Foundation

Prices continued to build Monday on the strong foundationdeveloped in the latter half of last week. Only the NorthernCalifornia points of Malin and the PG&E citygate failed to gaina dime or more.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. laid the foundation to more than doubleits reserves and production with its purchase of independentproducer Union Pacific Resources (UPR) last week. While marketreaction to the deal was mixed initially, most analysts agreed thatonce complete the move will give Anadarko a major presence invirtually every producing territory in North America.

When the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act was signed by Gov. Tom Ridge last week, the foundation was laid for Pennsylvania’s gas customers to have gas supplier choice for the upcoming winter (See related story this issue). The question now is will other northeastern states follow Pennsylvania’s lead.

When the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act was signed byGov. Tom Ridge earlier this week, the foundation was laid forPennsylvania’s gas customers to have gas supplier choice for theupcoming winter. The question now is will other northeastern statesfollow Pennsylvania’s lead.

Information technology is transforming just about every aspectof the energy industry, even the Federal Energy RegulatoryCommission, speakers at an INGAA Foundation conference in Houstonnoted Thursday. Oliver G. “Rick” Richard, CEO of Columbia EnergyGroup, said soon “time margin” will become nearly as critical ayardstick as profit margin for measuring company performance.