Cumberland

The University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), which had spent three months in search of an industry partner to investigate the impacts of natural gas and oil exploration, as well as development from shale formations, has put the project on hold after receiving no bids for the proposed research project.

Columbia Gas Transmission is considering an expansion of its system from its Broad Run, WV receipt point to Market Area 27 near Cumberland, MD, and is holding an open season through Aug. 31 to assess interest.

Marking its fourth Northeast LDC purchase this year, SouthernUnion (SU) bought Cumberland, RI-based Valley Resources for $160million, including the assumption of debt, the companies said lastweek. The boards of directors for both Valley Resources and SU haveunanimously approved the deal. The merger is expected to becompleted within nine months.

Marking its fourth Northeast LDC purchase this year, SouthernUnion (SU) bought Cumberland, RI-based Valley Resources for $160million, including the assumption of debt, the companies saidyesterday. The boards of directors for both Valley Resources and SUhave unanimously approved the deal. The merger is expected to becompleted within nine months.

Cumberland County awarded South Jersey Energy, the marketingaffiliate of South Jersey Industries, a one-year gas supplycontract yesterday. A company spokesman said the contract was worth$500,000. South Jersey will supply gas to all municipal facilitiesand aims to save the county government 20% off its regular gasbill. The announcement marks South Jersey’s third contract with NewJersey county governments in the past 12 months. It also has supplydeals with Atlantic and Camden Counties.