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NiSource is making some of the last remaining organizational changes since it bought Columbia Energy Group two years ago. The company announced actions Thursday to reduce the size of its management structure. Under the plan, the streamlining will move executive management closer to customers and promote efficiency while lowering costs in response.

NiSource is making some of the last remaining organizational changes since it bought Columbia Energy Group two years ago. The company announced actions Thursday to reduce the size of its management structure. Under the plan, the streamlining will move executive management closer to customers and promote efficiency while lowering costs in response.

Long-term natural gas prices are strong and likely to stay that way for several years, which in turn could boost the shares of many gas-focused exploration and production (E&P) stocks 30-50% higher from current levels, according to a Raymond James analyst.

Brought on by lower earnings in its natural gas transmission segment, partially offset by higher earnings from the power business, TransCanada Corp. on Friday posted 2Q2003 net income of C$202 million or C$0.42 per share, compared to C$205 million or C$0.43 per share for the second quarter 2002. The quarter was almost like deja vu from 1Q2003, when the power segment’s contribution bailed out the company (see NGI, April 28).

Brought on by lower earnings in its natural gas transmission segment, partially offset by higher earnings from the power business, TransCanada Corp. on Friday posted 2Q2003 net income of C$202 million or C$0.42 per share, compared to C$205 million or C$0.43 per share for the second quarter 2002. The quarter was almost like deja vu from 1Q2003, when the power segment’s contribution bailed out the company (see Daily GPI, April 28).

Arizona regulators voted last Thursday to seek a stay and court review of FERC’s decision requiring El Paso Natural Gas shippers who now receive preferential full-requirements (FR) service to convert to contract demand (CD) service on Sept. 1.

Natural gas wellhead prices will likely remain in the $5-6/Mcf range for the remainder of the year according to an updated report authored by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The projection marks a more than 30% increase over the average price that prevailed throughout 2000 and 2001 of $3.87/Mcf.

Atlanta-based power and natural gas trader Mirant Corp. lost its months-long effort to stay out of bankruptcy last Monday, filing voluntary petitions seeking Chapter 11 protection in a Texas court. The company also filed an application in Canada last Tuesday seeking creditor protection for its Canadian subsidiaries.

Arizona regulators voted Thursday to seek a stay and court review of FERC’s decision allowing system-wide conversion of full-requirements (FR) service to contract demand (CD) service to go forward on the El Paso Natural Gas system on Sept. 1.