P&GJ 500 Report Shows Established Operators Still Dominate U.S. Pipelines
By TYLER CAMPBELL, Editor-in-Chief
(P&GJ) — The companies leading Pipeline & Gas Journal’s (P&GJ’s) latest 500 Report will look familiar, though the newest rankings reveal notable reshuffling across several key metrics as operators continue to adjust to evolving market conditions. Among U.S. gas distribution utilities, rankings vary depending on the measure examined, highlighting differences in system scale, sales volumes and financial performance.
By miles of U.S. distribution piping, CenterPoint Energy Operations leads the industry with 176,000 miles of distribution piping, followed by Columbia Gas of Ohio and Southern California Gas. Other large systems include Dominion Energy Ohio, Consolidated Edison of New York, UGI Utilities, Atmos Energy and AGL Resources, underscoring the concentration of physical infrastructure among a relatively small group of utilities.
When ranked by gas sold, DTE Energy tops the list, followed by Dominion Energy Ohio and CCMS Energy, including Consumers Energy. National Grid, INE Gass, UGI Utilities and Xcel Energy also rank among the Top 10, reflecting strong regional demand across the Midwest, Northeast and West. In terms of operating revenue, Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas again lead the industry, each reporting gas sales of more than $6 billion.
Gas transmission pipeline rankings show consistency at the top, with some variation by category. DCP Midstream leads the industry in total miles of gas pipelines, followed by Pacific Gas & Electric, Nicor Gas and Energy Transfer. Northern Natural Gas, Columbia Gas Transmission and Tennessee Gas Pipeline also remain among the largest systems by mileage.
The liquids pipeline sector shows greater differentiation depending on whether rankings are based on deliveries, revenues or miles of pipe. In crude oil deliveries, ConocoPhillips Alaska leads the industry, followed by Hiland Crude and Marathon Pipe Line. Buckeye Pipe Line, ETP Crude and Seaway Crude Pipeline also rank prominently, with ExxonMobil Pipeline, Medallion Pipeline, Enbridge Energy and LOCAP completing the Top 10.
By miles of liquids pipelines, Energy Transfer operates the largest system, followed by Magellan Pipeline Company and Marathon Pipe Line. Mid-America Pipeline, Enbridge Energy and Buckeye Pipe Line Transmission also rank among the Top 10.
How Data Are Compiled
Each year, P&GJ’s 500 Report provides the industry’s most comprehensive listing of U.S. energy pipeline systems, ranking gas distribution, gas transmission and liquids pipeline companies. Gas distribution companies are ranked by number of customers. Gas transmission companies are ranked by miles of pipe operated, while liquids pipeline companies are listed by total crude oil and products delivered.
Additional statistical data in the report include operating revenues, gas sold, total natural gas throughput, product deliveries and miles of mains and service lines. Most of the data reflect the most recent completed reporting year and are compiled through direct company contacts, filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), company reports, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and P&GJ research.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, some companies are no longer required to report certain data to FERC or did not respond to information requests. In those cases, the most recent available figures are used. Companies are encouraged to notify P&GJ of any needed revisions, as well as updates related to contact information, mergers or acquisitions.
Note: The 2024 figures used in the report reflect the last full year of data available.
