News Summary

Natural gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi are in for significant changes as CenterPoint Energy sells its distribution utilities to Delta Utilities. This $1.2 billion deal allows Delta to take over around 12,000 miles of pipeline and approximately 380,000 customers without disrupting services. The transition has received regulatory approvals, and Delta aims to establish modern natural gas utilities across multiple states. Meanwhile, CenterPoint will continue operating in other regions and invest in future capital enhancements.

Exciting Changes for Natural Gas Customers in Louisiana and Mississippi

New Orleans is buzzing with excitement as big changes are underway for natural gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi! CenterPoint Energy has officially sold its natural gas distribution utilities in the region, and the new owner is none other than Delta Utilities, a company rooted right in New Orleans. The deal, worth a whopping $1.2 billion, marks a significant shift in energy service for local residents and businesses.

What’s Included in the Sweet Deal?

With this sale, Delta Utilities has acquired approximately 12,000 miles of main pipeline that currently serves around 380,000 metered customers. That’s quite a lot of ground to cover! So, what does this mean for those folks? Well, as of now, customers can carry on with their usual lifestyles since Delta Utilities will be taking over service immediately. They won’t even notice a hiccup, as customers will retain their existing billing cycles, payment preferences, and online portal access without needing to take any action.

Seamless Transition for Customers

No need to worry about lengthy transitions or complicated changes. Delta Utilities is strategically stepping in, making sure that the switch from CenterPoint to Delta is as smooth as possible. In fact, the transition has received handy approvals from both federal and state regulatory bodies, including the Louisiana and Mississippi Public Service Commissions. Talk about a well-coordinated operation!

Growth Plans for Delta Utilities

But wait, there’s more! Delta Utilities isn’t stopping here. The company is also in the final stages of acquiring Entergy’s two regulated natural gas distribution companies based in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These companies serve around 109,000 customers in New Orleans and approximately 95,000 customers in Baton Rouge. Delta’s ongoing growth strategy highlights its commitment to establishing modern, multi-state natural gas utilities that aim to strengthen the communities they serve.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

According to Delta’s CEO, this massive acquisition isn’t just a fleeting investment; it represents a long-term commitment to the future of energy in the region. Delta is keen on ensuring that its services are resilient, particularly as natural gas is seen as a crucial transition fuel in the evolving landscape of energy. Their team of experienced professionals is fully equipped to handle operations smoothly, ensuring that future energy challenges are met head-on.

CenterPoint’s Future Focus

Meanwhile, CenterPoint Energy isn’t waving goodbye just yet. They continue to provide reliable service to about 7 million customers across states like Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. Plus, they plan to use proceeds from this sale to fund future capital investments aimed at enhancing safety, reliability, and community resilience.

Final Thoughts

With Delta Utilities stepping into the local scene, the future looks bright for natural gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi. As this transition unfolds, customers can expect a seamless experience, along with a sense of reassurance knowing their energy needs are in capable hands. So, whether you’re heating your home or cooking up a delicious gumbo, rest assured that your energy provider is committed to serving you better. Exciting times are ahead for the Crescent City and beyond!

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Author: HERE New Orleans

Tagged louisiana business, louisiana business regulations, louisiana economy, louisiana energy, louisiana oil and gas, louisiana politics