Least

Suncor Energy Inc. of Calgary plans to reposition its gasbusiness to achieve at least a 10% return on capital within fiveyears. Suncor intends to build competitive operating areas, improvebase business efficiency and create new, low-capital businesses.

Things are looking up, at least a little, for offshore rigutilization, according to Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.(DCR). The firm says operating rates have increased steadily overthe past 12 months as drilling day rates for a shallow waterjack-up rig have risen from a low of $22,000 to current levels ofaround $50,000. Offshore rig utilization has also steadilyincreased from a low of 72% during the summer of 1999, to 81% inFebruary 2000. Oil prices are averaging better than $20/barrel andOPEC countries continue to adhere to new, reduced productionquotas, resulting in lower reported crude oil supplies. Also,according to Oil & Gas Journal, natural gas energy consumptionis projected to increase 8.4 % by 2002.

Joe B. Foster, the new chief — at least for now — of BakerHughes Inc., is promising improved performance to shareholders inthe wake laggard stock performance and the disclosure of accountingirregularities that have launched a slew of investor lawsuits.

Joe B. Foster, the new chief — at least for now — of BakerHughes Inc., is promising improved performance to shareholders inthe wake of the disclosure of accounting irregularities that havelaunched a slew of investor lawsuits.

The cash market pulled out of its early-2000 slide at leastbriefly with a generally flat to slightly higher price performanceWednesday. However, sources found little but bearish indicators forthe near future.

Sempra Energy of San Diego, CA, will be the only game in town for gas distribution in Nova Scotia for at least 25 years now that it has the provincial government’s permission to build and operate the largest new North American gas distribution system of the last 30 years.

Sempra Energy of San Diego, CA, will be the only game in townfor gas distribution in Nova Scotia for at least 25 now that it hasthe provincial government’s permission to build and operate thelargest new North American gas distribution system of the last 30years.

Public Service Co. of Colorado and Cheyenne (WY) Light Fuel andPower will continue to refuse imbalance payback gas at leastthrough today’s gas day. If operational constraints from warmregional weather continue, the two utilities said, the paybackrestriction will be extended.

Northern Natural Gas extended a System Underrun Limitationcaused by high linepack at least through Saturday’s gas day. TheSUL began Friday (see Daily GPI, Nov. 11).