Dominion Resources said yesterday it will eliminate 700 jobs asa result of its merger with Consolidated Natural Gas. About half ofthe employees affected already have left, the company said. The jobcuts and improved efficiencies created by the merger are expectedto save the company at least $75 million in 2000.

“The vast majority of these positions are in corporate supportservices in Richmond and Pittsburgh, as we’ve said from thebeginning,” said Bill Mistr, vice president-merger integration.”While there will be efficiencies in our operating companies, theprimary focus is on enhancing and improving customer service at alllevels to prepare for competition.”

Dominion and CNG completed their merger Jan. 28, creating thenation’s largest fully integrated natural gas and electric powercompany, with nearly 4 million customers in five states served by awork force of 17,000.

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