Consider

A direct, express pipeline stretching all the way to Chicago from Prudhoe Bay is among the options being considered for tapping Arctic natural gas by the three principal production companies operating in Alaska. The mammoth possibility was disclosed in the Canadian gas capital of Calgary, to a conference of the Canadian Energy Research Institute, by the North American Natural Gas Pipeline Group.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said that at its nextmeeting Jan. 12 it will consider a final rule on the proposedchanges to its regulations governing short-term natural gastransportation services and interruptible transportation (DocketsRM98-10 and RM98-12).

Budget cutbacks and consolidation of the natural gas industryhave prompted the Gas Research Institute (GRI) and the Institute ofGas Technology (IGT) to consider the possibility of merging the twoR&D groups.

Budget cutbacks and consolidation within the natural gasindustry have prompted the Gas Research Institute (GRI) and theInstitute of Gas Technology (IGT) to consider the possibility ofmerging the two research and development groups.

With a strong push from the leading producer offshore ofCanada’s East Coast, an intense development effort is under way ona new marine technology intended to tap natural gas on the GrandBanks of Newfoundland sooner than anyone now thinks possible.Andrew Adams, vice-president in charge of Mobil Oil Canada’sNewfoundland exploration and production business unit, told anindustry conference in St. John’s the technique “looks like it hasgreat potential.”

A decision on the remanded Sea Robin Pipeline case anddiscussion of policy changes in the way the Federal EnergyRegulatory Commission regulates offshore pipelines both are on theagenda for Wednesday’s open meeting, but no one will be surprisedif they’re a no-show once again.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will considerthe confirmation of Commissioner William Massey to a second term atFERC at a hearing this Thursday. There, he is expected to get awarm reception.

A major LDC group and a pipeline group urged FERC yesterday tofavorably consider a proposal that would clear the way for gaspipelines and their customers to negotiate the heretofore untouchedarea of terms and conditions of service. The Commission has limitedits approval so far tonegotiation of rates.