Pursuing a strategy to expand non-utility energy infrastructure businesses alongside its core utility operations in the Pacific Northwest, Bellevue, WA-based Puget Energy announced that it has bought Skibeck Pipeline Co., which it described as a “leading East Coast provider of natural gas transmission pipeline construction.” Skibeck will retain its name and 200 employees, operating regionally out of its headquarters in Randolph, NY, under Puget’s non-utility division, InfrastruX.

This is the eighth energy construction firm Puget has purchased, said a corporate spokesperson, who noted that none of the construction firms do business with Puget Sound Energy, the combination natural gas and electric utility operating in northwestern Washington state. The other companies it purchased recently handle distribution and transmission construction for both electric and natural gas facilities in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the country.

Puget Energy did not disclose the purchase price and would not say how much it has spent on its eight energy contractor acquisitions so far, but it has said that it expects $200 million in revenue from the firms collectively as they are integrated under InfrastruX.

“Skibeck is a major presence in large gas pipeline installations, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions,” said John Durbin, InfrastruX CEO. “This transaction not only will enhance the company’s growing stature in the utility-infrastructure industry, but will enable Skibeck to more aggressively compete for gas pipeline business through the country.”

Skibeck President William Schettine said the acquisition will allow it to “expand our offerings to the energy industry and to be a part of a dynamic and growing team.”

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