Minds

Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) aren’t the only commodities on the minds of producers. These day’s they’ve been thinking about water, too — a lot actually.

With the memory of the deadly explosion of the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) transmission line still fresh in peoples’ minds, two measures have been introduced in the Senate to improve the safety of pipelines.

With the memory of the deadly explosion of the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) transmission line still fresh in peoples’ minds, two measures have been introduced in the Senate to improve the safety of pipelines.

Potential risks of hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) well stimulation — particularly in natural gas shale plays — remain on the minds of activist energy company investors, some of whom are seeking more information on the practice and measures that could reduce associated risks.

Potential risks of hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) well stimulation — particularly in natural gas shale plays — remain on the minds of activist energy company investors, some of whom are seeking more information on the practice and measures that could reduce associated risks.

Expectations of a troubled economy in 2009 shouldn’t weigh too heavily on the minds of gas producers if analysts at Barclays Capital are correct in their demand projections. Demand will be weak to be sure, but not as weak as some might fear, they say.

Expectations of a troubled economy in 2009 shouldn’t weigh too heavily on the minds of gas producers if analysts at Barclays Capital are correct in their demand projections. Demand will be weak to be sure, but not as weak as some might fear, they say.

“Where’s the weather?” That question must have been on a good many traders’ minds Friday as prices crashed and burned at almost all points. Besides moderate conditions dominating the weather picture almost everywhere, the cash market was negatively influenced by Thursday’s 24.7-cent screen drop and the loss of industrial load that accompanies a weekend market.

While all sides say details like rates and schedules remain negotiable, it appears industry rapidly lost the battle to enlist the hearts and minds of Albertans for its war against an overhaul of provincial royalties. Within two weeks of a stunning report advocating $2 billion in annual royalty increases by a provincially appointed review panel, polls showed opinion swung overwhelmingly in favor of change — including in the Calgary capital of Canada’s natural gas industry.