Criticism

In the harshest criticism yet of FERC staff’s final report on Price Manipulation in the Western Markets, Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) said the report “fails to substantiate and support its major premises, conclusions and recommendations,” and could lead the nation “into scarcities and disruptions” (see NGI, March 31).

In the harshest criticism yet of FERC staff’s final report on Price Manipulation in the Western Markets, Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) said the report “fails to substantiate and support its major premises, conclusions and recommendations,” and could lead the nation “into scarcities and disruptions” (see Daily GPI, March 27).

After months of criticism that it had been underestimating the decline of domestic natural gas production in 2002 by a considerable amount, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) came forward in its February Short Term Energy Outlook with revised production statistics based on data collected from another government agency, the Minerals Management Service. However, a large discrepancy in its statistics remains, leaving open the possibility of further large revisions in the future.

After months of criticism that it had been underestimating the decline of domestic natural gas production in 2002 by a considerable amount, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) came forward in its February Short Term Energy Outlook with revised production statistics based on data collected from another government agency, the Minerals Management Service. However, a large discrepancy in its statistics remains, leaving open the possibility of further large revisions in the future.

Not wilting under the public spotlight so far but faced with heightened public criticism from state elected officials, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) tried hard last week to stand its ground on information about its power trading in late 2000 that on the surface appears to contradict testimony the utility’s representatives gave under oath to legislators in May.

Responding to criticism that its corporate rating changes have been far too slow, particularly in the case of Enron Corp., Moody’s Investors Service said on Friday it was considering making changes in how it rates companies.

Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. executives fired back at criticism that they did not serve customers well in last winter’s heating season, charging that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s review of ONG’s gas purchasing practices was incomplete and did not comply with the commission’s rules. Hearings this week are looking into charges that ONG was “imprudent” in buying winter gas supplies, causing customers to be overcharged.

Both private and public sector energy titans were singled out for criticism and scrutiny by California state officials Tuesday, adding to the legal and political moves that have become increasing intertwined as summer approaches, patience wears thin and easy solutions seem more distant.

While the power industry has tended to be fairly civil so far in its criticism of FERC’s plan to mitigate prices on real-time transactions in California during emergencies, lawmakers representing the state are letting the Commission have it with both barrels.