With a nod to the recession, NiSource Inc. business segment NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage (NGT&S) said Friday it plans to cut 370-380 positions across its 16-state operating territory during the course of 2009.

The operating segment, which houses Columbia Gas Transmission LLC, Columbia Gulf Transmission Co. and Crossroads Pipeline and holds partnership interests in Central Kentucky Transmission Co., Hardy Storage Co. and Millennium Pipeline LLC, said the structural changes are “designed to enhance operational efficiency, support growth initiatives and maintain safe, reliable service to customers.”

The changes include:

“Employee teams from across our organization have been evaluating all aspects of our existing business structure and work processes over the past few months,” said NGT&S President Christopher Helms. Of the job cuts, Helms said eligible employees will be offered a severance package and outplacement assistance, while certain employee groups will be eligible for voluntary severance.

Combined, the NGT&S companies operate about 15,000 miles of interstate gas pipeline and 37 underground gas storage fields, delivering more than 1 Tcf of gas per year.

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