Convincing

Natural gas prices are skyrocketing on supply fears because the industry has done a poor job convincing America that there really is an abundant domestic gas resource that can be developed without harming the environment, according to Questar CEO Keith Rattie, who spoke at the annual GasMart conference in Denver.

New Brunswick natural gas distributor Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has had a difficult time convincing potential customers to switch to natural gas, and the provincial government should consider changes to its provincial rules to ensure its gas program will succeed, a company executive said this week.

New Brunswick natural gas distributor Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has had a difficult time convincing potential customers to switch to natural gas, and the provincial government should consider changes to its provincial rules to ensure its gas program will succeed, a company executive said this week.

Despite finally convincing Columbia Energy Group to completelyreverse its position and sell-out for about $72/share, $2/shareless than the previous tender offer, NiSource Inc. still faces asteep uphill battle to get the transaction approved by shareholdersand regulators, and to finance the deal, according to investmentbankers.

After a convincing 7-cent gain to kick off the week, the futuresmarket forged higher yesterday morning amid continuedshort-covering mixed with some fresh buying activity. The Aprilcontract was bumping up against the March 12 high of $1.825 inmid-day trading, but in the afternoon the buying dried up, leavingonly sellers to determine the market direction. The resulting priceslide-7 cents in 45 minutes-send the prompt month spiraling lowerto finish at $1.754.