The company generates revenue mainly distributing utility to customers through operating the underground transmission pipeline and providing energy consulting services and real estate services. In 2013, the revenue of the gas operation is $170.4 million, accounting for 46% of the total operation revenue, and the electricity operation revenue, $190.7 million, represents 52% of the total revenue. The company has four segments, three wholly owned distribution utilities and five subsidiaries, providing utilities and relevant advice and management service to customers. The three distribution utilities are Unitil Energy Systems, Inc., Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company and Northern Utilities, Inc. The Columbia Gas of Massachusetts was a supplier of retail
natural gas to over 300,000 customers in parts of
Massachusetts surrounding
Springfield,
Brockton, and
Lawrence. It was a subsidiary of
NiSource. The company's operations in
New Hampshire and
Maine were sold to Unitil Corporation in 2008. The company received attention after the
Merrimack Valley gas explosions in September 2018. In February 2020, it was announced that energy company
Eversource would acquire the Massachusetts gas assets of Columbia Gas for $1.1 billion. Columbia Gas was also ordered to pay a $53 million fine for violating the Pipeline Safety Act. The acquisition by Eversource was completed in October 2020, effectively ending Columbia Gas operations in Massachusetts. On September 13, 2018, starting at approximately 4:20 PM, three
Merrimack Valley communities supplied by Columbia—
Lawrence,
Andover, and
North Andover, Massachusetts—
suffered numerous fires and explosions as a result of an over-pressurized subterranean gas line. Massachusetts authorities evacuated the communities and the
American Red Cross deployed and set up numerous shelters in nearby communities for those who were displaced by the explosions and subsequent fires. On September 14,
Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker declared a
state of emergency, and issued a decree appointing
Eversource to evaluate and oversee the management of the gas distribution system in the affected area. == See also ==