Three

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has scheduled three forums on natural gas issues in May. The forums, which would be held in a roundtable format “to encourage discussion and allow flexibility to find areas of agreement,” would include input from members and a variety of stakeholders, according to committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Topics for the forums are “Infrastructure, Transportation, Research and Innovation” (May 16), “Domestic Supply and Exports” (May 21) and “Shale Development: Best Practices and Environmental Concerns” (May 23).

Gastar Exploration Ltd. announced a three-way deal with Chesapeake Energy Corp. on Monday, in which Gastar purchased proven reserves in the prospective Hunton Limestone formation in Oklahoma, as well as close to 10% of its common stock. The companies also agreed to settle outstanding litigation.

Chesapeake Energy Corp.’s directors have tapped COO Steven C. Dixon as acting CEO and established a three-person Office of the Chairman as they continue to search for a permanent chief.

The Northeast has seen a run of colder-than-normal weather through March Madness, but the next three months should bring the region a considerable warm-up, according to forecasters at Andover, MA-based Weather Services International (WSI).

The recent surge in natural gas prices may have provoked some optimism in the energy sector, but it’s not enough to encourage more drilling, according to Barclays Capital, which expects the rig count to not surpass 450 this year.

The Northeast has seen a run of colder-than-normal weather through March Madness, but the next three months should bring the region a considerable warm-up, according to forecasters at Andover, MA-based Weather Services International (WSI).

Southern Natural Gas Co. LLC has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the green light to make modifications to three compressor stations on its mainline system: the DeArmanville Compressor Station and its Auburn and Selma stations.

North American oilfield services activity in the first three months of this year has been less promising than expected, according to Schlumberger Ltd. CEO Paal Kibsgaard.

North American oilfield services activity in the first three months of this year has been less promising than expected, according to Schlumberger Ltd. CEO Paal Kibsgaard.