Company

Wisconsin Gas fired back at the latest ANR challenge to theGuardian Pipeline project to serve the Wisconsin market. The companytook issue with an ANR press release of last week (see Daily GPI, Feb. 15). The release challenged Guardianto release detailed information about its costs and rates and said theproject was not competitive with alternatives following a presentationto a state business group.

While winter continues to grip Michigan, Detroit Edison alreadyis preparing for summer peak electricity demand. The company toldthe Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) it has taken a seriesof steps to keep its growing customer base cool during thescorching days of Summer 2000 when demand for electricity isexpected to reach record levels.

While winter continues to grip Michigan, Detroit Edison alreadyis preparing for summer peak electricity demand. The company toldthe Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) it has taken a seriesof steps to keep its growing customer base cool during thescorching days of Summer 2000 when demand for electricity isexpected to reach record levels.

Occidental Petroleum Corp. and EOG Resources Inc. said theyexchanged certain oil and gas assets to enhance each company’sfocus on exploration and production and achieve cost savingsthrough operational synergies. Occidental received producingproperties and exploration acreage in its expanding Californiaasset base, as well as producing properties in the western Gulf ofMexico near existing operations. The exchange increased EOGResources’ gas production and reserves in East Texas, where italready has a significant presence, and will add to its drillingportfolio in the Oklahoma panhandle.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved Columbia Gasof Pennsylvania’s restructuring settlement, making the company thefirst to gain commission approval under the guidelines set forththis summer in the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act. Thesettlement, which included 26 parties, allows Columbia to advanceits choice program, expand its customer assistance program (CAP)statewide, and provide telephonic and Internet enrollment.

Plug Power Inc.’s first demonstration using a gas-fired fuelcell to power a home was declared a success by the company. Thehome in Latham, NY, was converted to gas from pure hydrogen inAugust without a glitch. The house is equipped with Plug Power’sfuel cell stack, a power conditioner and gas fuel processor.”Powering a house with electricity from a natural gas fuel cellsystem is an important first for Plug Power and for the fuel cellindustry,” said Gary Mittleman, Plug Power’s CEO. Plug Power plansto make its fuel cell systems available beginning in 2001 through ajoint venture with GE MicroGen, a subsidiary of GE Power Systems.The typical 7-10 kW units are expected to cost $3,000-$5,000 by2003. They will have a 17-year life span. The Plug Power systemreceives fuel from a home’s existing gas line or propane tank,converts the fuel into a hydrogen-rich stream and then combines itwith oxygen from the air in a chemical reaction that produceselectric power.

Reliant Energy recently announced plans to construct a 340 MWpeaking plant in Shelby County, IL. The company has signed anoption agreement on an 80-acre parcel of land about 20 milessoutheast of Shelbyville, IL, near the town of Neoga.

Reliant Energy announced plans to construct a 340 MW peakingplant in Shelby County, IL, last week. The company has signed anoption agreement on an 80-acre parcel of land about 20 milessoutheast of Shelbyville, IL, near the town of Neoga.

Barrett Resources Corp.’s board of directors elected Peter A.Dea, 46, vice chairman of the board and CEO last week. Dea replacedWilliam J. Barrett, 70, the founder of the company, and former CEO.The promotion became effective immediately. The board also said ithas increased its membership from nine to 10 people and that Mr.Dea has been elected to fill the new board position. Mr. Barrettwill be retiring as chairman of the board on March 31. Mr. Deajoined Barrett Resources in 1993 and has held various explorationgeologist positions prior to being promoted to senior vicepresident-exploration in 1996. In 1998, he was elected executivevice president-exploration. Barrett Resources is a Denver-basedindependent natural gas and oil exploration and production co. withproperties primarily in the Rocky Mountains, Midcontinent and GulfCoast.