Starts

Although California officials were gaining optimism from new electric generation plants finally coming on line last week and others expected to come on line in the next two weeks, there were signs that the electron rush of the past few years may peter out if the current uncertainties surrounding the state’s electricity markets continue to fester.

BP released its “Statistical Review of World Energy 2001” last week showing natural gas once again as the fastest growing fuel in 2000, with global consumption rising by 4.8% — the highest rate since 1996. However, the review also included for the first time a “Statistical Review of U.S. Energy.” For the U.S., BP notes, last year was a period when energy markets were characterized by high prices, low inventories, increased capacity utilization, and increased dependence on net energy imports. U.S. energy consumption growth in 2000, at 2.3%, was somewhat above the 10-year average of 1.8%, but well above the rate of growth in production, at 0.5%.

BP released its “Statistical Review of World Energy 2001” yesterday showing natural gas once again as the fastest growing fuel in 2000, with global consumption rising by 4.8% — the highest rate since 1996. However, the review also included for the first time a “Statistical Review of U.S. Energy.” For the U.S., BP notes, last year was a period when energy markets were characterized by high prices, low inventories, increased capacity utilization, and increased dependence on net energy imports. U.S. energy consumption growth in 2000, at 2.3%, was somewhat above the 10-year average of 1.8%, but well above the rate of growth in production, at 0.5%.

Although California officials are gaining optimism from new electric generation plants finally coming on line today and in the next two weeks, there are signs that the electron rush of the past few years may peter out if the current uncertainties surrounding the state’s electricity markets continue to fester.

Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC broke ground last Thursday on its $1.6 billion, 753-mile pipeline under the Gulf of Mexico from Mississippi and Alabama to Florida. The target for completion is June, 2002.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. formally announced its expansion plans last week a few days after testifying at FERC about growth on its system and the need for additional transportation and storage capacity (see Daily GPI, May 29). The utility company is holding an open season in June and July for capacity on its in-state California transmission system. Complete open season packages will be available June 12 at www.pge.com/pipeline.

In most cases swing prices for today’s flow were up moderately from end-of-May levels but both above and below June indexes depending on the market. A majority of points appeared to be starting out below index.

Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC broke ground Thursday on its $1.6 billion, 753-mile pipeline under the Gulf of Mexico from Mississippi and Alabama to Florida. The target for completion is June, 2002.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. formally announced its expansion plans yesterday a few days after testifying at FERC about growth on its system and the need for additional transportation and storage capacity (see Daily GPI, May 29). The utility company is holding an open season in June and July for capacity on its in-state California transmission system. Complete open season packages will be available June 12 at www.pge.com/pipeline.