(P&GJ) — SiEnergy Operating, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwest Natural Holding Company, has reached an agreement to acquire EPCOR USA’s Texas natural gas utility business for $60 million.

The deal covers the acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of Hughes Gas Resources Inc., known as EPCOR Texas Gas, which serves 12 communities northeast of Houston. The utility’s assets include approximately 6,900 metered connections and 353 miles of pipeline. EPCOR has owned and operated the system since 2017, which is expected to have a rate base of about $46 million at the end of 2025.

The acquisition, expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, will further expand SiEnergy’s footprint in Texas, a region where it has established itself as a major provider of natural gas utility services.

“With a similar business model as SiEnergy, Hughes has grown organically by providing infrastructure to residential and commercial developments in high-growth areas surrounding Houston,” said NW Natural Holdings CEO Justin Palfreyman.

EPCOR, meanwhile, will shift its strategic focus toward water operations in Texas.

“Today’s announcement reflects a strategic decision by EPCOR USA to focus growth plans in Texas on water opportunities,” said John Elford, President and CEO of EPCOR Utilities Inc. “Our natural gas customers and operations teams will also benefit from SiEnergy’s scale and experience.”

SiEnergy president June Dively said the acquisition aligns with the company’s growth strategy. “We are excited for this opportunity to expand SiEnergy’s presence in metro Houston,” she said.

Joe Gysel, Senior Vice President of North American Commercial Services for EPCOR, added, “SiEnergy is a proven, high-quality natural gas utility founded in the Houston area. Our customers in Texas will benefit from SiEnergy’s substantial footprint in natural gas utilities while EPCOR continues to focus on growing its water business in the United States.”