NSTAR is looking to outshine its rivals through the efficiency of its regulated electric and natural gas sales, distribution, and transmission operations. The utility holding company transmits and distributes electricity to almost 1.2 million homes and businesses through NSTAR Electric and serves some 300,000 natural gas customers in Massachusetts through NSTAR Gas. The company also markets wholesale electricity, and operates liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and storage facilities. Its NSTAR Communications unit owns about 240 miles of fiber optic network. In 2010 the company agreed to be acquired by Northeast Utilities for about $4.2 billion.

Thermal Energy International ledgers are in the black. The company focuses on providing air pollution control, renewable energy, and waste heat recovery and other energy conservation products, primarily under the Flu-Ace and Dry-Rex names. It also offers complementary engineering services. Thermal Energy International is also developing a product that targets ozone generation, THERMALOZOMAX. Customers include auto manufacturers; coal-fired utilities; food makers; hospitals; primary metal, pulp and paper processors; and sewage-treatment facilities.

North Wind works to keep the air clean, the ground fresh, and the water clear in North America. The environmental consulting firm's services include site assessment, soil and groundwater remediation, geographic information system (GIS) data, hazardous and nonhazardous waste management, and project engineering and construction. North Wind has expanded by buying South Carolina-based Pinnacle Consulting Group, which offers engineering, environmental, and information technology consulting services.

Buckeye Power was established by Ohio's rural electric co-ops to produce and transmit electric power for member systems throughout the state. Buckeye Power, which owns two of the three generating units in the at Cardinal Generating Station, contracts with other Ohio electric companies to use their transmission systems to transmit power to its member electric distribution cooperatives.It has cost a few bucks to generate power, but the effort has been well worth it for Buckeye Power, an electricity generation and transmission cooperative that provides electricity to 24 distribution companies in Ohio and one in Michigan. Together they serve more than 390,000 homes and businesses in 77 of Ohio's 88 counties

Volunteer Energy Cooperative is voluntarily cooperating with its members to serve their energy needs. The distribution utility serves more than 108,000 customers (who also own the cooperative) in 17 central and eastern Tennessee counties. It operates more than 8,400 miles of power lines. Volunteer Energy purchases its power supply from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The company also sells propane and provides telecommunications (Internet access and long-distance phone) services. In addition, Volunteer Energy offers its customer surge protection and security equipment.

ATCO operates worldwide in utilities, power generation, and related services. Majority-owned Canadian Utilities oversees most of the group's energy businesses, including ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas (transmission and distribution) and ATCO Power (generation). Other holdings include gas gatherer and processor ATCO Midstream, and gas transporter ATCO Pipelines. ATCO I-Tek provides IT, billing, and customer care services. ATCO Structures & Logistics manufactures modular buildings and provides logistical and noise abatement services. Utilities ATCO Electric (with nearly 207,000 customers) and ATCO Gas (with more than 1 million customers) account for the largest slice of ATCO's revenues.

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, which operates as BC Hydro, distributes electricity to the 1.8 million residential and business customers. The province-owned utility owns more than 46,500 miles of transmission and distribution lines, and it operates hydroelectric and fossil-fueled power plants about 11,350 MW of generating capacity. Subsidiary Powerex markets and trades energy throughout North America. To increase efficiencies in green power production, in 2010 BC Hydro consolidated its transmission operations with those of the province-owned British Columbia Transmission. A Crown corporation owned by British Columbia, BC Hydro is regulated by British Columbia Utilities Commission.

Union Gas has a habit of bringing natural gas and energy consumers together. The utility, a subsidiary of midstream maven Spectra Energy transmits and distributes natural gas to more than 1.3 million residential and business customers in more than 400 communities throughout most of the Canadian province of Ontario. It also provides gas transportation and storage services for other utilities and businesses in Canada and the US. Union Gas operates 3,000 miles of transmission pipeline, 37,000 miles of distribution main and service pipeline, and 22 underground storage facilities.

Avista Corporation, an energy company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy and energy-related businesses in the United States and Canada. The company operates through two segments, Avista Utilities and Advantage IQ. The Avista Utilities segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy primarily from hydroelectric and thermal sources. This segment also distributes natural gas to retail customers in parts of eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of northeast and southwest Oregon, as well as engages in wholesale purchase and sale of electricity and natural gas. As of December 31, 2009, it provided retail electric service to approximately 356,000 customers; and retail natural gas service to approximately 316,000 customers. This segment offers electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The Advantage IQ segment provides utility expense management solutions to assess and manage utility costs and usage to multi-site companies in North America. It offers invoice processing, auditing and payment services, energy procurement, reporting, and advanced analysis, as well as provides analytical support, reporting, and consulting services. In addition, Avista’s other investments and operations include sheet metal fabrication of electronic enclosures, parts, and systems for the computer, telecom, renewable energy, and medical industries; real estate investments, primarily commercial office buildings; and investments in venture capital funds and low income housing. The company was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

Alabama Power powers up Southern Rockers and others in the heart of Dixie. The Southern Company subsidiary provides electricity to nearly 1.4 million residential and business customers in Alabama. The utility operates more than 91,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines, and it has nuclear, hydroelectric, and fossil-fueled power plant interests that give it a generating capacity of more than 12,200 MW. Alabama Power sells wholesale power to more than 15 municipal and rural distribution utilities; it also provides steam transmission (used for heating and cooling buildings) in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, and sells electric appliances (such as thermostats, ovens, and washing machines)

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