Agenda – 2021

Even before the impacts of COVID, new dynamics both from within and outside of the US energy markets were starting to emerge that threatened to change the narrative of growth and oversupply. During this talk we will look at some of the key influences that have emerged over the last year that will write the next chapter in US natural gas markets.

With a new administration and activist Congress, the natural gas transmission & storage industry is facing challenges that will require the most agile to respond and adapt. This presentation will build on an industry veteran’s industry perspective to assess the threats and opportunities we face from “inside the beltway”.

This Panel examines the topic of responsible sourcing of natural gas including the latest strategies (ESG and other) as well as practical methods already being employed by market leaders. Consideration is given to the full spectrum of stakeholders including business, communities and government. Includes perspectives from NGOs and consultancies focusing expertise on these initiatives. Also, introduction of a marketplace offering a raft of proven environmental commodities.

Leading industry analysts offer an up to the date assessment of market conditions, with supporting data and contextual analysis. This information provides an excellent foundation and factual reference point for the overall Forum agenda and ensuing discussions.

The unfortunate San Bruno incident highlighted the reality of aging gas pipeline infrastructure, including implications, risks, and plans for resolution. Earlier this year, PHMSA issued its new Mega-Rule including mandates addressing gas pipeline safety. This presentation offers an overview of the situation, the new rule and a non-technical perspective on the practical implications for markets from a commercial perspective.

An examination of the latest exciting innovations in natural gas markets that are paving the way for transition of energy markets into the new paradigm. Real-life projects offering alternatives to the traditional production/transportation/distribution value chain are reviewed. Topic categories include waste energy utilization, RNG, LNG, Hydrogen, CC&S, digital technologies, etc.

Natural gas infrastructure has played a key role in helping to reduce carbon emissions in North America and can be leveraged to cost-effectively deliver a cleaner energy future. During this talk we will look at the fundamental role of natural gas and outline future state pathways for natural gas infrastructure as a strategic energy asset in North America.

This panel explores operator updates on natural gas transportation/distribution infrastructure, as well as perspectives on strategies for transporting gas from sources of supply to markets in the Mid-Continent in support of ongoing energy transition. Discussion includes examination of alternative methods for delivery of natural gas (LNG and CNG) and hydrogen to markets where/when traditional transportation methods are unavailable or impractical. Innovative solutions include turnkey virtual pipeline concepts, mobile gas supply, small scale LNG, and off-pipe solutions, all on a portable, temporary and permanent basis.

Panel of Gas Buyer's share perspectives on purchasing expectations, solution alternatives, as well as outlooks on market conditions and policy implications.

1) Do you see current commodity pricing continuing at current levels? Are you employing hedging strategies to lock in current prices?
2) Are current higher gas price levels impacting electric generation power burn in your areas (i.e., coal switching)
3) Are you concerned with storage inventory levels currently being lower than this time last year?
4) Did the President’s Day Weekend weather events result in any changes to your company’s gas purchasing strategy or risk management process?
5) Does global demand for natural gas and increased LNG exports from the United States affect your supply strategy?
6) With many oil and gas producers struggling in the current environment, have you made changes to your gas supplier line up?
7) What expectations does your company have for suppliers (producers/marketers) to develop new product offerings incorporating a lower carbon footprint (e.g., carbon offsets, carbon capture, RNG, etc.) Are the renewable percentage targets being imposed by various lawmakers practically achievable? What will the price impact be on ratepayers?
8) Considering renewables and ESG policies, how are these affecting your purchasing strategies?
9) Have your company’s greenhouse gas emission goals affected your natural gas purchasing strategy?
10) Does your company plan to make purchases of renewable natural gas? If so, is there a specific strategy regarding management of the price premium?
11) Does your company plan to make purchases of low methane emission intensity geologic production? If so, what is your strategy regarding certification?
12) Has increasing difficulty in completing pipeline expansion projects affected your strategy around supply sourcing?
13) Are you concerned with the legislative push in some states for 100% renewable energy in the near future?
14) Do you anticipate local lawmakers adopting bans on new natural gas connections? If so, how will your company respond?

Please join our hosts, the Corporate Sponsors, at a cocktail reception in your honor. Don’t make your dinner plans too early as hors d’oeuvres and an open bar will be the highlight of this extremely well attended session!

Discussion of measures underway to prevent malicious intrusion on operation of critical natural gas infrastructure, including systems/software best practices, tactical leveraging of automation, etc. Implications for pipeline shippers will also be discussed. The recent Colonial Pipeline incident emphasizes the importance of this topic.

Participants in today's natural gas markets are under pressure from customers, counterparties, shareholders, regulators and other stakeholders. Savvy market leaders are leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to optimize commercial operations as they transform their businesses. This panel examines several digital cloud-based technologies including energy pricing and information services, B2B marketplaces, and energy trading & risk management (ETRM) systems.