Enbridge, a Canadian pipeline operator, has announced plans to purchase three utilities from Dominion Energy for $14 billion, including debt. This acquisition will create North America’s largest natural gas provider and will also double Enbridge’s gas distribution business. The utilities involved in the deal are East Ohio Gas, Questar Gas, and Public Service Co of North Carolina.

The transaction will consist of $9.4 billion in cash and $4.6 billion of assumed debt. This move is seen as a strategic bet on the future of natural gas in a regulated market, even as the energy industry and consumers are gradually transitioning towards greener alternatives and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The acquisition is expected to close in 2024, subject to regulatory approvals from bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Upon completion, Enbridge will supply over 9 billion cubic feet per day of gas to approximately 7 million customers across multiple states, making it the largest gas utility business in North America by volume.

Enbridge views these newly acquired assets as crucial infrastructure for providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy. However, this announcement has had a negative impact on the company’s stock price, with Enbridge’s shares falling by 6.5% in extended trading following the news.

Moody’s has also downgraded the outlook for Enbridge and several of its subsidiaries to negative from stable, citing concerns about the added pressure on the company’s financial profile following the transaction.