Rampant

Speculation was rampant Friday that Encana Corp. was close to completing a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Chinese partners to speed development of its British Columbia (BC) natural gas holdings.

Speculation was rampant Friday that Encana Corp. was close to completing a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Chinese partners to speed development of its British Columbia (BC) natural gas holdings.

President Obama on Thursday tapped Acting Chairman Jon Wellinghoff to be chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, confirming speculation that had been rampant in Washington, DC, energy circles for the past week. The president also announced his intent to nominate existing FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly for a third term at the agency.

President Obama Thursday tapped Acting Chairman Jon Wellinghoff to be chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, confirming speculation that has been rampant in Washington, DC, energy circles for the past week. The president also announced his intent to nominate existing FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly for a third term at the agency.

Rumors were rampant Friday that Cheniere Energy Inc. may be close to announcing a transaction that could involve selling its Gulf Coast-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal at Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish, LA — or even the entire company.

Rumors were rampant Friday that Cheniere Energy Inc. may be close to announcing a transaction that could involve selling its Gulf Coast-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal at Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish, LA — or even the entire company.

February natural gas futures continued to scout lower prices Wednesday as temperature forecasts continued to moderate and economy concerns ran rampant. The prompt-month contract put in a low of $8.090 before settling the day at $8.133, down 6.3 cents from Tuesday’s close.

Speculation was rampant Wednesday and bets were on a potential bankruptcy filing under Calpine Corp.’s eventual new top management, following the displacement of the debt-ridden company’s CEO/founder Peter Cartwright. In the aftermath, the head of the California Independent Energy Producers (IEP) Association called the latest setback for the once-highly regarded merchant power plant company both “expected and tragic.”

Despite rampant rumors that there could be a competing bid for Conoco, which is engaged in a $35 billion merger of equals with Phillips, A.G. Edwards analyst Bruce Lanni isn’t buying it. The speculation has substantially increased the share price of Conoco relative to Phillips. Conoco has been trading at 5-11% premium to the merger price “suggesting that the ‘arbs’ believe there may be another bid in play.”