Indications

Citing increasing indications of declining gas supplies and increasing demand for the fuel in the continental United States, San Diego-based Sempra Energy last month told employees that its planned 2.5 Bcf liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facilities on the West and Gulf coasts are a big part of its future business strategy.

With the arrival of a frigid arctic air mass in the East and indications that it will stick around for a while, natural gas consumers should expect “a material increase” from their recent “eye-popping” December and January heating bills, according to UBS Warburg analyst Ron Barone.

According to renowned hurricane forecaster Dr. William Gray of Colorado State University, it’s never too early to start thinking about the next hurricane season, particularly the 2003 season, which is expected to be more active than normal. Gray expects 12 named storms, eight hurricanes and three intense hurricanes (category 3-5) in 2003.

According to renowned hurricane forecaster Dr. William Gray of Colorado State University, it’s never too early to start thinking about the next hurricane season, particularly the 2003 season, which is expected to be more active than normal. Gray expects 12 named storms, eight hurricanes and three intense hurricanes (category 3-5) in 2003.

Despite indications — such as high gas prices and some analysts’ opinions — that gas supply is getting extremely short approaching the winter heating season, the American Gas Association (AGA) on Tuesday assured the nation that taken together supply fundamentals, including reserves, storage, imports and pipeline capacity, “look solid” and will be “adequate to meet customers’ needs” this winter.

Despite indications — such as $4 gas prices and some analysts’ opinions — that gas supply is getting extremely short approaching the winter heating season, the American Gas Association (AGA) on Tuesday assured the nation that taken together supply fundamentals, including reserves, storage, imports and pipeline capacity, “look solid” and will be “adequate to meet customers’ needs” this winter.

In growing indications that liquefied natural gas will become more than a niche fuel in North America, Chevron said last week it is “reviewing options” for importing LNG to serve the West Coast by 2005, El Paso Corp. said LNG would play a bigger role in its energy picture — and Enron Corp. said it would begin listing it for trading through EnronOnline this year.

Indications of the shortage of pipeline capacity to California showed up again recently in a protest filed by producers against deals made by Transwestern Pipeline with two shippers for gas transportation in February. The producers claim others did not have a meaningful opportunity to bid on capacity and that it was sold outside the tariff rate structure.

Indications of the shortage of pipeline capacity to Californiashowed up again last week in a protest filed by producers againstdeals made by Transwestern Pipeline with two shippers for gastransportation in February. The producers claim others did not havea meaningful opportunity to bid on capacity and that it was soldoutside the tariff rate structure.