Discussions

In discussions with the Bush administration, members of Congress and industry representatives in Washington, DC, Tuesday, Canadian Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal reiterated Canada’s desire that any provisions in the energy bill dealing with a northern natural gas pipeline be “route neutral” with no subsidies. The private sector should determine the route, he said.

FERC yesterday said that it would direct its staff to hold informal discussions with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) in the wake of the PSC’s voicing concerns about the development of GridFlorida, a regional transmission organization (RTO). The PSC has raised concerns focusing on jurisdictional boundaries and responsibilities as it relates to FERC and the state commission and the recovery of start up costs for the RTO.

A published news report indicating that the Department of Energy(DOE) has entered into discussions with FERC over the merits ofconstructing the East-bound Independence Pipeline is false, theCommission and DOE said.

Trunkline Gas Co. has indicated it has “entered into discussionswith several parties” to either sell or spin down one-third of itsmainline system – about 720 miles – for the purpose of convertingthe facilities for transporation of refined petrolum products.

Trunkline Gas Co. has indicated it has “entered into discussionswith several parties” to either sell or spin down one-third of itsmainline system – about 720 miles – for the purpose of convertingthe facilities for the transportation of refined petroleumproducts.

Another round of discussions — and potentially hearings oreven court cases — is on the horizon for the new branch of thenatural gas industry in Atlantic Canada, after regional natives wona legal ruling that they need to be consulted more.

Although “storm hype” was a popular phrase in market discussionsThursday, the hype factor was beginning to fade in the afternoon asTropical Storm Bret achieved named status, prompting the Mexicangovernment to post coastal storm warnings from Tampico southward.Some strengthening of Bret is likely over the next 24 hours, theNational Hurricane Center said in a 4 p.m. CDT advisory.

TransTexas Gas Corp. of Houston said last week, followingdiscussions with a group representing a majority of its parentcompany’s note holders, it voluntarily filed for Chapter 11bankruptcy. The company said it believes the filing will allow forcompletion of its recapitalization involving TransTexas and parent,TransAmerican Energy Corp. Details of the recapitalization plan areexpected to be filed in bankruptcy court within 30 days.

TransTexas Gas Corp. of Houston said following discussions witha group representing a majority of its parent company’s noteholders it voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The companysaid it believes the filing will allow for completion of itsrecapitalization involving TransTexas and parent, TransAmericanEnergy Corp. Details of the recapitalization plan are expected tobe filed in bankruptcy court within 30 days.