Chief

The California state legislature’s chief advocate for a return to tightly regulated energy utilities absent retail customer choice programs told a legislative committee session Wednesday that natural gas could prove the next serious energy problem for the nation’s most populous state — perhaps as early as this fall or the coming winter. Increasing reliance on gas derivatives is at the heart of the problem, according to the legislator.

The nation’s chief economic guru Alan Greenspan signaled a growing alarm over high natural gas prices and tight supplies during an appearance before a joint congressional panel last Wednesday.

The nation’s chief economic guru, Alan Greenspan, signaled a growing alarm over high natural gas prices and tight supplies during an appearance before a joint congressional panel Wednesday.

The Committee of Chief Risk Officers (CCRO), pointing to gaps in gas price reporting during the March bidweek, has urged energy buyers and sellers to continue to submit data on transactions to “index developers” during the transition time until its complex and detailed new rules can be put in place. At the same time, another group, the Process Gas Consumers (PGC) representing end users whose processes require the use of natural gas, has advised FERC Chairman Pat Wood it is “strongly” opposed to the federal government taking a hand in the price reporting process for natural gas.

The Committee of Chief Risk Officers (CCRO), pointing to gaps in gas price reporting during the March bidweek, has urged energy buyers and sellers to continue to submit data on transactions to “index developers” during the transition time until its complex and detailed new rules can be put in place. (Note NGI has a material interest in this subject).

John N. Seitz stepped down Tuesday as president and chief executive officer of Anadarko Petroleum due to concern over the independent producer’s steady loss of stock value, the company said.

The imbalance between natural gas production and gas consumption in Mexico “has already arrived at critical levels,” according to Raul Munoz, CEO of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex). Munoz, as point man for President Vicente Fox’s administration, is working to convince opponents that private investment is the best answer to ensuring Mexico’s energy future.

The imbalance between natural gas production and gas consumption in Mexico “has already arrived at critical levels,” according to Raul Munoz, CEO of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex). Munoz, as point man for President Vicente Fox’s administration, is working to convince opponents that private investment is the best answer to ensuring Mexico’s energy future.

Duke Energy Corp.’s board of directors has elected Fred J. Fowler as president and chief operating officer, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Richard B. Priory, the company announced Monday.