An apparent drop in Texas natural gas production over the first nine months of 2005 compared to that period in 2004 is just not so. It can be explained by companies falling behind in reporting, according to a spokesperson with the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC). Reporting was delayed for producers affected by Katrina, and several other large operators also are behind in reporting, Ramona Nye said. Numbers posted on the RRC website for the first three quarters of 2005 show production of 4,162 Bcf of gas, compared to 4,496 Bcf a year earlier. “Production is not down. There are a number of them that haven’t gotten their reports in.” The numbers continue to be adjusted for about six months after they are first posted. “They always go up,” Nye said.

Williams said it is considering building a 750-mile natural gas liquids pipeline from Opal, WY, to Conway, KS. The proposed $500 million Overland Pass pipeline, if constructed, would enter service in late 2007 or early 2008. Williams said all or some portion of the investment in the pipeline would be a potential candidate for acquisition by affiliate Williams Partners LP. Williams said it is considering economic, environmental and regulatory factors before proceeding on the pipeline project. Any project and subsequent acquisition by Williams Partners LP would require approvals by the boards of directors of both Williams Partners LP’s general partner and Williams. Williams and certain of its affiliates own 60% of Williams Partners LP, including common units, subordinated units and its general partner interest.

Eagle Rock Energy Inc., a subsidiary of private equity capital fund Natural Gas Partners, said it completed the purchase of gas gathering and processing assets in the Texas panhandle region from Oneok Field Services for $528 million. The properties include six gas processing plants with a capacity of 150 MMcf/d and current average throughput of 70% of capacity, 3,700 miles of gas gathering lines and estimated natural gas liquid production of 13,500 bbl/d. Eagle Rock expects 90 current Oneok employees to transfer with the assets.

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