<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY PEOPLES GAS COMPANY) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 FOR HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2000.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997<F1>
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                               0
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                           0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                         0
<SALES>                                         32,874
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                32,874
<CGS>                                           17,063
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   28,990
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    980
<INCOME-TAX>                                       378
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                602
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       602
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .35
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .35
<FN>
<F1>The Financial Data Schedule for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 have
been presented on a carve-out basis and reflect the historical results of
operations, financial position and cash flows of Peoples Gas Company. Please
refer to Heritage Propane Partners, L.P. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2000 and the Financial Statements and related notes filed therewith
for a complete description of the transactions between Peoples Gas Company,
U.S. Propane and Predecessor Heritage.
</FN>