News Summary

CenterPoint Energy has sold its natural gas distribution systems in Louisiana and Mississippi to Delta Utilities for $1.2 billion. The deal covers about 12,000 miles of pipelines serving 380,000 customers. Delta, backed by Bernhard Capital Partners, aims to create more modern natural gas utilities. The acquisition received necessary regulatory approvals, ensuring a smooth transition. CenterPoint plans to invest proceeds into enhancing safety and reliability in other states, while Delta is expanding its operations further in the region. This transition highlights the evolving energy landscape and its impact on consumers.

Big Changes for Natural Gas in Louisiana and Mississippi

In a major move for the energy sector, CenterPoint Energy has officially completed the sale of its natural gas distribution systems in Louisiana and Mississippi to Delta Utilities for a whopping $1.2 billion. This deal, which was unwrapped just this week, encompasses around 12,000 miles of main pipeline that provides service to about 380,000 metered customers in these two states.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

For residents and business owners in Louisiana and Mississippi, this sale signals that Delta Utilities, which is backed by private equity firm Bernhard Capital Partners, is stepping into the spotlight with an eye on creating more modern and efficient multi-state natural gas utilities. The transition is expected to be smooth, as Delta will take over service for customers that were previously under the care of CenterPoint Energy right away.

Regulatory Approvals are All Set

This acquisition was no small feat. It received all necessary federal and state regulatory approvals, including the critical Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance as well as endorsements from the public service commissions in both Louisiana and Mississippi. This means that all the i’s were dotted and t’s were crossed before the deal could finalize, allowing for a seamless transition for those impacted by the change.

The Future Looks Bright for CenterPoint Energy

So, what’s next for CenterPoint Energy? With the proceeds from this $1.2 billion deal, the company is primed to push ahead with its long-term growth plans. The money from this sale will be rolled into optimizing capital investments aimed at enhancing safety and reliability for their customers across the regions they serve, which includes states like Texas, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio. In fact, CenterPoint plays a vital role in supplying energy to approximately 7 million customers across these areas.

Investing in Texas Resiliency

Speaking of Texas, CenterPoint has ambitious plans in the works with a proposed $5.75 billion system resiliency plan for its operations in the Lone Star State. This plan includes exciting upgrades like installing automation devices, undergrounding electric systems, strengthening power poles, and managing vegetation around transmission lines. These investments show that CenterPoint is taking real steps to ensure energy reliability and safety for its Texas customers

Delta Utilities on the Up and Up

On the other side of the transaction, Delta Utilities is not slowing down. They are currently finalizing the acquisition of Entergy’s two regulated gas distribution companies in Louisiana, which cater to around 95,000 homes in Baton Rouge and about 109,000 homes in New Orleans. This means Delta is working hard to become a key player in the natural gas industry in the region, emphasizing their belief in the significance of natural gas as a transitional energy source.

A Fresh Start for Employees and Customers Alike

CenterPoint Energy is also taking a moment to extend their gratitude to all the employees who supported the Louisiana and Mississippi utilities throughout this transition. The commitment to serve and support customers remains a priority on both sides, ensuring that this major shift will hopefully benefit community members and workers alike.

With all these developments unfolding, it’s clear that the energy landscape in Louisiana and Mississippi is primed for exciting changes. Both CenterPoint and Delta Utilities are taking definitive steps to reinforce their commitments to safety, reliability, and support for their customers. Stay tuned to see how this big move plays out in the coming months and years!

Major Shift in Natural Gas Ownership in Louisiana and Mississippi