Peak

California Monday lifted air pollution limits on many of its peaking natural gas-fired generation plants to free them up to supply critically needed extra megawatts this summer. Gov. Gray Davis and his administration, strong environmental protection advocates, rationalized the move, noting that the alternative — firing up more on-site diesel back-up generation units — would be even more detrimental to air quality.

California Monday lifted air pollution limits on many of its peaking natural gas-fired generation plants to free them up to supply critically needed extra megawatts this summer. Gov. Gray Davis and his administration, strong environmental protection advocates, rationalized the move, noting that the alternative — firing up more on-site diesel back-up generation units — would be even more detrimental to air quality.

Union Gas Ltd. is taking bids through 1 p.m. ET Thursday on between 1 and 2 Bcf of Peak Storage service at its Dawn market hub. Capacity awards will be made within half an hour later, and injections may begin Friday. Winter 2001-02 withdrawals will be on an interruptible basis. Call Mike Morrison at (519) 436-5352 for more information.

Expressing frustration but continuing its resolve, Texas-basedWestern Hub Properties is ironing out some “technical issues” offinancing with California regulators and now expects to startconstruction in February on its delayed Lodi gas storage field innorthern California.

From coast to coast, utilities and local distribution companies(LDCs) are preparing for the peak natural gas-usage season thiswinter by filing rate hikes with regulators, and bracing theircustomers for inflated gas prices that are still to come.

From coast to coast, utilities and local distribution companies(LDCs) are preparing for the peak natural gas-usage season thiswinter by filing rate hikes with regulators, and bracing theircustomers for inflated gas prices that are still to come.

Union Gas Ltd. has declared an open season for peak storage at its Dawn market hub, with injections beginning Aug. 24, and winter 2000-2001withdrawal on an interruptible basis. Union is offering a storage service option that includes unlimited free cycling and a service option for two-or-three year storage.

Union Gas Ltd. has declared an open season for peak storage atits Dawn market hub, with injections beginning Aug. 24, and winter2000-2001withdrawal on an interruptible basis.Union is offering astorage service option that includes unlimited free cycling and aservice option for two-or-three year storage.

Abandoning a slower, ongoing auction process under way at theCalifornia Public Utilities Commission, Pacific Gas and ElectricCo. Wednesday asked state regulators to okay a $2.8 billion valuefor its 3,896-MW hydroelectric generating system and its transferto a nonutility PG&E affiliate. PG&E’s utility said it hasreached a settlement with water, consumer, agricultural and utilityemployee union groups.