Expects

The New York Independent System Operator (NY-ISO) expects to operate “in an environment of expanded dependency on natural gas-fired generation, renewable generation and retirements of less efficient generation” over the next five years, the electricity grid operator said in its 2013-2017 Strategic Plan.

In the midst of continued oil/natural gas production growth, albeit at a slower pace, North Dakota’s drilling activity has slowed significantly and the amount of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) even more so, according to the state’s top oil/gas official. Activity is projected to increase again next year, however, with continuing technology advances.

Broken Arrow, OK-based Magnolia Petroleum Plc announced successful well results in the Mississippian Lime play on Tuesday and said well costs would be recovered quickly.

The Marcellus Shale is a “solidly economic” shale play that could play a big role in the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to Europe and Asia, but regulatory hurdles, stiff competition and market forces are all significant obstacles, according to two energy industry experts.

Upstart onshore operator Halcon Resources Corp. expects to produce 17,000-20,000 boe/d in the final three months of this year and should produce 40,000-45,000 boe/d in 2013, management said Thursday.

Halcon Resources Corp. on Monday said it is acquiring a shelf of oil-weighted producing and undeveloped properties in the Williston Basin in a cash-and-equity transaction with Petro-Hunt LLC worth $1.45 billion.

Tennessee Gas Pipeline has filed an application at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking to boost the compression capacity along its 300 Line to meet the growing demand for interstate natural gas transportation service in the northeastern United States and Canada.

Boosted by activity in the Marcellus Shale and Mississippian Lime, Range Resources Inc. said Thursday it has beaten its 3Q2012 forecast for natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) production, with output up 47% year/year (y/y) and 10% sequentially.

Calpine Corp. said Thursday it has purchased an 800 MW natural gas-fired generation complex in Texas from Bosque Power Co. LLC for $432 million. Calpine expects the deal to close in early November.