Buckley’s natural gas operating and distribution system switched hands Friday, becoming the property of Puget Sound Energy.

The transfer represents seven months of planning that followed November’s general election when Buckley voters overwhelmingly approved the sale of the city’s 57-year-old natural gas utility to PSE, which also serves electricity to Buckley.

“The sale…benefits both the city and our residents and business owners,” said Buckley Mayor Pat Johnson. “We’re pleased this transaction has allowed our gas-utility employees to work elsewhere for the city and our gas users to take advantage of PSE’s broad range of services.”

The last bill for natural gas from the city was included in the city’s statement issued June 30.

PSE’s first bill for natural gas service will be included as a combined statement, scheduled to arrive around July 26.

Representatives from both PSE and the city of Buckley will attend an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. July 10 at the Buckley Fire Station, to answer questions and provide information about the change-out of natural gas meters slated to begin in mid-July.