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Wholesale gas and power sales still appear to be climbingsharply for most major marketers as Enron, Duke Energy and Reliantall posted significant increases in both commodities in thirdquarter. Southern Energy reported that while its third quarterNorth American electricity sales declined from last year’s thirdquarter level, its gas sales enjoyed a sizable increase.

Wholesale gas and power sales still appear to be climbingsharply for most major marketers as Enron and Duke Energy bothposted significant increases in both commodities in third quarter.Southern Energy reported that while its third quarter NorthAmerican electricity sales declined from last year’s third quarterlevel, its gas sales enjoyed a sizable increase.

Gas futures climbed to their second highest settlement ever onFriday and appear poised to make that final push this week to theplace where no near-month contract has gone before. What will lifebe like if near-month futures rise above $4.60 (or $4.62, if youuse the prior Nymex Access high of December 1996)?

Vastar Resources would appear to be taking a wait-and-see viewof next year’s gas prices. CEO Chuck Davidson told Houston energyreporters Tuesday that “not much” of the company’s gas productionis hedged next year. Indeed, Vastar generally doesn’t hedge morethan a year out and hedges less than 50% of its production.Davidson said the company also is using more collars rather thanhedges linked to a specific price.

Vastar Resources would appear to be taking a wait-and-see viewof next year’s gas prices. CEO Chuck Davidson told Houston energyreporters Tuesday that “not much” of the company’s gas productionis hedged next year. Indeed, Vastar generally doesn’t hedge morethan a year out and hedges less than 50% of its production.Davidson said the company also is using more collars rather thanhedges linked to a specific price.

While U.S. natural gas resources appear virtually unlimited,that doesn’t necessarily mean the industry can ramp up productionto meet the oft-heralded 30 Tcf a year market projected to developover the next 15 to 20 years, according to a Chevron U.S.A.exploration manager.

While U.S. natural gas resources appear virtually unlimited,that doesn’t necessarily mean industry can ramp up production tomeet the oft-heralded 30 Tcf a year market projected to developover the next 15 to 20 years, according to a Chevron U.S.A.exploration manager.

Companion Pennsylvania gas deregulation bills for smallcommercial and residential customers appear to be quicklymaneuvering through the state legislative process. The Senateversion is expected to go for a floor vote this week. Meanwhile,the House held hearings on its version of the bill recently andsupporters said the results were positive.

Companion Pennsylvania gas deregulation bills for smallcommercial and residential customers appear to be quicklymaneuvering through the state legislative process. The Senateversion is expected to go for a floor vote next week. Meanwhile,the House held hearings on its version of the bill recently andsupporters said the results were positive.