Catching

Acknowledging that natural gas vehicles (NGV) are catching on in the U.S. alternative transportation market, advocates for diesel and biodiesel alternatives are joining forces to promote their fuel’s viability among Washington, DC, policymakers.

Even though northern shale drilling remains in its infancy, the British Columbia cradle of the emerging natural gas source is catching up fast to the traditional mainstay of Canadian supplies.

In response to concerns and claims that “runaway” oil service costs might finally be catching up to exploration and production (E&P) companies, Raymond James analysts say they believe it to be unfounded.

While Nymex screamed out of control Monday, with the January contract moving 76.7 cents higher to $6.930, the cash market largely sat back and watched in shock. Most cash points ended the day down about 20 cents in delayed response to Friday’s futures slide and the short-term forecasts in the Northeast for a little bit milder weather by Wednesday. Cash trading on Tuesday, however, almost certainly will be a different story.

While supplier choice is catching on across the land, Edinburg,TX, Pop. 29,885, is suing its local distribution company forproviding transportation-only service to large end-users.

With higher home heating and electricity bills catching many homeowners off guard this winter, the Bush administration reported that it will make additional emergency funds available for public housing authorities (PHA) and resident management corporations.

With higher home heating and electricity bills catching manyhomeowners off guard this winter, the Bush administration reportedthat it will make additional emergency funds available for publichousing authorities (PHA) and resident management corporations.

As the date of random assignment draws near in Georgia’sderegulated gas market, Georgia Natural Gas Services (GNGS) iscatching up to Scana Corp. in terms of statewide market share. Dueto its success in the race for Georgia gas customers, GNGSannounced last Monday it will open a new call center in Cobb Countyto help answer newly-acquired customers’ questions. The Atlanta GasLight (AGL) affiliate has won over one-third of the 839,000 totalswitches, second only to Scana Corp.’s 38% market share.

Are fuel cells catching on? Plug Power, a pioneer in the fuelcell industry incorporated in 1997 with 25 employees, now has 250.The company broke ground this week for a 50,000 square feetmanufacturing facility that will double its current space.