Bay State Gas News Feed

Call Dig Safe to Avoid Damaging Underground Utilities

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:13:00 GMT

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Call Dig Safe to Avoid Damaging Underground Utilities

Westborough, MA -- April 2, 2008 -- With the beginning of the spring construction season, Bay State Gas and Northern Utilities reminds all contractors and homeowners that prior to the start of any excavation project on public or private property, you must call Dig Safe to have the location of all underground utility pipes and cables marked. Projects include, planting trees and shrubs, landscaping, rebuilding walls and driveways, installing swimming pools, building additions to homes, and installing sewer lines, septic systems and drains.

In Massachusetts, the Dig Safe Law requires that Dig Safe be notified at 1 - 888 - DIG - SAFE, at least 3 business days (72-hours) before starting an excavationproject. There are substantial fines for violation of the Dig Safe Law.

Dig Safe is a "one-call center" that will notify all natural gas, electric, telephone and cable companies with underground pipes and cables in the area of the project. The utilities will then visit the site and mark the location of their facilities. Dig Safe is a free service, funded entirely by its member utility companies.

As part of the company's ongoing commitment to public safety, Bay State Gas and Northern Utilities offer a seminar entitled, "How To Excavate Around Natural Gas Lines" for excavators throughout its service areas as well as a fire fighter training program on how to respond to natural gas-related incidents.

Bay State Gas Company, with local headquarters in Westborough, MA, serves more than 300,000 customers in 100 communities in Massachusetts and, through its Northern Utilities, Inc. subsidiary, New Hampshire and Maine. It is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). NiSource is a holding company with headquarters in Merrillville, IN, whose operating companies engage in virtually all phases of the natural gas business from exploration and production to transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. As the second largest natural gas distributor in the U.S., NiSource companies serve a high-growth energy corridor from the Gulf of Mexico to the Midwest to New England.NiSource distribution companies serve 3.6 million gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. More information about Bay State Gas is available at www.baystategas.com and Northern Utilities at www.northernutilities.com.
Copyright � 2000 Bay State Gas Company. All Rights Reserved

Copyright � 2000 Bay State Gas Company. All Rights Reserved

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Bay State Gas Accepting Applications for Environmental Challenge Fund Grants

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:12:00 GMT

Contact: Don DiNunno

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Bay State Gas Accepting Applications for Environmental Challenge Fund Grants

Westborough, MA - January 2, 2008, Bay State Gas today announced that community and environmental organizations in its service area can apply for grants through the NiSource Environmental Challenge Fund.

"The Environmental Challenge Fund is one of many ways that both NiSource and Bay State Gas support projects that can, and do, have a positive environmental impact," said Stephen H. Bryant, president of Bay State Gas. "These investments to our natural environment help to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve and where our employees live."

Grants can range from $500 to $5,000, with some special projects occasionally awarded up to $10,000. Grant guidelines and applications are available via the NiSource Web site at www.nisource.com. Applications will be accepted up until February 28, 2008.

NiSource, the parent company of Bay State Gas, established the Environmental Challenge Fund in 1995 as a not-for-profit corporation to support local natural resource and wildlife improvement projects, as well as related educational and recreation efforts.

Since that time, Bay State Gas (and its subsidiary, Northern Utilities) has contributed more than $100,000 to local environmental projects, and NiSource has awarded more than $1 million to many worthwhile environmental initiatives throughout its market area.

About Bay State Gas
Bay State Gas Company, with headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource, Inc. Bay State Gas serves more than 300,000 customers in 100 communities in Massachusetts and, through its subsidiary, Northern Utilities, Inc., New Hampshire and Maine. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers in nine states. Information about Bay State Gas is available via the Internet at www.baystategas.com.

About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.nisource.com.

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Copyright � 2000 Bay State Gas Company. All Rights Reserved

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Unitil to Purchase Northern Utilities from NiSource Inc

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:13:00 GMT

Contact: Don DiNunno

Unitil to Purchase Northern Utilities from NiSource Inc.

Embargoed For Release until 7:00AM 2/19/08

Unitil Contact: NiSource Contact:
George Gantz Tom Cuddy
603-773-6569 219-647-5581
gantz@unitil.com tcuddy@nisource.com

Investors: Investors:
Mark Collin Randy Hulen
603-773-6612 219-647-5688
collin@unitil.com rghulen@nisource.com

Hampton, NH, and Merrillville, Ind. - February 19, 2008: Unitil Corporation (AMEX: UTL) and NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI) today announced that Unitil has agreed to purchase Northern Utilities, Inc, ("Northern") and Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. ("Granite"), from NiSource for $160 million plus an estimated $25 million for natural gas storage inventory and other working capital items. The purchase is expected to be financed by newly issued common stock and debt. The transaction, which is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2008, is subject to approval by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, and review by certain federal agencies.

"Northern Utilities is a natural fit for Unitil," said Robert G. Schoenberger, Unitil's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our New Hampshire electric distribution operations already share many customers and communities with Northern and the acquisition underscores Unitil's commitment to the region. We look forward to welcoming Northern's employees to the Unitil companies and to delivering the same high quality service to our new customers that we have long provided to our current customers."

Northern Utilities is a local natural gas distribution utility serving 52,000 customers in 44 communities in Maine and New Hampshire. Northern has 78 full-time employees. Granite's operations consist of 86 miles of FERC-regulated gas transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire. Granite's principal business is delivering natural gas transportation services to Northern and providing access to inter-state natural gas pipeline supplies. Upon consummation of the transaction, both Northern and Granite would become wholly owned subsidiaries of Unitil Corporation.

"This acquisition significantly strengthens our gas utility operations and increases our customer base by 40%," according to Mr. Schoenberger. "We believe natural gas provides a clean and economical energy option for residents and businesses in the region."

NiSource Inc. acquired Northern and Granite in 1999 as part of the company's larger acquisition of Bay State Gas Company (Bay State), which serves nearly 300,000 residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers in Massachusetts. NiSource is retaining ownership of Bay State as a core component of the company's long-term, investment-driven growth strategy.

"This transaction provides a true 'win-win' outcome," NiSource President and Chief Executive Officer Robert C. Skaggs, Jr., noted. "Unitil is acquiring a quality set of assets uniquely suited to its growth strategy, while NiSource is able to focus even more closely on its own long-term growth plan, which centers on commercial development and expansion of our natural gas pipeline and storage business, as well as investment-driven growth at our core regulated utility businesses, including Bay State. We expect this transaction to provide benefits to the customers, employees and shareholders of both companies."

Unitil is being advised in this transaction by RBC Capital Markets Corporation and by the law firm of Dewey & LeBoeuf. NiSource is being advised in the transaction by The Blackstone Group and by the law firm of Schiff Hardin.

About Unitil
Unitil (AMEX: UTL) (www.unitil.com) is a public utility holding company with utility subsidiaries providing electric service in New Hampshire and electric and gas service in Massachusetts. Unitil serves 115,000 customers in 37 communities in the capital and seacoast regions of New Hampshire and in north central Massachusetts. Usource L.L.C., Unitil's non-regulated business, offers energy brokerage services to large energy users throughout the northeast.

About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI)(www.nisource.com), based in Merrillville, Indiana, is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within a geographic corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England.

Concerning Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Certain factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: variations in weather; changes in the regulatory environment; customers' preferences on energy sources; general economic conditions; increased competition; fluctuations in supply, demand, transmission capacity and prices for energy commodities; and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict, and many of which are beyond the control of Unitil Corporation and NiSource Inc. For a detailed discussion of the important factors that affect Unitil and NiSource and that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in their forward-looking statements, please refer to Unitil's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and NiSource's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Copyright � 2000 Bay State Gas Company. All Rights Reserved

Bay State Gas Awards Groundwork Lawrence Organization with Environmental Challenge Fund Grant

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:15:00 GMT

Contact: Don DiNunno

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Bay State Gas Awards Groundwork Lawrence Organization with Environmental Challenge Fund Grant

Westborough, MA - April 22, 2008 - In honor of the 39th Earth Day, Bay State Gas Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), today awarded a $2,500 grant to the Groundwork Lawrence organization through the NiSource Environmental Challenge Fund.

Bay State Gas is committed to supporting local organizations who share our commitment to improving the environment and the quality of life in the communities we serve," Bay State Gas President, Stephen H. Bryant, said. "Our commitment to the environment is also best demonstrated by the dedication of our employees, many of whom volunteer countless hours to making a real difference in the Merrimack Valley.

The Environmental Challenge Fund is a not-for-profit corporation that offers an annual grant competition to support local natural resources and wildlife enhancement projects and related educational efforts in the communities across NiSource's service area. This geographic area stretches across 19 states, from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England.

"At NiSource, one of our many environmental goals is to encourage, recognize and support the active involvement of organizations in the communities we serve," NiSource Senior Vice President and Environmental Counsel Art Smith, said. "NiSource, along with its local distribution companies, are focused on promoting sustainable business practices and supporting those initiatives that put those practices into action."

In total, NiSource operating companies are awarding almost $110,000 in grants to non-for-profit organizations in conjunction with Earth Day 2008.

About Bay State Gas
Bay State Gas Company, with headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource, Inc. Bay State Gas serves more than 300,000 customers in 100 communities in Massachusetts and, through its subsidiary, Northern Utilities, Inc., New Hampshire and Maine. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers in nine states. Information about Bay State Gas is available via the Internet at www.baystategas.com.

About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.nisource.com.
Copyright � 2000 Bay State Gas Company. All Rights Reserved

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Bay State Gas files new rates with the DPU

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:16:00 GMT

Contact: Sheila Doiron

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Bay State Gas files new rates with the DPU

Westborough, Massachusetts - April 16, 2009 - Bay State Gas Company, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), today filed a petition with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to increase total annual revenues by $34.6 million, or 6.4 percent. The reasons for Bay State's request are increases in capital costs associated with upgrading and maintaining the natural gas system infrastructure, and increases in operating and maintenance costs since the last base-rate filing approved by the DPU in 2005.

Bay State is requesting approval of a revenue-decoupling mechanism in accordance with the DPU's 2008 directive for utilities to Develop Rate Structures to Promote Deployment of Efficiency Demand Resources, D.P.U. 07-50-A. The decoupling mechanism enables Bay State to aggressively pursue initiatives for reducing customer energy costs and promoting a more efficient energy future, consistent with the Green Communities Act. The Act launches a broad-based effort to reduce energy usage at a quicker and deeper rate, and Bay State is committed to provide the opportunity for its customers to participate in and benefit from these important energy efficiency programs.

If approved by the DPU, the increase would mean the typical residential heating customer's gas bill would increase $7.36 per month, or 5.9 percent, beginning November 2009. The filing marks the beginning of the public process of rate setting, as required by the DPU. Public hearings on the filing will be held within the next several months. A decision on the filing is expected by October 31, 2009.

"We have made important strides in improving service-quality levels, replacing aging infrastructure and focusing on our customer mission. We also have achieved efficiencies over the past few years to hold down the cost customers pay for the delivery of natural gas. However, we find it necessary at this time to take steps to improve our financial condition so that we can protect our ability to meet our public-service obligations going forward, as well as continue updating our underground natural gas distribution system," said Stephen H. Bryant, president of Bay State Gas.

Bay State operates one of the largest natural gas distribution systems in Massachusetts, with underground pipes spanning nearly 5,000 miles. Its targeted infrastructure reinvestment initiative has identified 583 miles of aging natural gas pipe needing replacement. Between 2004 and 2008, the company replaced 182 miles of pipeline infrastructure, reducing the replacement needs to 401 miles of underground pipe. During that time, Bay State spent $212 million for all investments in utility plant.

As part of the filing, Bay State seeks approval to recover the cost of investments made to date replacing aging infrastructure, and is requesting a recovery mechanism for future infrastructure replacement. "We continuously monitor our system. The amount of aging infrastructure we replace annually is determined by the condition of the pipe and the financial resources available to the company. We are committed to ensuring safe, efficient and reliable natural gas distribution for years to come," said Bryant.

"The core activity of a regulated gas distribution company such as Bay State is to build and maintain the infrastructure necessary to deliver natural gas in a safe and reliable manner to our 285,000 customer homes, businesses and municipalities in Massachusetts. Our targeted infrastructure reinvestment initiative is a critical part of Bay State's long-term commitment to modernize our natural gas distribution system that currently has a range of vintages, which must be maintained and replaced on a consistent basis," said Bryant.

Base rates only include those costs associated with Bay State's delivery, distribution and customer services operations. Base rates typically represent approximately 26 percent of a customer's total bill. The base rate increase requested is not related to the cost of the natural gas commodity cost, which are directly passed through to the customer on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The impact on customers' bills associated with the Bay State base rate increase proposal will soften if the current unprecedented lower commodity costs prevail when the new rates take effect on November 1. On behalf of its customers, Bay State works with natural gas pipelines and suppliers to secure the best possible commodity prices, while maintaining the reliability of gas supply to customers during peak demand periods.

Information about the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities or any of Bay State's filings can be found on the department's Web site at www.mass.gov/dpu.

About Bay State Gas Company

Bay State Gas Company, with headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts, is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. Bay State Gas serves 285,000 customers in 60 communities in Massachusetts. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers in seven states.

For more information on Bay State Gas, visit www.baystategas.com.

Copyright � 2000 Bay State Gas Company. All Rights Reserved

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Bay State Gas Sponsors Governor's Clean Energy Challenge

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:02:22 GMT

In March 2009, the New England Clean Energy Council launched the "Governor's Clean Energy Challenge". Designed to empower Massachusetts operating companies, service providers and non-profits to save energy and money, the Challenge will help companies reduce their energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions.

Bay State Gas is a proud sponsor of the Challenge. As a sponsor, Bay State Gas will help participating organizations monitor their energy use, ramp-up their conservation efforts through priority access to its well established energy efficiency programs and make every effort during the entire process to assist participating local businesses meet the Challenge's goals so they earn well deserved recognition for their commitment to greening their business and improving overall environmental quality in the region.

"The Governor's Clean Energy Challenge offers an accelerated opportunity for local businesses in Bay State Gas territory to save energy and save money while playing a vital leadership role in greening our communities, " said Sheila Doiron, director of Bay State Gas communications and community relations. "Bay State Gas is proud to sponsor this important initiative and bring statewide recognition to our local businesses committed to energy efficiency."

For more information about the Challenge or to sign up your business or organization, visit www.governorscleanenergychallenge.com.

This is a business -not residential- program. Bay State Gas offers many residential energy efficiency programs to help residents meet their person energy efficiency goals.

NiSource Charitable Foundation Supporting Those In Need: Haitian Relief Effort

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:00:26 GMT

The NiSource Charitable Foundation was established with a mission to help create strong and sustainable communities where NiSource employees and customers live and work. In 2010, through the NiSource Supporting Those in Need campaign, employees and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are expected to contribute over $3.5 million to local organizations providing food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs to individuals and families.

Touched by the great need caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, as part of the Supporting Those in Need campaign, the NiSource Charitable Foundation contributed $50,000 to the American Red Cross' Haiti relief effort to support the immediate need in Haiti. The American Red Cross is sending money, supplies, and staff to Haiti to support relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake affecting millions across the country.

We encourage our employees, customers and community partners to join us in continuing to build strong, sustainable communities. Specifically, individuals can support the Haitian relief effort by calling on a social organization of their choice or making a donation to the Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), or via text message. Texting "Haiti" to 90999 will send a $10 donation to the Red Cross.

Thank you for all of your efforts "Supporting Those in Need." To learn more about the NiSource Charitable Foundation, go to http://www.nisource.com/commitment_charitable.asp.