The Energy Information Administration warned yesterday in itsShort Term Energy Outlook that recent natural gas market activity”reveals the backdrop of vulnerability…..to potential supplyshortfalls,” particularly in light of increasing demand from thepower sector and the winter heating season approaching.
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AGA Changes Storage Report, Highlights 5-Year Average
In a move that could have a near-term bearish impact on thenatural gas market, the American Gas Association has decided torelease a five-year average of gas storage levels in its weeklystorage report. With current storage levels significantly behindlevels last year, the decision to publish an average that is muchlower than levels last year will give the market a much differentview of industry fundamentals.
PA PUC to Take Over Rate Setting
The Philadelphia Gas Commission’s (PGC) long term role as soleregulator of Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) is coming to an end. PGWwill have to answer to a new governing body, the PennsylvaniaPublic Utility Commission (PUC). The state agency will now set theutility’s rates, as well as follow up on customer complaints andconcerns.
Transportation Notes
Union Gas Storage & Transportation Services is holding anopen season on long-term firm transportation for upstream,downstream and bundled options through Sept. 1. With the openseason results, Union Gas plans to request an expansion of itsoperations to the Ontario Energy Board later this year. All bidsand/or requests for services have to be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 1.Contact Scott Hubert at (519) 358-4012 for information.
Gore’s Energy Plan Has Little for Producers
Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore’s proposed long-termenergy policy has elicited a ho-hum response from independent oiland natural gas producers, who contend it “falls far short” oninitiatives needed to boost domestic energy production.
Gore’s Energy Plan Has Little for Producers
Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore’s proposed long-termenergy policy has elicited a ho-hum response from independent oiland natural gas producers, who contend it “falls far short” oninitiatives needed to boost domestic energy production.
Enron, Prudential Sign Long-term Energy Deal
Enron Energy Services is on track to double its energymanagement agreements this year, announcing yesterday it had signeda 10-year agreement with Prudential Insurance of America. Termscall for Enron to supply or manage the supply of electricity andnatural gas, and provide related energy management services forPrudential’s 21 corporate-owned office buildings in Arizona,Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey andPennsylvania.
Bliley: FERC, DOE Reliability Efforts ‘Fall Short’
House Commerce Committee Chairman Thomas J. Bliley (R-VA) saysthat while the short-term fixes approved by FERC last week toprevent power outages this summer are laudable, he doubts they’llbe effective.
CA Solicits Suppliers for One-Year Contract
The State of California’s Department of General Services isseeking qualified suppliers to enter a one-year term deal for about15 million MMBtu to be delivered to the Pacific Gas & Electricand Southern California Gas service territories between July 1,2000 and June 30, 2001.
Strong Bull Market Still Has Plenty of Steam Left
Although gas futures prices could take a short-term dip,possibly below $2.65, followed by a small rebound, by late May,Susannah Hardesty, president of Energy Research and Trading,expects prices to be solidly above $3, maybe as high as $3.30. Andshe’s not alone. Given the significant hype about the increase ingas-fired generation and the surge in peak summer power needs,Cynthia Kase of Kase and Company said this market could soar tounexpected heights.