State OKs Vectren takeover of Wright-Patt natural gas pipelines

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has given the go-ahead to Vectren Energy Delivery for a $13.7 million, 50-year deal to take over natural gas delivery at Wright-Patterson from the Air Force.

The contract is the latest Wright-Patterson move to privatize utilities at the sprawling base that spans more than 8,000 acres.

The ownership transition of the natural gas infrastructure will take nine months, according to base spokesman Daryl Mayer. The utility will assess the condition of the infrastructure during the transition, said company spokeswoman Natalie Hedde. Vectren was one of two bidders.

RELATED: Wright-Patt privatizing water service in $490M, 50-year deal

Indianapolis-based Vectren provides energy delivery to about a million customers in southwest Ohio and two-thirds of Indiana, including one other federal installation, the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division.

In recent months, Wright-Patterson reached a $490 million, 50-year contract with New Jersey-based American Water Operations and Maintenance, Inc., to privatize water services.

RELATED: DP&L lands $27.8 million Wright-Patt power deal

Several years ago, Dayton Power & Light Co. entered into a 50-year deal to take over electrical infrastructure at the base. The utility provides electricity under a separate contract. Constellation Energy provides natural gas, according to Mayer.

RELATED: Wright-Patt looks to privatize utilities

The Air Force has pursued privatization of utilities to relieve installation commanders of “constantly increasing maintenance activities” on aging utility systems, Mayer said in an email.

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