Persistent

The state of California’s persistent claim that it’s owed $8.9 billion for electricity overcharges during the May 2000-May 2001 period “has not and cannot be substantiated,” said Chief Administrative Law Judge Curtis L Wagner in his report and recommendations to the full Commission last week.

The state of California’s persistent claim that it’s owed $8.9 billion on electricity overcharges for the May 2000-May 2001 period “has not and cannot be substantiated,” said Chief Administrative Law Judge Curtis L Wagner in his report and recommendations to the full Commission yesterday.

Amid persistent questions about supplies and sustained highprices, the Canadian natural gas community heard a reassuring word— it is not an issue in the federal election, and its defendersare armed with answers if critics step forward before the Nov. 27vote. The good word — and the defense arsenal — came from theNational Energy Board, in a 61-page market assessment released asthe Canadian campaign entered its second week at the same time asfalling thermometers signaled the onset of heating season.

Amid persistent questions about supplies and sustained high prices, the Canadian natural gas community heard a reassuring word — it is not an issue in the federal election, and its defenders are armed with answers if critics step forward before the Nov. 27 vote. The good word — and the defense arsenal — came from the National Energy Board, in a 61-page market assessment released as the Canadian campaign entered its second week at the same time as falling thermometers signaled the onset of heating season.

For the fourth straight trading session, natural gas futuresraced off to a fast start Wednesday as locals and speculators triedagain to push the market through key resistance and above therecent trading range. But unlike the failure and subsequent sellingthat plagued the market on the prior three occasions, yesterday’smarket was able to hold on and add to gains late in the day. TheAugust contract finished at $2.253, up 5.5 cents.