Tom DiChristopher

New York

Natural Gas Reporter at S&P Global

@SPGCI sr. reporter. Gas utilities, energy transition, building electrification, pipeline safety. Opinions & comic book commentary mine. Go Bills.

Articles

Gas utilities continue to line up new pipeline links to RNG projects

May 29, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Gas utilities continue to line up new pipeline links to RNG projects NorthWestern Energy Group Inc. took the first physical delivery of renewable natural gas into its distribution system from the Tri-Cross Dairy in Viborg, SD. Source: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
Gas industry to Wall Street: Pendulum swinging to affordability, reliability

May 24, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

The race to phase out natural gas appears to be shifting into lower gear as regulators, policymakers and the public sharpen their focus on energy affordability and reliability, according to gas utility leaders. Gas utilities and their regulators are still prioritizing sustainability and emissions reduction, the companies said at the American Gas Association (AGA) Financial Forum in Palm Desert, Calif.
Latest gas utility sales touch off hunt for the next buyers, sellers

Mar 20, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Latest gas utility sales touch off hunt for the next buyers, sellers Gas utility operators are once again fielding questions about their appetite for dealmaking amid a new wave of asset sales. Utility leaders are seldom willing to show their cards, but a review of recent earnings conference calls and analysts day events offered clues about the trajectory of the gas utility M&A market.
Natural gas phaseout plan divides NY legislature during budget negotiation

Mar 14, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Budget proposals from the New York State Senate and Assembly differed on a key matter of energy policy: Whether to overhaul the state's foundational utility law in order to facilitate an orderly transition away from natural gas use. Not registered? Receive daily email alerts, subscriber notes & personalize your experience.
Washington Gas sees 'mixed' rate case impeding ROE goal, affecting capex choices

Mar 10, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Washington Gas sees 'mixed' rate case impeding ROE goal, affecting capex choices Washington Gas Light Co. is seeking to reduce regulatory lag tied to its programs to replace leak-prone pipes in Maryland and Washington, DC, part of its effort to improve earned return on equity. Source: S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Gas utilities to play key role in US manufacturing revival - industry group CEO

Jan 23, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Gas utilities to play key role in US manufacturing revival – industry group CEO ➤ The gas industry will continue to stress its role in economic development and advanced manufacturing. ➤ The conversation around building gas bans is tilting toward greater support for fuel choice, the head of the American Gas Association said. ➤ The industry is exploring ways to incentivize high-efficiency gas appliances through state policy.
Atmos, Black Hills rely on energy efficiency, RNG in Colo. clean heat plans

Jan 17, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Atmos Energy Corp. and Black Hills Corp. submitted plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their Colorado gas distribution systems. Source: georgeclerk/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. Utilities Atmos Energy Corp. and Black Hills Corp. plan to rely heavily on energy efficiency and demand response, with contributions from renewable fuels, as they target state-mandated greenhouse gas emissions reductions in their Colorado natural gas operations.
Gas utility stock outlook for 2024 improves after Q4 2023 rally

Jan 3, 2024 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Gas distributor stocks snapped a two-quarter losing streak in the final months of 2023, rebounding as inflation eased and bond yields backed off multiyear highs that crushed the utilities sector. A basket of eight gas distributor stocks selected by S&P Global Commodity Insights was up 5.8% during the fourth quarter of 2023, trailing a 7.6% gain for the S&P 500 Utilities sector. The select gas utilities index still declined 9.1% in 2023, having posted steep losses in the middle months of the year.
Gas utility pipeline leak repairs dip as replacement programs face scrutiny

Dec 27, 2023 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

Gas utility pipeline leak repairs dip as replacement programs face scrutiny National Grid's Brooklyn subsidiary once again ranked among the top 20 US gas utilities most actively addressing pipeline leaks. It also operates in one of the states where regulators are scrutinizing investments in the gas grid. Source: S&P Global Commodity Insights.
DOE to bolster US electric heat pump manufacturing with $169 million in awards

Nov 20, 2023 | spglobal.com | Tom DiChristopher

The US Department of Energy plans to invest $169 million to support electric heat pump manufacturing across the country, marking the Biden administration's latest effort to expand use of the heating and cooling equipment and reduce US reliance on fossil fuels. Not registered? Receive daily email alerts, subscriber notes & personalize your experience. The awards will support factory expansions to increase production of heat pumps and key components, such as compressors and refrigerants.