66
Gas & Oil
June 2013 Edition - Dix Communications
Southern Zone Edition
‘Exciting time’ in gas business W Christine L. Pratt Dix Communications
hen he recently addressed local leaders, politicians and members of the oil and gas industry, the president of Ohio’s largest gas utility outlined a variety of ongoing and upcoming programs. Jack Partridge, president of Columbia Gas/NiSource, spoke at the annual meeting of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance. “It’s an exciting time to be in the gas business. Gas is good. The state is blessed with a number of resources beyond gas, including coal,” said Partridge. “It’s a wonderful time to promote growth and economic development in Ohio. What a different world it is now versus a few years ago.” The industry is experiencing decade-low natural gas prices, and the company is well entrenched in customer-friendly programs. Work has started on a $2 billion project to replace portions of its pipeline system across the state. Over 25 years, the company anticipates replacing 4,000 miles of aging steel pipes with longer-lasting plastic, he said. The new system provides for increased pressure and “paves the way for residential growth and job creation.” Also begun is a five-year program upgrading the way it reads meters by installing a radio-based Automated Meter Reading System. It will replace bimonthly estimated readings with an actual monthly reading from a vehicle. “It’s accurate, efficient and customer friendly,” he said. Moving into the area of shale play, Partridge said, “We are in an up cycle. New shale discoveries are good for producers and communities. But, until (the gas) gets to distributors, it has not it’s full potential.” Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource, he said, are “helping to reduce infrastructure bottlenecks.” Shale is “such a game changer. We think this is one of the most profound events that has
Work has started on a $2 billion project to replace portions of its pipeline system across the state. Over 25 years, Columbia Gas/ NiSource anticipates replacing 4,000 miles of aging steel pipes with longer-lasting plastic, according to president Jack Partridge.
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