North

The North American natural gas market’s success is in the handsof the independents, and some of the leaders — private companiesnot driven by the need for outside investment — will be names notwidely recognized.

Adding to the entitlement declared for its system north of Kemmerer(WY) Station (see Daily GPI, Sept. 29),Northwest issued a Deficiency Period notice that will continue throughcompletion of repairs at the Soda Springs Station 66 miles northwestof Kemmerer, which is estimated to be the Oct. 5 gas day. Although theDeficiency Period officially began Thursday, Northwest said it delayedany restrictions on primary firm nominations until Friday to givecustomers an opportunity to adjust their gas supplies. According tothe pipeline, “A Deficiency Period begins on the day when aggregatenominations using Constraint Point Firm Rights exceed Constraint PointActual Capacity and Transporter is unable to schedule otherwiseacceptable nominations due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.”Due to the Soda Springs compressor failure, station capacity fell to436,000 Dth/d; however, aggregate nominations increased from 436,000Dth/d Wednesday to 460,000 Dth/d Thursday, prompting the DeficiencyPeriod, Northwest said. It recommended that “customers considerpurchasing gas at points other than domestic supply points. Anynominated volumes in excess of 470,000 Dth may be subject tooperational flow orders.”

BP further has cemented its position as the top natural gasproducer in North America by acquiring the outstanding minorityinterest in Houston-based independent producer Vastar ResourcesInc.

BP further cemented its position as the top natural gas producerin North America last week when it acquired the outstandingminority interest in Houston-based independent producer VastarResources Inc.

Blasting two U.S. senators’ plans to set up an energy commissionto investigate recent high natural gas and oil prices, North DakotaGov. Ed Schafer said last week the proposal would result in nothingbut finger pointing, and he asserted that there is no “quick fix”to the nation’s energy problems.

Blasting two U.S. senators’ plan to set up an energy commissionto investigate recent high natural gas and oil prices, North DakotaGov. Ed Schafer said last week the proposal would result in nothingbut finger pointing, and he asserted that there is no “quick fix”to the nation’s energy problems.

Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc. (EEA) released a reportyesterday warning that the North American gas market is on coursefor entering the winter heating season with dangerously low storagelevels.

Deepwater discoveries by the majors in the Gulf of Mexico haveattracted a lot of attention, but quietly, smaller North Americanindependents have staked their claims in the shallower waters ofthe Gulf. Better technology, an infrastructure already in place,less cost and a consumer thirst for natural gas have made theshallow waters of the Gulf an enticing niche for independentswanting to make their mark.

Deepwater discoveries by the majors in the Gulf of Mexico have attracted a lot of attention, but quietly, smaller North American independents have staked their claims in the shallower waters of the Gulf. Better technology, an infrastructure already in place, less cost and a consumer thirst for natural gas have made the shallow waters of the Gulf an enticing niche for independents wanting to make their mark.