Created

As a result of below normal temperatures in much of its market area thus far during March, Transco said, shippers have created a significant due-pipeline imbalance. The current forecast calls for a return to normal or above normal temperatures over the Easter holiday period, Transco added, and it is concerned that shippers “will attempt to resolve their current imbalance positions at a time when market loads are expected to be moderate.” The combination of warm temperatures and customers’ desires to pay back imbalances over a short time raises concerns about the pipeline’s ability to efficiently operate its system during the holiday weekend. To keep from having to issue an OFO or Operational Concern for the weekend, Transco asked that shippers with due-pipeline imbalances plan make-up transactions to resolve their imbalances ratably over the remainder of the month. Also, it will not schedule any excess storage injections over the March 25-28 period.

The power industry’s increased reliance on natural gas, coupled with the uncertainty on the timing and size of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply additions, has created an “unprecedented” set of risky alternatives for utilities and regulators, according to a scenario analysis unveiled by Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) Thursday at CERAWeek 2005.

The power industry’s increased reliance on natural gas, coupled with the uncertainty on the timing and size of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply additions, has created an “unprecedented” set of risky alternatives for utilities and regulators, according to a scenario analysis unveiled by Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) Thursday at CERAWeek 2005.

Chairman Pat Wood announced the appointment of FERC veteran staffer Susan Court to a newly-created position as the Commission’s chief of staff. Only a couple of chairmen in the past have designated a chief of staff. Court’s primary job will be to ensure coordination among the Commission’s nine main offices and auxiliary offices to achieve its strategic plan. Since March 2001, Court has served as associate general counsel for general and administrative law and as the Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO). She will continue to perform those functions until the end of July. Previously, Court served as deputy solicitor, associate general counsel for gas and oil, assistant to a commissioner, and executive assistant to an acting chairman. She started her career at the Commission in the Office of General Counsel’s rulemaking section in 1982. Among her accomplishments during her 22 years at the Commission, Court was in charge of the legal staff responsible for implementing Order No. 436 and drafting Order No 636 — the landmark rules intended to introduce greater competition in U.S. natural gas markets. She also led the team that successfully defended Order No. 636 in the federal courts.

Rep. Joseph Barton (R-TX), the new chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, created two new posts — Whip and Coalition Director — in his first week on the job.

Rep. Joseph Barton (R-TX), the new chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, has created two new posts — Whip and Coalition Director — in his first week on the job.

Burlington Resources Inc. has created an Office of the Chairman, which will include CEO Bobby S. Shackouls, CFO Steven J. Shapiro and COO Randy L. Limbacher. The Chairman’s office will be responsible for setting strategic direction and guiding the execution of the company’s goals to achieve both volumetric growth and sector-leading financial returns.

Cheniere Energy Inc. on Friday announced the formation of J&S Cheniere S.A., a company created for the purpose of buying, selling and trading liquefied natural gas (LNG). Cheniere holds a minority interest in the company, which is based in Switzerland.

Capping off a day-long emergency conference on Thursday called to address a potential crisis in the natural gas markets, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham told reporters he planned to move quickly on submitting recommendations to President Bush that would soften the impact of a gas supply shortage this summer or next winter.