State

Energy East Corp., parent of New York State Electric & Gas,offered to buy Connecticut Energy Corp. (CNE) for $617 millionFriday, paving the way for the combined utility to add 160,000 newgas customers and at the same time continuing to shrink the numberof pure gas utilities. The board of directors for each company hasagreed to the deal.

Energy East Corp., parent of New York State Electric &Gas, offered to buy Connecticut Energy Corp. (CNE) for $617 million Friday, paving the way for the combined utility to add 160,000 new gas customers and at the same time continuing to shrink the number of pure gas utilities. The board of directors for each company has agreed to the deal.

The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) last week unanimously approved the merger of Consolidated Edison of New York and Orange and Rockland Utilities. NYPSC Chairman Maureen O. Helmer said Consumers will benefit from the strength of the companies’ combined management and from merger-related savings over the next five years. “The merger has achieved broad public support, and after thorough review and analysis by staff and interested parties, the commission concludes it serves the public interest.”

The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) approvedthe merger of Consolidated Edison of New York and Orange andRockland Utilities. NYPSC Chairman Maureen O. Helmer said Consumerswill benefit from the strength of the companies’ combinedmanagement and from merger-related savings over the next fiveyears.

New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson signed into law a bill opening thestate’s electric power market to consumer choice beginning in 2001.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) has delayed the startdate for retail gas unbundling in the state from Oct. 1, 1999 toJune 1, 2001. Retail unbundling affects gas utilities serving morethan 25,000 customers. The commission order delaying unbundlingalso allows groups wanting to propose competitive purchase programsat earlier dates to submit their proposals for commissionconsideration.

National Fuel Gas used a hearing in the Pennsylvania senate last week to voice its opposition to the state’s gas deregulation bill. It is the only LDC to oppose the bill so far.

National Fuel Gas used a hearing in the Pennsylvania senateTuesday to voice its opposition to the state’s gas deregulationbill. It is the only LDC to oppose the bill so far.

The Pennsylvania Gas Deregulation bill, which was introduced tothe state legislature last week, will meet steadfast oppositionduring the upcoming Senate Consumer Protection committee hearing onMarch 23. The hearing will be the first time the bill goes up fordebate.