Kinder Morgan raises 2026 outlook as gas project backlog tops $9.6 billion. Kinder Morgan raised its 2026 earnings outlook after reporting record second-quarter financial results, citing continued demand for natural gas infrastructure, several major pipeline expansions entering service and a $9.6 billion capital project backlog that remains heavily focused on natural gas. The company now expects full-year Adjusted EBITDA to finish more than 5% above budget and Adjusted EPS to exceed its original forecast by more than 12%. Kinder Morgan also expects to end the year with a net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.6x, an improvement from its original guidance. During the second quarter, Kinder Morgan placed approximately $660 million (company share) of expansion projects into service, including: * The Gulf Coast Express expansion * Tennessee Gas Pipeline's Cumberland Project * The Hiland Express conversion, which repurposed the former Double H Pipeline from crude oil service to natural gas liquids transportation. The company said those projects contributed to a backlog totaling $9.6 billion at the end of the quarter. Approximately 92% of that backlog is tied to natural gas projects, while more than 60% supports power generation and local distribution company demand. Kinder Morgan's board also granted contingent approval for nearly $400 million in additional projects that have not yet entered the backlog. Executive Chairman Richard Kinder said demand for new natural gas infrastructure continues to strengthen as LNG exports, electricity demand and industrial growth drive additional investment opportunities. "Demand for natural gas infrastructure continues to grow," Kinder said. "Increasing LNG exports, rising power demand and industrial expansion make our existing highly utilized assets more valuable and create significant opportunities for investment across our footprint." Chief Executive Officer Kim Dang said Kinder Morgan generated approximately $2 billion in operating cash flow and $1 billion in free cash flow during the quarter while funding expansion projects internally and maintaining what the company described as a healthy balance sheet. "We also achieved very strong results from capital expansion project execution this quarter," Dang said, noting the company brought several major revenue-generating projects into service. Financially, Kinder Morgan reported second-quarter net income attributable to shareholders of $867 million, up from $715 million a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to $2.2 billion, while earnings per share rose 22% to 39 cents. Adjusted EPS increased 32% year over year to 37 cents. Kinder Morgan also provided updates on several major natural gas pipeline projects currently under development, many of which are awaiting federal approvals. The company said it expects the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue certificate orders by the end of July for the South System Expansion 4 (SSE4) and Mississippi Crossing (MSX) projects following the release of a final environmental impact statement in June. The approximately $3.5 billion SSE4 project (Kinder Morgan share, including Elba Express, approximately $1.8 billion) is designed to add about 1.3 Bcf/d of capacity on Southern Natural Gas' South Main Line. The first phase is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2028, with the second phase following in the fourth quarter of 2029, pending regulatory approvals. Kinder Morgan also expects the approximately $1.7 billion Mississippi Crossing project to begin service as early as the second quarter of 2028, subject to permitting. The company recently filed an application with FERC for its South Texas Enhancement Project, a roughly $90 million expansion that would provide additional firm transportation capacity to South Texas and Mexico markets. The project includes approximately 1.7 miles of new pipeline, an overpressure protection facility and a new compressor station, with an anticipated in-service date during the second quarter of 2028. Kinder Morgan's Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America (NGPL) is also preparing to file a FERC application for the approximately $200 million Amarillo Expansion, which would provide up to 550,000 Dth/d of firm transportation capacity to meet growing demand in the Texas Panhandle, including new data center development. The project is fully subscribed under long-term contracts and is targeted for service in the third quarter of 2028. Among projects completed during the quarter, Tennessee Gas Pipeline placed its $235 million Cumberland Project into service in May. The 32-mile, 30-inch pipeline lateral delivers approximately 245,000 Dth/d of natural gas to the Tennessee Valley Authority's new gas-fired power plant in Stewart County, Tennessee. Kinder Morgan also completed the Hiland Express Pipeline conversion, repurposing the former Double H crude oil pipeline to transport natural gas liquids from the Williston Basin to key market hubs. In June, the company placed the Gulf Coast Express expansion into service, increasing transportation capacity by approximately 570 MMcf/d from the Permian Basin to South Texas and bringing the system's total capacity to about 2.59 Bcf/d. Beyond its natural gas business, Kinder Morgan said it continues advancing the proposed Western Gateway Pipeline with Phillips 66. The refined products project would connect refinery supply from the Midwest and Gulf Coast to markets in Phoenix, California and Las Vegas, subject to commercial agreements, permitting and final investment approvals. The company is also expanding infrastructure at its Houston Ship Channel terminals, including new refined products pipeline connections, storage enhancements and export terminal improvements backed by long-term customer commitments. The projects are expected to enter service between 2027 and 2028.

What SC Lowcountry folks need to know about new nearby gas power plant & data center projects. By Hayden Davis Produced with AI assistance July 25, 2026 5:30 AM Gift Article Major projects are advancing near the Hilton Head area, including a $5 billion natural gas plant and two data centers that will power artificial intelligence technology. Here's a recap of what's planned and how it could affect the region. Here are key takeaways: * The South Carolina Public Service Commission unanimously approved Canadys Station, a natural gas power plant in Colleton County that Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper plan to build. * The Canadys Station project is now estimated to cost $5 billion, double the original $2.5 billion estimate, and will generate 2,200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power one million homes and businesses. * Energy company Kinder Morgan will build a 71-mile natural gas pipeline through Colleton and Hampton counties to supply the plant, prompting a class-action lawsuit filed July 8 by an affected landowner. * OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is building a data center nicknamed "Project Camellia" in Effingham County, Georgia, that will require 3.2 gigawatts of power supplied by Georgia Power Company in phases between 2028 and 2032. * A second data center is planned at the Savannah River Site in Barnwell County, where private engineering firm Amentum was selected to build the facility and on-site energy that will produce two gigawatts, initially from natural gas and later transitioning to nuclear power. * Both data center developers say the projects will not raise power costs for residents, though data centers have raised concerns over increased power costs, high water consumption and noise pollution. The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.

Colorado middle school students compete in 2026 state-level National Civics bee(r) competition. July 24, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2026 DENVER - The Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation today hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee Colorado State Finals presented by Kinder Morgan in partnership with the Daniels Fund, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and El Pomar Foundation. The competition aims to inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. 26 middle school students from across the state demonstrated their civics comprehension for a chance to win recognition, cash prizes and the opportunity to advance to the National Civics Bee competition in Washington, D.C. Students participated in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civic knowledge. "The National Civics Bee is an inspiring reminder that civic leadership starts early," said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. "These students have shown an impressive understanding of how our government works and how thoughtful participation can make a real difference in our communities. We are proud to recognize this year's finalists and congratulate Peter Daniell on advancing to represent Colorado at the national competition." "The growth of the National Civics Bee in Colorado reflects the strong commitment of our regional partners and local communities to expanding civic education across the state," said Colorado Chamber Foundation Executive Director Rachel Beck. "This year's state finals brought together students from more regions than ever before as the program continues to expand its reach and create meaningful opportunities for civic learning. We're grateful to the partners, sponsors, judges and educators who helped make this competition possible, and we wish Peter the best of luck representing our state on the national stage." "The National Civics Bee proves that when we give young people the opportunity to learn about our country and tackle real challenges in their own communities, they rise to the occasion," said Hanna Skandera Grady, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, founding partner of the National Civics Bee. "At a time when 80 percent of Americans say they want more civics education in our schools, these Colorado students remind us why. They aren't just learning how our republic works. They're preparing to strengthen it." Winners of the 2026 National Civics Bee Colorado State Finals include: * First place: Peter Daniell, Stargate Charter School, Broomfield * Second place: Alexandra Yao, Kent Denver * Third place: Archer Knickerbocker-Peyton, Kent Denver School The judges for the event included Caroline Woodhouse with Kinder Morgan, Robert Kenney with Xcel Energy Colorado, Chad Calvert with Chevron Corporation, Carrie Tynan with the Adolph Coors Foundation and Beverly Razon with Copic. The event was emceed by Kyle Clark with 9News, and Congressman Joe Neguse delivered the keynote address. All participants in the state competition received a tablet device as a prize from the Colorado Chamber Foundation and technology sponsor Chevron Corporation. The top three winners of the state competition received cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The Colorado state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. held October 13-14, to compete for the national title. Prizes at the National Championship include $100,000 for the first place winner, $25,000 for second place and $15,000 for third place. This year's program expanded to include nine regional partners across Colorado, marking the highest level of regional participation in the program's history to date. The National Civics Bee program is the largest to date, including all 50 states, D.C. and American Samoa. The competition will be broadcast Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. MDT on KTVD and available for streaming for free on the 9News app. The Colorado Chamber Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation whose purpose is to support programs, research, educational opportunities and other initiatives that encourage and enhance a healthy business climate. The organization works collaboratively in partnership with state business leaders to advance Colorado's economy and local communities through forward-thinking solutions. About the Daniels Fund. The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to positively impacting American life, and improving the lives of men, women and children in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming through its grants and scholarship programs.