Note: This is a press release from the nat. gas industry of New England. Not a news report.

New England's Natural Gas Supply Will Be Strong for Upcoming Winter PR Newswire - September 07, 2000 17:32

NEEDHAM, Mass., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The natural gas industry in New England reports adequate and reliable energy supplies for the upcoming winter to meet customer needs, said Thomas M. Kiley, president of The New England Gas Association (NEGA) today at a regional winter fuels outlook forum convened in Boston by The New England Council and The New England Governors' Conference, Inc.

New England's natural gas supply is larger and more diverse than ever. The natural gas infrastructure system serving the region has grown by 25% since early 1999, with two new pipelines from Canada and a significant new supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Caribbean, bringing additional capacity and supply sources. In addition, the local natural gas utilities report that they are on target to meet their storage requirement levels in advance of the winter heating season.

Prices for energy commodities are projected to be higher than normal this winter, reflecting national energy commodity market volatility. For customers using natural gas in their homes in New England, the higher natural gas commodity price is estimated to result in an increase of 10% - 20% in their bills on average this winter.

The region's natural gas utilities are offering many suggestions for customers interested in managing the price impact this winter. These include bill-payment options and conservation measures. Customers are encouraged to contact their local utilities for suggestions.

NEGA, on behalf of the regional natural gas industry, also expressed its support for Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci's request for the early release of low-income home energy assistance program funds.

NEGA, based in Needham, Massachusetts, was established in 1926. Its membership includes New England's local natural gas utilities, the interstate pipeline companies serving the region, an LNG importer, and over 265 associate member companies. The natural gas utilities serve over 2.2 million customers in 490 communities in the six New England states.

http://www.hoovershbn.hoovers.com/bin/story?StoryId=CoBCsWbWbtKvusdaYo

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 07, 2000