Aug 4 (Reuters) - U.S. pipeline operator Williams

Companies ( WMB ) reported a rise in second-quarter profit on

Monday, as it benefited from higher service revenues and

expansion-related gains amid a rebound in natural gas prices.

U.S. natural gas prices have rebounded from the

multi-year lows, supported by record flows to liquefied natural

gas export (LNG) facilities and rising electricity consumption.

Williams' results were boosted by higher fees charged for

fuel transported through its pipelines, as well as revenues from

expansion projects and acquisitions. The company owns and

operates more than 32,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure.

In January, the U.S. energy regulator reinstated the

certificate for Transcontinental gas pipeline (Transco),

allowing Williams to proceed with its expansion, after a U.S.

court voided the initial approval in 2023.

Service revenues rose to $2.04 billion during the three

months ended June 30, from $1.84 billion a year earlier.

At Transco, average daily transportation volumes rose to 14

million dekatherms (MMdth) of natural gas per day in the second

quarter from 12.9 MMdth per day in the same period last year.

The company's 'Transmission & Gulf of America' segment

reported a 17% rise in natural gas gathering volumes, which came

in at 680 million cubic feet per day in the quarter.

In July,

Chad Zamarin

took over as chief executive officer, following the

retirement of longtime CEO Alan Armstrong, who stepped down

after more than 14 years in the role.

Williams posted a profit of $546 million or 45 cents per

share for the quarter ended June 30, up from $401 million or 33

cents per share, in the same period last year.