Consumption

More than 80 energy, environmental and other organizations on Monday announced commitments and public statements in support of a national action plan for energy efficiency that includes several recommendations for helping states and utilities overcome policy, regulatory and other barriers that limit investment in energy efficiency.

In an attempt to eke out more natural gas production to meet rising consumption, Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced Friday the agency will give producers a break on royalties for drilling deep below existing leases that are located in the shallow waters off the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

In an attempt to eke out more natural gas production to meet rising consumption, Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced Friday the agency will give producers a break on royalties for drilling deep below existing leases that are located in the shallow waters off the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Domestic consumption of natural gas fell by an estimated 2.6% during 2003 due largely to the high gas prices that destroyed demand in the industrial and electric power sectors, according to the Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook for January.

Domestic consumption of natural gas fell by an estimated 2.6% during 2003 due largely to the high gas prices that destroyed demand in the industrial and electric power sectors, according to the Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook for January.

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.

Vancouver-based Ballard Power Systems plans to reduce its cash consumption, restructure its organization and lay off about 28% of its employees over the next 12 months as part of a five-year plan to develop the next generation fuel cell engine.

Natural gas consumption by the electricity sector, which was approximately 16 Bcf/day last year, is expected to grow by as much as 2 Bcf/d annually during 2002 and 2003, according to an analysis conducted by Houston-based Simmons & Co. International.