Delta Utilities Expands Service Footprint with Entergy Acquisition in Louisiana

Delta Utilities Expands Service Footprint with Entergy Acquisition

Delta Utilities, a company part of Bernhard Capital Partners, has successfully acquired Entergy's two regulated natural gas utilities serving the areas of New Orleans and East Baton Rouge Parish. This strategic move allows Delta Utilities to significantly expand its operations and customer base in Louisiana, welcoming over 200,000 new residential and commercial customers, along with approximately 200 employees previously working for Entergy.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Delta Utilities as it builds on the legacy of Entergy in the region and enhances its capacity to serve the community. Jeff Jenkins, the founder and partner at Bernhard Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing the seamless integration of Entergy's operations into Delta Utilities. His sentiment was palpable as he noted, "We’re incredibly proud to build upon Entergy’s legacy in our state through this milestone transaction."

The completion of this acquisition comes shortly after Delta Utilities' earlier purchase of CenterPoint Energy's natural gas systems in Louisiana and Mississippi, which also expanded their reach. In April, they welcomed 500 employees and around 380,000 customers from CenterPoint, thereby solidifying their position in the market. Jeff Jenkins highlighted the importance of such acquisitions, stating, "These back-to-back successful transactions demonstrate BCP’s operational and financial expertise in the utility sector."

Delta, now a substantial entity with operations worth $1.7 billion, is poised to serve around 600,000 customers across Louisiana and Mississippi by employing more than 800 individuals. With this latest acquisition, Delta Utilities can now leverage its enhanced capabilities to meet the growing energy demands of the communities it serves.

The company views natural gas as critical for fostering resilient communities and aims to act as a significant catalyst for growth within the region. Delta Utilities' comprehensive approach focuses on delivering safe and reliable energy, positioning itself as a leader in the natural gas industry. Recently listed among the top 40 natural gas utilities based on total customer count, Delta is establishing a comprehensive network poised to address the evolving needs of its customer base.

In terms of future plans, Delta Utilities is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers and providing immediate modernization to the utilities, enhancing the overall service quality. By improving operational efficiencies and investing in infrastructure, Delta aims to establish itself as a reliable provider in the energy sector.

Bernhard Capital Partners, founded in 2013, has been instrumental in Delta's growth, having successfully deployed capital in various strategies and managing approximately $5 billion in assets. The firm’s commitment to acquiring, operating, and scaling infrastructure businesses has been pivotal for its success in the energy sector.

In conclusion, as Delta Utilities integrates Entergy's operations and expands its service footprint, customers can expect enhanced service, reliability, and modernization in their natural gas utilities. Through this acquisition, Delta Utilities aims to redefine standards in the natural gas sector and contribute positively to community growth and resilience in Louisiana and Mississippi.