Prepares

After about a year delay, EnergyClear Corp. (ECC) finally is prepared to launch an over-the-counter energy clearinghouse in the second quarter. A separate operating company, which was formed in December 2000 by the Bank of New York, Prebon Yamane and Amerex, will support one of the first industry-sponsored OTC clearinghouses with comparison, netting and settlement of wholesale energy contracts. Initial products will include various electricity and natural gas forward contracts (see Daily GPI, Dec. 4, 2000).

After about a year delay, EnergyClear Corp. (ECC) finally is prepared to launch an over-the-counter energy clearinghouse in the second quarter. A separate operating company, which was formed in December 2000 by the Bank of New York, Prebon Yamane and Amerex, will support one of the first industry-sponsored OTC clearinghouses with comparison, netting and settlement of wholesale energy contracts. Initial products will include various electricity and natural gas forward contracts (see Daily GPI, Dec. 4, 2000).

Long-awaited Senate action on comprehensive energy legislation, which appeared briefly on the floor last Friday, is expected to spark a lengthy and contentious debate in the lower chamber when it re-emerges after the week-long Presidents Day recess.

Long-awaited Senate action on comprehensive energy legislation, which appeared briefly on the floor last Friday, is expected to spark a lengthy and contentious debate in the lower chamber when it re-emerges after the week-long Presidents Day recess.

California’s second merchant underground natural gas storage project prepares to start up commercial operations this week at Lodi, CA, about 50 miles south of Sacramento, but backers at Houston-based Western Hub Properties still face two pieces of unfinished business.

California’s second merchant underground natural gas storage project prepares to start up commercial operations the week of Dec. 17 at Lodi, CA, about 50 miles south of Sacramento, but it backers at Houston-based Western Hub Properties still face two pieces of unfinished business.

Guardian Pipeline reported it has closed its $180 million project financing that was arranged by Prudential Capital Group for the construction of the 142-mile, 36-inch diameter pipe extending from Joliet to the Ixonia, WI, area. Prudential provided $125 million of the project financing, with GE Capital funding the remaining $55 million.

The House of Representatives will be the scene of vigorous debate this week over national energy policy when it takes up, possibly as early as Wednesday, comprehensive energy legislation that includes a number of measures proposed by President Bush.

As he prepares to hand over the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman’s gavel to Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) yesterday refused to completely reject the idea of placing caps on wholesale electricity prices in California. But, in an appearance before reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference on energy issues, the Alaska lawmaker also made it clear that he would first have to be assured that efforts to boost generation in the state would not be curtailed before he would consider the idea of a price cap on wholesale electricity prices in California.