While Covid-19 continues to have a financial impact, Portland, OR-based NW Natural is pursuing acquisitions of small water utilities, rolling out hydrogen research projects and expanding its sources of renewable natural gas (RNG).

CEO David Anderson and senior executives outlined third quarter results and projects underway during an earnings conference call Thursday. After the initial peak of the coronavirus, economic indicators have bounced back, with customer growth “averaging about 1.9% annually, and the gas-only utility added about 13,800 meters over the past 12 months.”

Last month, NW Natural partnered with the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation in signing a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of...