WASHINGTON, D.C. – NiSource’s Columbia Gas Transmission has received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a $1.5 billion upgrade of its Columbia Gas Transmission system. The utility will spend $300 million a year over the next five years.

The work will be done in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Kentucky.

“FERC’s approval of our customer settlement is a milestone in our efforts to modernize Columbia’s interstate pipeline system in a balanced, thoughtful and transparent manner,” said Jimmy Staton, Columbia’s chief executive officer. “We acknowledge FERC for their timely review and approval, and appreciate the collaboration from our customers. We look forward to getting the job done. The work we do will help ensure safer, more reliable pipeline infrastructure for our customers and the communities across our footprint.”

Columbia will replace approximately 1,000 miles of existing interstate transmission pipelines, primarily bare steel; upgrade more than 50 critical compressor units along the pipeline system that will enhance system efficiency and improve environmental performance; increase pressure and looping systems where needed to ensure gas is reliably delivered to critical markets; and; and expand Columbia’s ability to perform state-of-the-art maintenance and inspections without interrupting services

More than 7,000 direct jobs are expected to be created as a result of the infrastructure investment program. That work will cover a broad range of activities, including facility engineering and design, permitting, project management and a variety of construction trades.