Deregulation derby: Shell marches into Georgia utilities market.(Shell Energy Services Co. acquires Peachtree Natural Gas Co.)(Brief Article)

Houston energy marketer wins bidding battle for bankrupt Peachtree

A Houston energy marketing company has become a major player in the newly deregulated Georgia utilities market after another Texas firm decided to pass up the opportunity.

Shell Energy Services Co. has acquired Peachtree Natural Gas Co., a gas marketer that filed for r bankruptcy on Oct. 26, one year after the deregulation of Georgia's natural gas market.

Peachtree collapsed under the weight of negative cash flow resulting from massive, billing problems that have plagued the deregulation process in Georgia.

CoServ, a north Texas nonprofit electric cooperative, signed a letter of intent earlier in October to acquire Peachtree. But …