United

Amid confirmation that volumes of exports to the United Statesare on the rise and confident predictions that prices will staystrong, Canadian natural gas drilling is accelerating rapidly. Thenumber of gas-well completions in western Canada is expected to hitat least 8,200 next year.

Amid confirmation that volumes of exports to the United Statesare on the rise and confident predictions that prices will staystrong, Canadian natural gas drilling is accelerating rapidly. Thenumber of gas-well completions in western Canada is expected to hitat least 8,200 next year.

Semco Energy Inc. of Port Huron, MI, broadened its presence inthe southern United States by acquiring two construction companiesand an engineering firm that provide services mainly to gas andtelecommunications companies.

UtiliCorp United agreed to sell its West Virginia Power divisionto Allegheny Energy Inc. for $75 million in cash. In addition,separate transactions include a 20-year supply agreement forUtiliCorp’s Aquila Energy unit to provide gas to Allegheny, and anagreement for Allegheny to purchase Appalachian Electric Heating,UtiliCorp’s heating and air conditioning service operations in WestVirginia. A spokesman said details of the gas supply and otheragreements are confidential.

UtiliCorp United agreed to sell its West Virginia Power divisionto Allegheny Energy Inc. for $75 million in cash. In addition,separate transactions include a 20-year supply agreement forUtiliCorp’s Aquila Energy unit to provide gas to Allegheny, and anagreement for Allegheny to purchase Appalachian Electric Heating,UtiliCorp’s heating and air conditioning service operations in WestVirginia. A spokesman said details of the gas supply and otheragreements are confidential.

Southwest Power LLC, an entity owned partly by Enron bought LasVegas Cogeneration LP and SUNCO Ltd. from The United Co. Las VegasCogeneration owns a 50 MW combined cycle power plant in North LasVegas. Designated as a qualifying facility under the PublicUtilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978, the plant delivers powerunder contract to Nevada Power while SUNCO serves as the plant’sthermal host.

UtiliCorp United energy marketing subsidiary Aquila Energylaunched The Exchange Center, a new business to offer customersaccess to gas storage and transportation without the need fortraditional service contracts. “We are in a unique position tooffer services that provide utilities, end users and marketingcompanies the ability to meet their commercial and operationalobjectives in a more cost-effective, market-responsive manner,”said Robert Poehling, Exchange Center senior vice president.

A group of Wisconsin landowners is seeking to join ANR Pipeline in its fight against Wisconsin Gas and its Guardian Pipeline project.

UtiliCorp United announced that Dwayne L. Hart will join thecompany Sept. 1 as senior vice president and chief financialofficer. Hart was previously vice president and controller of EnronCapital & Trade Resources Corp.