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CenterPoint Energy seeks approval to improve gas infrastructure in Indiana

CenterPoint Energy Indiana South is seeking approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to continue its natural gas infrastructure improvements during the next five years.

The improvements are necessary to comply with federal pipeline safety rules and ensure the company’s 114,000 natural gas customers in southwestern Indiana continue to receive safe, reliable gas service for the long term.

Policy set by the Indiana Legislature allows utilities to recover federal-mandated costs as well as submit their capital investment plans to the IURC for consideration. The company filed an initial seven-year gas system modernization plan with the IURC in 2013 to recover planned capital expenditures through 2020.

“We continue the investment in our natural gas infrastructure to ensure we maintain a safe, reliable system,” Richard Leger, vice president of natural gas distribution, Indiana and Ohio, said. “CenterPoint Energy remains committed to a continued focus on meeting federal requirements and adhering to safety standards.”

The new natural gas system improvements are a continuation of efforts over the last seven years to upgrade and maintain portions of CenterPoint Energy’s 3,200-mile network of distribution mains and transmission pipelines. The work will primarily consist of replacing 108 miles of bare steel and cast-iron distribution mains with new mains, most of which will be plastic, as well as inspecting and upgrading transmission pipelines. These efforts will cost an estimated $280 million.  If approved, the investments won’t be reflected in customers’ bills until 2023.

“While these infrastructure enhancements are critical to meeting federal requirements, affordability of our natural gas service remains top of mind,” Leger said. “As these improvements are completed, we’ll continue to operate a safe and reliable delivery system with minimal impact on customer bills.”

Pipeline replacement work has been ongoing in nine cities including Evansville, Francisco, Loogootee, Montgomery, Oakland City, Petersburg, Princeton, Vincennes and Washington. Since 2008, more than 200 miles of gas mains have been replaced, which has led to a reduction in leak calls and a reduction in natural gas emissions.

CenterPoint Energy delivers natural gas to approximately 114,000 natural gas customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Dave Kovaleski

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