Regulatory

Even if the summer turns much hotter than normal, drought-plagued California will have plenty of electricity, according to a recent assessment by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has introduced a pair of bills that call for boosting Alaska's share of revenues from oil and natural gas production from the state's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) — as well as increasing the number of lease sales there — and lifting the U.S. ban on crude oil exports.

Lawmakers on the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power heard differing points of view over a draft bill that would reinforce the primacy of FERC over the construction of natural gas pipelines, and rein in permitting delays that the industry complains are hampering development.

Williams is to acquire all of the outstanding units of Williams Partners LP in an all stock-for-unit deal that will lower the cost of capital for Williams and simplify its structure. The transaction follows a similar move by Kinder Morgan Inc. last year that did away with its master limited partnership (MLP) structure.

Even if the summer turns much hotter than normal, drought-plagued California will have plenty of electricity, according to a recent assessment by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has introduced a pair of bills that call for boosting Alaska’s share of revenues from oil and natural gas production from the state’s Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) — as well as increasing the number of lease sales there — and lifting the U.S. ban on crude oil exports.

Lawmakers on the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power heard differing points of view over a draft bill that would reinforce the primacy of FERC over the construction of natural gas pipelines, and rein in permitting delays that the industry complains are hampering development.

Sempra Energy’s San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) last month obtained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deploy drones (unmanned aircraft) to survey natural gas pipelines and power lines for safety and maintenance programs. It holds the promise to cut costs and improve safety and reliability for the nation’s energy utility network.

Still reeling from the fallout surrounding the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, BP late Friday received a mixed bag of news from an appellate court. The energy giant learned it would be able to appeal some claims related to the disaster, while others will remain out of reach.