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INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES
7. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES

As of September 30, the Company’s investments in equity method investees includes the following:
(Thousands)
2017
2016
Steckman Ridge (1)
$
120,262

$
123,155

PennEast
52,323

17,993

Total
$
172,585

$
141,148

(1)Includes loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $70.4 million for both fiscal 2017 and 2016, which accrue interest at a variable rate that resets quarterly and are due October 1, 2023.

The Company, through its subsidiary NJR Pipeline Company, is an investor in PennEast, which is expected to construct and operate a 120-mile pipeline that will extend from northeast Pennsylvania to western New Jersey and is estimated to be completed and operational in 2019.

NJNG and Energy Services have entered into storage and park and loan agreements with Steckman Ridge. In addition, NJNG has entered into a precedent capacity agreement with PennEast. See Note 16. Related Party Transactions for more information on these intercompany transactions.