Energynorth

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.’s (APUC) regulated distribution utility, Liberty Utilities, has closed its $285 million acquisition of Granite State Electric Co. and EnergyNorth Natural Gas Inc. Ontario-based APUC announced in December 2010 that it would buy the New Hampshire-based businesses from National Grid (see Daily GPI, Dec. 10, 2010) and the deal received final state regulatory approval in May. The gas utility serves 87,000 customers in five counties and 30 communities across the state. Its load and customer count have shown a consistent 1.6% compounded annual growth over the past 10 years, APUC said. The electric distribution company serves 43,000 customers. Last year Liberty said it would pay about $124 million for Atmos Energy Corp.’s regulated gas distribution assets in Missouri, Iowa and Illinois (see Daily GPI, May 16, 2011). That deal has received all necessary federal and state regulatory approvals and is expected to close by Aug. 1, APUC said.