The groundwork for an even more concentrated U.S. energyindustry was laid Monday as Wisconsin Energy Corp., a Milwaukee,WI-based electric and gas utility, announced plans to acquireneighboring gas distributor WICOR Inc. for about $1.51 billion incash, stock and debt, creating a major Midwest energy concern andthe 13th largest utility in the nation.
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CNG Buying Share in South Texas Fields
Consolidated Natural Gas Co. E&P subsidiary CNG ProducingCo. agreed to buy interests in Lopeno and two adjacent South Texasgas fields. Earlier in the year, CNG Producing bought about a 50%interest in the Lopeno field, and together with the most recentpurchase, CNG Producing will own nearly 100%. On a combined basis,the company will pay $125 million for the two transactions.
Avista Targeting Growth Through Technology
Although Avista Corp. has yet to garner much attention on WallStreet, the company is expecting its share price will rise as itsstrategy unfolds. Corporate strategy views technology and billconsolidation services as the gateway to a significant nationwidemarketing presence.
LG&E Utilities Implementing PBR
LG&E Energy Corp. utility subsidiaries Louisville Gas andElectric and Kentucky Utilities received orders from the KentuckyPublic Service Commission (PSC) implementing performance-basedratemaking (PBR) effective July 2.
Conoco, Exxon Share Deep-Water Economics, Risks
Marking the start of a five-year, $400 million Gulf of Mexico(GOM) exploration and production (E&P) assault, Conocoannounced Monday the exchange of interest in several deep-waterblocks with Exxon and the debut of the Deepwater Pathfinder, adrillship capable of reaching 10,000-feet depths.
Indiana Looking to Share Bypass Jurisdiction
Indiana regulators and FERC are weighing a potentiallygroundbreaking case that, in the end after court review, could give”complementary jurisdiction” to both states and the federalgovernment in instances where interstate pipelines are seeking tobypass local distribution companies (LDCs) in order to directlyserve end-use customers.
EIA Sees Massive Gas Market Shift Under Kyoto Treaty
The gas industry’s share of the U.S. energy market is projectedto soar to 35% in 2010 from just 24% in 1996 if the U.S. followsone possible scenario to meet the requirements of the Kyoto Treaty,the Energy Information Administration said in a report to Congress.In contrast, the industry will grab only two percentage points moreof the energy market over that same period without the treaty.
Dominion Makes Bid for Archer
Dominion Resources unit Dominion Energy has agreed to pay (US)$128 million, C$7.60/share, to acquire Archer Resources Ltd. ofCalgary, AB. The deal gives Dominion Energy control of Archer’sdaily production of approximately 72 MMcf/d of gas and 1,500 b/dof oil in Alberta, plus Archer’s 16 processing facilities and over500,000 undeveloped acres. Dominion Energy said the deal, ifconsummated as expected, would increase its gas productioncapability by approximately 50%.