Centerpoint

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that human error by unqualified contractors likely caused a natural gasexplosionthat killed two people and destroyed a building at a Minneapolis, MN, private school two years ago.

A proposed utility program in Minnesota that would let customers choose to pay a premium for renewable natural gas (RNG) has stirred up debate among renewable energy and climate change advocates seeking to phase out all fossil fuels.

CenterPoint Energy Inc., a natural gas and electric utility based in Houston, said it plans to acquire Vectren Corp. in a deal valued at $6 billion.

In the article “Price Doldrums, Production Slump Weigh on 2Q2017 NatGas Marketers,” CenterPoint Energy’s 2Q2016 and 2Q2017 volumes were incorrectly stated. The correct volumes are 3.01 Bcf/d in 2Q2017 and 2.19 Bcf/d in 2Q2016, representing a 37% increase. Story and rankings chart have been updated. NGI regrets the error.

Oklahoma City-based OGE Energy Corp. will look to organic utility opportunities as opposed to acquisition for its future growth, and is unsure what its 50% general partner in a midstream master limited partnership (MLP) intends to do regarding a possible sale, CEO Sean Trauschke told analysts during an earnings conference call Thursday.

CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission (CEGT) has asked FERC for authorization to carry out activities to place its 17-mile, small-diameter Line replacement project in southwestern Arkansas in service by Nov. 12.

South Jersey Energy has bought the retail marketing book of Pennsylvania customers from CenterPoint Energy Services, acquiring “a strong book of business that fits well with its northeast footprint,” South Jersey said. The more than 1,000 commercial and industrial customers acquired are primarily retail natural gas sales within the utility service areas of UGI, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, PECO Energy and Equitable.”This sale was made possible by significant changes in Pennsylvania’s competitive landscape,” South Jersey said. “Natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale has expanded dramatically, and the state’s electricity market is fully deregulated. This market supports [parent company South Jersey’s Industries’] existing wholesale gas sales efforts in the Marcellus Shale.”

Southern California Gas did not extend a high-linepack OFO beyond Saturday.

NOVA returned its imbalance tolerance range to the normal -4/+4 after having tightened it to -2/+4 Wednesday.