Significantly

The United States is already significantly “energy independent” in most sectors, with transportation fuels being the notable exception, according to a Deloitte study. Here, alternative fuels, including natural gas, can bolster U.S. energy security, which is a more attainable goal than independence, the firm said.

Williams on Wednesday clinched a long-term natural gas processing agreement with an undisclosed Canadian oilsands producer that would significantly expand the Tulsa operator’s liquids and transportation business.

Riverton, WY-based U.S. Energy Corp. (USEC) said Monday it has acquired producing assets in the Bakken and Three Forks shale plays in North Dakota for $2.5 million, giving the small exploration and production (E&P) company minority interests in up to 23 drilling units with an estimated 307,000 boe in proved oil reserves.

The number of operating unconventional rigs increased by seven (1%) in the week ending Sept. 14 but was down significantly (140 rigs, or 14%) compared to last year, according to NGI’s Shale Daily Unconventional Rig Count.

Natural gas use in power generation has risen significantly this summer because of weather-driven demand for air conditioning and rock-bottom natural gas prices, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.

EnCap Flatrock Midstream LLC has closed its second private equity fund, EnCap Flatrock Midstream Fund II LP (EFM II), with commitments of $1.75 billion.

Williams said last week its adjusted earnings per share will be “significantly lower” than first quarter results, primarily because of an unexpectedly sharp decline in natural gas liquids (NGL) margins in May and June at Williams Partners LP. To counter the effect of weak NGL prices the company is continuing to transition its business to fee-based operations.

Williams said Monday its adjusted earnings per share will be “significantly lower” than first quarter results, primarily because of an unexpectedly sharp decline in natural gas liquids (NGL) margins in May and June at Williams Partners LP.

Despite a rig count that has declined significantly, production from the Haynesville Shale during June was climbing, which was reversing the impact of well shut-ins that began in February, an analysis by Bentek Energy LLC found.