Exhibit 99.1
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/8-K/0001193125-20-050938/g896652g31l26.jpg)
February 26, 2020
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Media | | Investors | | |
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Ken Stammen Corporate Media Relations (614)460-5544 kstammen@nisource.com | | Nick Drew Director, Investor Relations (614)460-4638 ndrew@nisource | | Sara Macioch Manager, Investor Relations (614)460-4789 smacioch@nisource.com |
NiSource Announces Sale of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to Eversource
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – NiSource (NYSE: NI) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) will acquire Columbia Gas of Massachusetts’ business.
Eversource is New England’s largest energy delivery company serving approximately 4 million electricity, natural gas and water customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. With Columbia Gas, Eversource will serve 626,000 natural gas customers in Massachusetts alone across more than 60 communities.
With Eversource’s resources and facilities located in close proximity to Columbia Gas’s customer homes and businesses, NiSource believes Eversource will work collaboratively with stakeholders to incorporate best industry practices and bring additional benefits to customers.
“We believe this transaction will create the right next chapter for the customers and communities that Columbia Gas of Massachusetts serves throughout the state, and provide Columbia Gas employees an opportunity to join a strong organization with deep roots in the region,” said Joe Hamrock, President and CEO of NiSource. “Eversource is one of the most respected energy companies in the country with a strong operational track record in the New England area, and we believe they are focused on investing in Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to further improve system operations, including to enhance safety, pipeline integrity and reliability programs. We look forward to working closely with Eversource to ensure a smooth transition.
“Across our network, safety is at the core of everything we do and we have made substantial progress further enhancing this focus, including accelerating the implementation of our Safety Management System. These efforts will continue to be our number one priority.”
“Eversource is the right partner for Columbia Gas,” said Mark Kempic, President and Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. “While we have taken significant restoration and safety steps over the past 17 months, we acknowledge that events have led many to lose trust in Columbia Gas. We believe that Eversource’s proven track record of investing in its infrastructure, employees and operations to enhance system reliability, combined with its deep familiarity with the region and our operations, will enable Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to be a part of a strong local gas distribution company.”
Until the close of the transaction, which is expected to occur by the end of the third quarter 2020, NiSource will continue to remain focused on driving customer safety and service at Columbia Gas, as well as continuing to make ongoing enhancements in all areas of operations going forward.