Reporting

Phillips Petroleum expects to be reporting a 52% oil and gas production increase in 2000 over last year, according to Tom Morris, Phillips CFO, who spoke last week at the Lehman Brothers CEO Energy Conference. Morris said that he expects the company will follow up with a 17% increase in 2001 production.

Phillips Petroleum expects to be reporting a 52% oil and gas production increase in 2000 over last year, according to Tom Morris, Phillips CFO, who spoke yesterday at the Lehman Brothers CEO Energy Conference. Morris said that he expects the company will follow up with a 17% increase in 2001 production.

Reporting that linepack was heavy on its south end, Northwestsaid Monday no on-system balancing and limited off-system balancingis being allowed in that segment.

In reporting record third quarter improvements, including an 88%increase in earnings per share and a 16% increase in net income,Dynegy CEO Chuck Watson yesterday highlighted an aggressive powergeneration plan that will become the “engine for the growth of ourearnings for the future.”

PG&E Energy Trading-Gas Corp. has named Al Pollard to thepost of Midwest basis trader with responsibility for managing theMidwest desk’s basis risk, reporting to Michael L. Axton, directorof gas trading, Midwest. Pollard joins PG&E Energy Trading fromEnron where he has held trading positions in natural gas and powersince 1995.

Anadarko Petroleum, reporting a strong second quarter andincreased capital spending, also revealed last week it is gainingGulf of Mexico sub-salt exploration rights through an agreementwith Texaco Exploration and Production.

While reporting increased earnings overall for both its utilityand unregulated businesses, PG&E Corp.’s first quarter resultsreleased yesterday (May 17) continue to show red ink for its Texasnatural gas operations, trading and energy services businesses.Results were net earnings of 42 cents-per-share, or 37 cents fullydiluted, compared to 36 cents-per-share for the first quarter of1998. Overall, the utility contributed all but three cents to theearnings, compared to 1998 first quarter when it provided 100percent of the earnings.

Atlanta Gas Light was one of the biggest losers among a group of37 LDCs reporting first quarter earnings. AGL’s net income was offa whopping 46% from the first quarter of 1998. PaineWebber notedthe significant drop was due mainly to a change in rate design thattook effect in July 1998 when the company unbundled.

Vastar Resources had a far better year in the field than it didin the commodity marketplace, reporting first-quarter 1999 netincome of $19 million, down from $48 million during the firstquarter of 1998. However, Vastar achieved a 24% increase inproduction and continued exploratory success, and is predictingbetter times ahead.