Richard Nemec began writing for NGI in 1995 and has 30 years experience in the energy industry. He holds BA from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles; and a MA in journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; and completed MBA courses at Northwestern's Evening Graduate School of Management.
Archive / Author
SubscribeRich Nemec
Articles from Rich Nemec
California Gets Ready for Uptick in Rail Oil Shipping
Robust crude oil production driven by the shale revolution has produced significant increases in the railroad shipment of oil, and in the next few years that means an almost quantum leap in shipments to California’s major West Coast refineries, according to state energy projections. In two years, more than a quarter of the oil processed is expected to come via rail.
April 15, 2014
Industry Brief
Idaho regulators recently approved Spokane, WA-based Avista Utilities’ $25.17 million natural gas and electric efficiency programs. Expenses are allowed to be captured in gas and electric riders to retail utility charges, the Public Utilities Commission decided, although because wholesale gas prices have stayed low, the expense related to gas efficiency efforts was found to be less prudent. There will be no impact on gas rates as a result and a small increase (0.245 cents/kWh) for retail electric utility rates. The residential customer programs found to be prudent include various home weatherization offerings and electric-to-natural gas conversions.
April 15, 2014
Production to Be Slowed by State, BLM Rules, North Dakota Official Says
Continued production growth in oil and natural gas is forecast, but the rate of growth will be slowed somewhat by upcoming state and federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations, North Dakota’s top oil/gas regulator said Friday while reporting a production slowdown due to harsh winter weather.
April 14, 2014
More Indicators NatGas to Grow as Transportation Fuel
Prompted by ever-increasing domestic supplies, more indicators emerged Monday from government and private-sector analyses that natural gas is carving out more niches in the transportation fuels sector.
April 14, 2014
LNG Marine Market Eyed in Canada; U.S. CNG, Propane Vie for Fleets
A new study in Canada finds great potential for liquefied natural gas (LNG) use in marine transportation along that nation’s West Coast, and compressed natural gas (CNG) in fleet vehicle transportation is getting increased competition from propane.
April 11, 2014
Long Winter Leads to Low North Dakota Oil/Gas Production
Mostly harsh winter weather was attributed to North Dakota’s oil and natural gas production remaining depressed in February, the most recent month for which the state has complete statistics, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) Oil/Gas Division reported Friday. Final data from March and April likely will show a turnaround, DMR Director Lynn Helms said.
April 11, 2014
Source of Washington LNG Storage Explosion Identified
The source, but not the cause, of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank explosion and fire in Washington state has been found, a Salt Lake City-based spokesperson for Williams’ Northwest Pipeline Co. told NGI on Friday. More definitive information is probably still 10 to 14 days away, she said.
April 11, 2014
PHMSA Civil Fines Set Record; Serious Incidents Hit New Low
The federal government’s pipeline safety regulators reported that 2013 marked a record year for civil penalties assessed and a minimum number of serious pipeline incidents.
April 10, 2014
North Dakota Sets New Disposal Well Permit Requirements
New permit requirements are set for oil, natural gas and saltwater disposal wells in North Dakota’s Williston Basin, the Oil/Gas Division in the state Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) said on Wednesday. They are effective June 1.
April 10, 2014
Hawaii Takes First LNG Shipment, More Planned
Honolulu-based Hawaii Gas, the state’s only franchised gas distribution utility, took its first shipment of containerized liquefied natural gas (LNG) on April 2. In what are projected to be regular shipments from the mainland, Hawaii Gas will use the LNG as a backup for its synthetic natural gas (SNG) operations.
April 10, 2014