Seeking

Seeking greater efficiency in operations, Ultramar DiamondShamrock Corp. (UDS) and a division and two subsidiaries of KochIndustries finalized a joint venture to combine the companies’ gasliquids and petrochemicals operations in Mont Belvieu, TX.

Nymex futures gave an early “head fake” looking to rebound fromlosses registered on Tuesday, but the move was insubstantial,giving way to minor softening before the close Wednesday. That leftthe market still in limbo without a clear signal whether the bottomhad been reached. The August contract slipped 1.7 cents to settleat $1.934 during relatively high volume of 82,830.

Boston Edison issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bidsfor about 2,000 MW of electricity to replace power now supplied bySithe Energies from plants Sithe recently bought from BostonEdison. The short-term power purchase agreement with Sithe expiresNov. 30. The power purchased through this competitive biddingprocess, combined with power from the Pilgrim nuclear plant andother power supply contracts, will be used to meet Edison’s needsDec. 1 through May 31, 1999. Proposals must be submitted by Aug. 3.

The American Gas Association is seeking to get its two cents’worth in on the conduct of affiliated marketers by adopting eightprinciples intended to guide state officials in policymaking. “AGAbelieves that state officials already have ample authority toreview relationships between natural gas utilities and theiraffiliates,” said Miriam Swydan Erickson, AGA senior director ofgovernment relations. “The new AGA principles are intended toassist state regulators considering additional rules.”

Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN) has introduced legislation that wouldrequire pipelines seeking to seize private property for projects topersonally notify affected landowners by certified mail of theirintention at the outset of FERC proceedings, giving them theopportunity to “participate meaningfully” in the process.

Coastal’s ANR Pipeline is seeking FERC approval to implement twonew interruptible services and expand service options availableunder its firm storage service tariff. The proposed new servicesare called interruptible parking and lending service, andinterruptible wheeling service. “We are offering these new servicesin response to requests by our customers, who have indicated a needfor more product choices and flexibility due to the dynamic natureof today’s natural gas marketplace,” said Jeffrey A. Connelly, ANRCEO. “The revisions we are proposing to our firm storage servicewill provide ANR’s shippers with an array of additional serviceflexibility in managing their supply portfolios.”

Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) Monday began testimony before theGeorgia Public Service Commission (PSC), seeking approval for itsunbundling plan that would give more than 1.4 million customerssupplier choice. AGL’s proposal follows the guidelines of theNatural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act signed into law byGeorgia Governor Zell Miller last April.