Stops

The hemorrhaging of prices that marked the first two days oftrading in the December aftermarket came to a virtual standstillWednesday even as unseasonably warm weather continued in much ofthe nation east of the Rockies. Except for an increase of more thana dime into Northwest at Sumas, all points were either flat or upor down only a few pennies. The reason for the surge at Sumas andwhy it was handily outstripping Rockies prices was that distributorBC Gas in southern British Columbia was drawing more heavily thanusual on discretionary supplies, one source said.

Frustrated by the pace of electric competition’s development inCalifornia, Enron has stepped out of the battle for residentialcustomers, at least for the time being. Enron blamed severalfactors for its decision. Consumer response has been disappointing,and state regulations put a crimp on the profitability of thebusiness.