CenterPoint EnergyInc. unit CenterPoint Energy Services Inc. has finalized the of Continuum Retail EnergyServices LLC's energy services business, including its unit Lakeshore Energy Services as well as the natural gas wholesaleassets of Continuum Energy ServicesLLC, according to an April 1 news release.

With the closing of the transaction, CenterPoint Energy Serviceshas increased its customer base by over 30%. It now operates in 26 states and servesalmost 24,000 commercial and industrial customers and over 65,000 individual Choicecustomers. Based on volume, the company will be ranked among the nation's top 15natural gas marketers.

"This transaction positions us to have access to more markets,"said Joe Vortherms, vice president of CenterPoint Energy Services. "Our complementaryoperational and geographic footprints provide us with the kind of scale, geographicreach, and expanded capabilities that will enable us to compete and grow, whilemaintaining a focus on customer service."