Delta Utilities completes acquisition of CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas utilities in Louisiana and Mississippi
Natural Gas Service for Existing Customers will Continue with No Action Required
NEW ORLEANS — Delta Utilities, a natural gas utility backed by Bernhard Capital Partners and locally headquartered in Louisiana, announced today that it has acquired CenterPoint Energy's three regulated natural gas local distribution companies serving communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. This acquisition is expected to generate significant new and retained economic benefits and operational improvements across our territory, including the creation of high-quality jobs and enhanced infrastructure investment that will strengthen the local economy.
“Today is nothing short of historic for the energy landscape in the Gulf South region, the communities we are proud to serve and the legacy we hope to build at Delta Utilities,” said Pete Tumminello, Executive Chairman of Delta Utilities Board of Directors.“While Delta Utilities is officially serving its first customers today, the organization is driven by a team with decades of experience in natural gas utility operations and leadership. This includes the 500 employees we welcome to our team today from CenterPoint who will continue delivering exceptional service to our customers. As a former energy executive and proud Louisiana native, I am confident Delta Utilities will be at the forefront of the natural gas industry, a catalyst for economic growth and a steward in driving community impact.”
"Today, Delta Utilities enthusiastically welcomes more than 380,000 customers with the same employees that have served them for decades. Team members at every level of our organization are focused on maintaining safe operations and delivering a seamless transition experience to our customers," said Tim Poché, CEO of Delta Utilities. “Completing this acquisition furthers our vision to establish modern, multi-state natural gas utilities that build stronger, more resilient communities. We are grateful to the Louisiana Public Service Commission and the Mississippi Public Service Commission for their thorough review and regulatory approvals, which enabled this acquisition to move forward and safeguard reliable and affordable energy in our communities."
Customers previously served by CenterPoint Energy in Louisiana and Mississippi will retain their existing billing cycles, payment preferences, and online portal access in the immediate future and there is no action required to maintain their natural gas service. All accounts have been automatically transferred to Delta Utilities with no interruption in service. Both CenterPoint Energy and Delta Utilities have communicated directly with customers about the transition and will continue working together in the coming months to ensure a smooth service handover. The transition does not impact the rate structures currently in place.
Delta Utilities is also in the final stages of acquiring Entergy's two regulated natural gas local distribution companies in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. That sale is expected to close in summer 2025.
Additional information related to these transitions and on Delta Utilities is available at www.deltautilities.com
About Delta Utilities
Delta Utilities operates regulated natural gas utilities that provide safe and reliable service to customers across Louisiana and Mississippi. Today, these systems serve approximately 380,000 customers in communities across Louisiana and Mississippi and are operated by a team of more than 500 employees spread across its operational footprint. With all previously announced transactions complete, Delta Utilities will be a $1.7 billion organization, serving nearly 600,000 customers, and among the top 40 natural gas providers in the U.S. The establishment of Delta Utilities’ headquarters in Louisiana combined with transition activities represent millions in economic investment and will result in 200 new jobs extending across its operating footprint.
About Bernhard Capital Partners
Bernhard Capital Partners is a services and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm established in 2013. Bernhard Capital Partners has deployed capital in five funds across several strategies and has approximately $5 billion of assets under management. Bernhard Capital Partners seeks to create sustainable value by leveraging its experience in acquiring, operating and growing services and infrastructure businesses. For more information, visit www.BernhardCapital.com.