff Charges (or WESCR Charges). Exhibits 1, 2 and 3 show the resulting values of the Securitized Utility Tariff Charges for each Securitized Utility Tariff Charges Customer Class, as calculated in accordance with the Financing Order. The assumptions underlying the current Securitized Utility Tariff Charges were filed by the Utility in an [Issuance Advice]/True-up Letter dated ________.

APPENDIX C – FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

Respectfully submitted,

[Utility]

By:                                                                                  

Name:                                                                             

Title:                                                                               

Exhibits

APPENDIX C – FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

EXHIBIT 1

CALCULATION OF SECURITIZED UTILITY TARIFF CHARGES

Estimated Ongoing Financing Costs
	Itemized Annual Ongoing Financing Costs
Servicing Fees	$	50,000
Administration Fees	$	100,000
Accounting Fees	$	100,000
Legal Fees	$	30,000
Rating Agency Surveillance	$	67,000
Trustee Fees	$	15,000
Independent Director Fees	$	5,000
Total Ongoing Financing Costs	$	367,000
Ongoing Financing Costs as % of Issuance Amount		0.41%

The Utility will recover the Qualified Extraordinary Costs through a fixed monthly Securitized Utility Tariff Charge per customer. The table below provides the monthly fixed charge for each customer class. The fixed monthly charge is calculated assuming securitization of the Qualified Extraordinary Costs over the life of the Bonds using the carrying charges through March 31, 2023 (approximately $118.5 million) and the customer count from the 2021 Atmos Annual Report.

Securitized Utility Tariff Charge					XX Year Recovery
Class	2021 Annual Report Customer Count		Allocation%		Annual $ Allocated to Class	Monthly Fixed Charge
Residential Sales Service		1,536,888		75.015%		$
Commercial/Public Authority		118,980		24.167%		$
School Sales Service		744		0.264%		$
Industrial Sales Service		168		0.160%		$
Small Generator		864		0.0001%		$
Irrigation Engine		2,928		0.394%		$

APPENDIX C – FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

EXHIBIT 2

WESCR CALCULATIONS

Atmos Energy Corporation

Winter Event Securitized Charge Rider (WESCR) True-up Mechanism

for the Period ___________ through ______________

Line #	Description	Calculation of True-up		Projected Revenue Requirement to be Billed and Collected	Revenue Requiremen t for WESCR Charge
		(a)		(b)	(c) =(a)+(b)
1	True-up for Prior Remittance Period Beginning ______ and Ending ______:
2	Prior Remittance Period Revenue Requirement
3	Principal
4	Interest
5	Servicing Costs
6	Other Ongoing Costs
7	Total Prior Remittance Period Revenue Requirement (Line 3+4+5+6)		$ —
8	Prior Remittance Period Actual Cash Receipt Transfers and Interest Income
9	Cash Receipts Transferred to the SPE
10	Interest Income on Subaccounts at the SPE

APPENDIX C – FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

11	Total Cash Receipt Transfers and Interest Income (Line 9+10)	$	—
12	(Over)/Under Collections of Prior Remittance Period Requirements (Line 7+11)	$	—
13	Cash in Excess Funds Subaccount at SPE
14	Cumulative (Over)/Under Collections for Prior Remittance Period (Line 12+13)	$	—				$—
15
16
17	Current Remittance Period Beginning ______and Ending______:
18	Current Remittance Period Revenue Requirement
19	Principal
20	Interest
21	Servicing Costs
22	Other Ongoing Costs
23	Total Current Remittance Period Revenue Requirement (Line 19+20+21+22)	$	—
24
25	Current Remittance Period Cash Receipt Transfers and Interest income
26	Cash Receipts Transferred to the SPE
27	Interest Income on Subaccounts at the SPE
28	Total Cash Receipt Transfers and Interest Income (Line 26+27)	$	—	$	—
29	Estimated Current Remittance Period (Over)/Under Collection (Line 23+28)	$	—	$	—	$	—
30
31
32	Projected Remittance Period Beginning and Ending______:
33	Projected Remittance Period Revenue Requirement
34	Principal
35	Interest

APPENDIX C – FORM OF TRUE-UP LETTER

36	Servicing Costs
37	Other Ongoing Costs
38	Total Projected Remittance Period Revenue Requirement (Line 34+35+36+37)	$	—	$	—
39
40	Total WESCR Adjustment Mechanism Revenue Requirements (Line 14+29+38)			$	—
41
42
43

44	Customer Class	Forecasted 6- Month Customer Count	Allocation Factor	Projected Revenue Requirement Allocated to Customer Class	WES CR Charge
45	Residential Sales Service		75.015%	$ —
46	Commercial/Public Authority		24.167%	$ —
47	School Sales Service		0.264%	$ —
48	Industrial Sales Service		0.160%	$ —
49	Small Generator		0.000%	$ —
50	Irrigation Engine		0.394%	$ —

EXHIBIT 3

WESCR FOR PAYMENT PERIOD

Customer Class	Charge
Residential Sales Service Commercial/Public Authority School Sales Service Industrial Sales Service Small Generator Irrigation Engine

Appendix J

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Adjustment Mechanism	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.80
Ancillary Agreement	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.81
Assignee	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.82
Cost of Capital	Atmos Energy’s weighed average cost of capital authorized from time to time by the Commission in Atmos Energy’s rate proceedings. As set out in Schedule 1 of the General Terms and Conditions for Service of
Customer	As set out in Schedule 1 of the General Terms and Conditions for Service of the Commission-approved Tariff of Atmos Energy Corporation, Section 1.B, “Any person, partnership, association, firm, public or private corporation, or governmental agency applying for or using natural gas service supplied by [Atmos],” and who receives Natural Gas Service as set out in Section 1.D of the same Schedule, which is “the sale, delivery, and providing natural gas by [Atmos] to the Customer in accordance with and established by, (a) [Atmos] applicable rate schedules, (b) [Atmos] Rules and Regulations in effect and on file with the Commission and, (c) the Commission applicable orders.” Except as provided in this Financing Order, Customer includes any current or future Customer, receiving natural gas service from Atmos, but excludes Transportation Customers.
Designated Representative	A representative from Commission Staff, who may be advised by financial and legal advisors contracted with the Commission to review and observe all facets of the process undertaken by the public utility to place the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds to market so the Commission’s representative can be prepared, if requested, to provide the Commission with an opinion on the reasonable ness of the pricing, terms and conditions of Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds on an expedited basis.83

⁸⁰  K.S.A. § 66-1.240(b)(2).

⁸¹  K.S.A. § 66-1240(b)(3).

⁸²  K.S.A § 66-l,240(b)(4).

⁸³  K.S.A. § 66-l,241(h)(4).

Page 1

Financing Costs	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.84
Financing Order	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.85
Financing Party	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.86
Issuance Advice Letter	Document setting out the terms for the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds submitted to the Commission to demonstrate Atmos Energy’s compliance with this Financing Order as described in the Act.
Nonbypassable	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.87
Ongoing Financing Costs	Any Financing Costs, as defined in the Act, incurred after the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.
Periodic Payment Requirement	Semi-annual adjustments made to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds by the Servicer of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds pursuant to the Adjustment Mechanism described in the Act.
Qualified Extraordinary Costs	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.88
Retail Customer	An end-use customer who purchases natural gas or electricity for consumption.
Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.89

⁸⁴  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(10).

⁸⁵  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(ll).

⁸⁶  K.S.A §66-l,240(b)(12).

⁸⁷  K.S.A §66-l,240(b)(15).

⁸⁸  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(18).

⁸⁹  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(19)(A).

Page 2

Securitized Utility Tariff Charges	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.90
Securitized Utility Tariff Costs	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.91
Securitized Utility Tariff Property	Has the meaning set forth in the Act.92
Servicer	The entity responsible for performing the servicing obligations under any Servicing Agreement.
Servicing Agreement	Document detailing the servicing obligations. See Appendix D.
Special Purpose Entity (SPE)	A wholly owned, subsidiary, which is a Delaware LLC that is bankruptcy- remote, with Atmos Energy as its sole member, formed for the limited purposed of acquiring Securitized Utility Tariff Property and issuing Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds in one or more tranches or classes, and performing other activities relating thereto or otherwise authorized by the Financing Order. The Special Purpose Entity will not be permitted to engage in any other activities and will have no assets other than Securitized Utility Tariff Property and related assets to support its obligations under the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Obligations relating to the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds will be the Special Purpose Entity’s only significant liabilities. The Special Purpose Entity will act as an Assignee as defined in the Act.
Substitute Servicer	Any subsequent Servicer, taking the place of the original Servicer.
Transportation Customers	Customers who elect to receive Transportation Service or Transportation, as set out in Schedule 1 of the General Terms and Conditions of the Commission-approved tariff of Atmos Energy Corporation, Section 1 .D, and maintain a contractual right to have natural gas transported by Atmos on demand, and who are not pursuant to the terms of the Financing Order,

⁹⁰  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(20).

⁹¹  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(21).

⁹²  K.S.A. § 66-l,240(b)(22)(A)-(B)

Page 3

Upfront
Financing Costs Financing Costs, as defined in the Act, incurred by Atmos Energy, the Commission, and third parties in applying for a Financing Order and obtaining the issuance of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds.

Page 4

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

22-ATMG-538-TAR

I, the undersigned, certify that a true copy of the attached Order has been served to the following by means of electronic service on 10/25/2022.

JAMES G. FLAHERTY, ATTORNEY	ASHLEY BURTON, ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
ANDERSON & BYRD, L.L.P.	ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
216 S HICKORY	5420 LBJ FWY STE 1600 (75240)
PO BOX 17	P O BOX 650205
OTTAWA, KS 66067	DALLAS, TX 75265-0205
jflaherty@andersonbyrd.com	ashley.burton@atmosenergy.com
KATHLEEN R OCANAS, DIVISION VP OF RATES &	JOSEPH R. ASTRAB, ATTORNEY
REGULATORY AFFAIRS	CITIZENS’ UTILITY RATEPAYER BOARD
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION	1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD
25090 W 110TH TERR	TOPEKA, KS 66604
OLATHE, KS 66061	j.astrab@curb.kansas.gov
kathleen.ocanas@atmosenergy.com
TODD E. LOVE, ATTORNEY	DAVID W. NICKEL, CONSUMER COUNSEL
CITIZENS’ UTILITY RATEPAYER BOARD	CITIZENS’ UTILITY RATEPAYER BOARD
1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD	1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD
TOPEKA, KS 66604	TOPEKA, KS 66604
t.love@curb.kansas.gov	d.nickel@curb.kansas.gov
SHONDA RABB	DELLA SMITH
CITIZENS’ UTILITY RATEPAYER BOARD	CITIZENS’ UTILITY RATEPAYER BOARD
1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD	1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD
TOPEKA, KS 66604	TOPEKA, KS 66604
s.rabb@curb.kansas.gov	d.smith@curb.kansas.gov
MARK DAVIS, PARTNER	MICHAEL FEINBERG, GENERAL COUNSEL
DUCERA PARTNERS LLC	DUCERA PARTNERS LLC
11 TIMES SQUARE	11 TIMES SQUARE
36TH FLOOR	36TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10036	NEW YORK, NY 10036
mdavis@ducerapartners.com	mfeinberg@ducerapartners.com

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

22-ATMG-538-TAR

TYLER KIM, ASSOCIATE	SEAN LANCASTER
DUCERA PARTNERS LLC	DUCERA PARTNERS LLC
11 TIMES SQUARE	11 TIMES SQUARE
36TH FLOOR	36TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10036	NEW YORK, NY 10036
tkim@ducerapartners.com	slancaster@ducerapartners.com
JAMNAH MORTON, ASSOCIATE	SARAH BUCHANAN
DUCERA PARTNERS LLC	FOULSTON SIEFKIN LLP
11 TIMES SQUARE	1551 N. Waterfront Parkway
36TH FLOOR	Suite 100
NEW YORK, NY 10036	Wichita, KS 67206
jmorton@ducerapartners.com	sbuchanan@foulston.com
RACHEL SCHOLL, PARALEGAL	HARVEY R SORENSEN
FOULSTON SIEFKIN LLP	FOULSTON SIEFKIN LLP
1551 N. Waterfront Parkway	1551 N. Waterfront Parkway
Suite 100	Suite 100
Wichita, KS 67206	Wichita, KS 67206
rscholl@foulston.com	hsorensen@foulston.com
C. EDWARD WATSON, ATTORNEY	BRIAN G. FEDOTIN, GENERAL COUNSEL
FOULSTON SIEFKIN LLP	KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION
1551 N. Waterfront Parkway	1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD
Suite 100	TOPEKA, KS 66604
Wichita, KS 67206	b.fedotin@kcc.ks.gov
cewatson@foulston.com
WALKER HENDRIX, LITIGATION COUNSEL	CARLY MASENTHIN, LITIGATION COUNSEL
KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION	KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION
1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD	1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD
TOPEKA, KS 66604	TOPEKA, KS 66604
w.hendrix@kcc.ks.gov	c.masenthin@kcc.ks.gov
MICHAEL NEELEY, LITIGATION COUNSEL
KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION
1500 SW ARROWHEAD RD
TOPEKA, KS 66604
m.neeley@kcc.ks.gov

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

22-ATMG-538-TAR

/S/ KCC Docket Room

KCC Docket Room

EX-FILING FEES

EXHIBIT 107.1

Calculation of Filing Fee Table

Form SF-1

(Form Type)

Atmos Energy Corporation	Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC
(Exact Name of Registrant, Sponsor and Depositor as Specified in its Charter)	(Exact Name of Registrant and Issuing Entity as Specified in its Charter)

Table 1: Newly Registered Securities

	Security Type	Security Class Title	Fee Calculation Rule	Amount Registered	Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Security	Maximum Aggregate Offering Price	Fee Rate	Amount of Registration Fee
Fees to Be Paid	Debt	Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds	Rule 457(o)	$92,684,000	100%	$92,684,000	0.0001102	$10,213.78
	Total Offering Amounts					$92,684,000		$10,213.78
	Total Fees Previously Paid							—
	Total Fee Offsets							—
	Net Fee Due							$10,213.78