In the midst of a blizzard of retail energy cost rate adjustments throughout the western states, Las Vegas, NV-based Southwest Gas Corp., provides an exception, facing the winter with lower retail rates and confidence that its supply/price situation will remain relatively stable, although it is keeping a wary eye on Enron’s supply deals with some of its largest customers, a spokesperson said Friday.
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Articles from Midst
Second CA Merchant Gas Storage Project Nears Start
In the midst of injecting 3.5 Bcf of cushion gas, Western Hub Properties indicated last Tuesday that its initial commercial start up for California’s second merchant underground storage project will begin in mid-December with about two-thirds of the project’s 12 Bcf working capacity under contract, according to Western Hub’s California project manager, Jim Fossum.
Second CA Merchant Gas Storage Project Nears Start
In the midst of injecting 3.5 Bcf of cushion gas, Western Hub Properties indicated Tuesday that its initial commercial start up for California’s second merchant underground storage project will begin in mid-December with about two-thirds of the project’s 12 Bcf working capacity under contract, according to Western Hub’s California project manager, Jim Fossum.
CA QFs Laud Edison Deal, FERC Mitigation Order
In the midst of an ever-widening series of battles facing merchant electricity generators during California’s energy crisis, the state’s small generator trade association Wednesday lauded the newly inked deal with Southern California Edison Co. and many of the state’s small qualifying facility (QF) generators as good for consumers and a means of “stabilizing” state wholesale power prices. A string of legal suits by both the utility and QFs has been suspended as a result.
PG&E, SoCalGas Butt Heads Over Supply
As tempers continue to get shorter in the midst of California’senergy predicament, the state’s two major investor-owned utilitiesbutted heads this week on a natural gas issue created as anoffshoot of the persistent electricity woes in the state. Itinvolves Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s emergency filing to stateregulators Jan. 18 asking for Southern California Gas Co. to giveit some supplies in the face of its looming shortages, promptingSoCalGas to protest the request.
CPUC, El Paso Spar over Causes for High Gas Prices
With California caught in the “midst of a profoundlyserious…crisis” in its deregulated energy markets, the CaliforniaPublic Utilities Commission (CPUC) has called on FERC to “actimmediately” on its complaint against El Paso Natural Gas toprovide some price relief for natural gas and electric customers inthe state.
CA Commission Approves 3 New Power Plants
In the midst of a real potential cold weather energy/supplycrisis hovering over the state, the California Energy CommissionWednesday approved a new 500 MW natural gas-fired electricgeneration plant that could help head off shortages in 2002 and twopeaking plants totaling 371 MW that should be online by theupcoming summer of 2001.
Fitch Puts 2 CA Utilities on Negative Watch
In the midst of the continuing uncertainty over regulatorytreatment of growing wholesale electricity cost under-collections,Fitch Tuesday assigned a “rating watch negative” designation to thesecurities of California’s two largest investor-owned utilities,Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison (and itsparent company, Edison International). In addition, it loweredEdison’s commercial paper rating one notch to “F1” from “F1+”.
Duke Stands By California Market
In the midst of much uncertainty surrounding California’s powersituation, Duke Energy North America Monday reiterated itscommitment to the state’s struggling wholesale electricity market,announcing new bilateral power deals with Pacific Gas and ElectricCo. and progress with redevelopment plans at three coastal powerplant sites it is operating.
Former PGW Executives Charged with Theft
While Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is in the midst of defending a 30% rate hike request, the Philadelphia District Attorney has filed criminal charges against four former PGW executives for theft and misuse of company funds. The action was sparked by a Philadelphia County Grand Jury investigation.