Flow

As natural gas prices continue to come down nationally, states and utilities continue to ensure the reductions flow through to customers. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a lower fuel charge for Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) customers. However, the commission also warned that the United States’ energy supply/demand balance for the future is less than solid.

EnCana Corp. reported cash flow in 2005 climbed 57% on record natural gas output and strong proved reserves additions, with growth in all of its North American resource plays. However, because of “inflationary pressures,” the company, which is North America’s largest independent, plans to reduce some of its drilling investments this year, resulting in an 8% reduction in its upstream capital forecast and a drop in gas sales of about 75 MMcf/d.

PG&E’s California Gas Transmission system has declared a customer specific operational flow order for Tuesday’s gas day. System inventories are expected to rise above normal operating limits. The pipeline had a Stage 3 systemwide OFO with a 10% tolerance in place on Saturday.

Natural gas will continue to flow on El Paso Natural Gas pipeline facilities that are located on Navajo Nation lands even if the two sides fail to renew a rights-of-way (ROW) contract by the Oct. 17 expiration deadline, said the Navajo Nation attorney general.

ANR said current operating conditions at its ANR St. Landry/FGT interconnect with Florida Gas Transmission in South Louisiana are resulting in consistent flow of around 100,000 MMBtu/d, and until those conditions change, FGT will only schedule up to 100,000 MMBtu/d at the interconnect. Normally FGT schedules up to 150,000-250,000 MMBtu/d there, ANR said. The reduction will take effect Friday.

Despite strong drilling activity, record natural gas and oil prices and the largest cash flow in industry history, employment by the largest U.S.-based producers declined 4.1% in 2004, the 20th annual decline in the past 23 years, according to consultant John S. Herold Inc.

Despite strong drilling activity, record natural gas and oil prices and the largest cash flow in industry history, employment by the largest U.S.-based producers declined 4.1% in 2004, the 20th annual decline in the past 23 years, according to consultant John S. Herold Inc.

In light of the continuing flow of information regarding alleged past energy market manipulation by Enron and other companies, U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Tom Harkin (D-IA) have introduced legislation that would increase penalties for natural gas and power market manipulation, improve price transparency and give regulators new tools to oversee energy markets.

In light of the continuing flow of information regarding past energy market manipulation by Enron and other companies, U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Tom Harkin (D-IA) have introduced legislation that would increase penalties for natural gas and power market manipulation, improve price transparency and give regulators new tools to oversee energy markets.