Totaling

With the winter heating season totaling 14% warmer than normalso far, gas utilities will be hard pressed to prevent seriousearnings declines. As a result, Nicor ran out and bought a weatherinsurance policy for fiscal year 2000 that is designed to provideprotection from the financial impact of unusually warm weather.

With the winter heating season totaling 14% warmer than normalso far, gas utilities will be hard pressed to prevent seriousearnings declines. As a result, Nicor ran out and bought a weatherinsurance policy for fiscal year 2000 that is designed to provideprotection from the financial impact of unusually warm weather.

Pioneer Natural Resources announced the closing of a number ofasset and property sales yesterday totaling $286 million. TheIrving, TX-based exploration and production company said $256million of the total will be used to reduce outstanding bank debt.

Oneok completed two reserve acquisitions totaling $54 millionwith estimated proven reserves that could exceed 75 Bcfe. Bothdeals are for primarily natural gas reserves in Oklahoma. Acash-for-stock agreement was made to acquire the privately heldOklahoma properties of Anderman Oil Corp., AOL Holdings Inc., andMohan Petroleum Oklahoma Inc. The purchase price is $28.5 million,subject to certain adjustments, with an effective date of Aug. 1,1998. Oneok also will acquire properties from St. Mary Land &Exploration Co. for $25.5 million, subject to adjustments, with aneffective date of Sept. 1.