Columbus

Governors from across the United States are expected to convenein Columbus, OH, Sept. 20 at a summit to discuss the high naturalgas prices and supply challenges facing consumers this winter. Themeeting will also address long-term state and federal gas policy,such as human resource needs in the domestic petroleum industry,tax incentives and access to public lands for gas drilling.

The pending merger of American Electric Power (AEP) of Columbus,OH, and Central and South West Corp. of Dallas, TX, receivedantitrust clearance from the Department of Justice. Approvals thatremain include the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Securities andExchange Commission (SEC). Upon completion of the merger, the newcompany will be called American Electric Power.

Prosper Business Development Corp., a Columbus, OH-basedconsulting and marketing firm, released an addendum to a previousreport on deregulating energy markets yesterday, citing a new listof pitfalls in the changing energy environment. The report,”Accelerating Energy’s Challenge to Change,” is intended to enhanceenergy marketers’ profitability as they enter deregulating markets.

Energy.com Corp. of Columbus, OH, said it plans to streamlinethe energy buying process for commercial and industrial customersand at the same time make life easier for energy marketers. Thecompany is preparing to launch eBID, an on-line Request forProposal (RFP) system through its web site at www.energy.com. Theweb-based interactive RFP process will allow commercial andindustrial businesses to shop for the best energy source on-line.Energy.com’s eBID is scheduled to launch later this month.

Energy.com Corp. of Columbus, OH, is preparing to launch eBID,an on-line Request for Proposal (RFP) system through its web siteat www.energy.com. The web-based interactive RFP process will allowcommercial and industrial businesses to shop for the best energysource on-line. Energy.com’s eBID is scheduled to launch later thismonth.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) unanimously approvedthe proposed merger of American Electric Power Co. of Columbus, OH,and Dallas-based Central and South West Corp.

Energy.com Corp. of Columbus, OH, plans to go international withits Internet site on the World Wide Web. The global enhancement ofEnergy.com on-line will evolve through a series of strategicpartnerships and joint ventures. “Rapid expansion of our businessto capture the international opportunities is a key part of theoverall plan for Energy.com,” said Paul Feldman, chairman. “We seethe international market as a natural extension of the capabilitieswe have in place for the U.S. market.”

Prosper Business Development Corp. of Columbus, OH, formed adivision to assist energy companies in dealing with marketingchallenges of deregulation. Prosper NRG Marketing offers a varietyof turnkey products designed to enhance marketing efforts to thecommercial and residential segments of the energy market. Theproducts can be used to sell energy without a direct sales force.