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INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES
6. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INVESTEES

As of September 30, the Company’s investments in equity method investees includes the following:
(Thousands)
2018
2017
Steckman Ridge (1)
$
117,001

$
120,262

PennEast
73,865

52,323

Total
$
190,866

$
172,585

(1)Includes loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $70.4 million for both fiscal 2018 and 2017, 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. PennEast has advised that it currently expects the pipeline to be completed and operational in 2019; however, the project could be delayed beyond 2019 due to factors that are beyond PennEast’s ability to control or estimate precisely, including potential delays in obtaining (or the inability to obtain) governmental and regulatory approvals and land-use rights, and unforeseen construction delays.

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 15. Related Party Transactions for more information on these intercompany transactions.