Houston’s office space and unemployed energy professionals may grow if Williams Cos. decides to consolidate and move its Texas operations to its Tulsa headquarters. The company, which wants to trim at least $200 million more in costs a year, confirmed that consolidation and relocation discussions have begun, but no final decision has been announced.

Williams’ natural gas pipeline unit was relocated to Houston in 1995 after the company acquired Transco Energy. Most of the 937 Houston employees work for the gas pipeline unit and are housed in 64-story Williams Tower, one of the city’s architectural landmarks. At one time, the Houston employees numbered close to 1,700, but among other things, Williams has since regrouped most of its trading and marketing operations in Tulsa.

Gina Johnson, the company’s spokeswoman in Houston, said, “there is consideration being given to moving our Houston operations.” She said the company was looking at cost savings “across the board,” but added that no final decision had been made. Williams’ lease in the building runs through mid-2004.

The Tulsa World reported that the company is examining “what might be the benefits to the company,” in consolidating. “More data has to be evaluated before a real decision can be made.” Earlier this month, the company downsized its London office, where it once had close to 100 employed.

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