2018 Rockies & West Agenda

This year marks a decade since the start of the US shale gas revolution — when broad-based commercial reserve development of shale resources fundamentally altered the industry, ultimately reframing market views on gas price formation. Once shaped by chronic shortages and growing import dependency, US natural gas prices have more recently been influenced by periods of prolonged surplus with a more recent imperative for exports to rebalance the domestic market. Looking ahead, it is clear that in order to avoid another decade of price-driven supply accommodation (a decade-long buyer’s market, if you will), gas suppliers will need to better align growth with consumer requirements. Given a deeper understanding of the geology, gas producers would appear up to the task. Yet, we expect that balancing act ahead will be complicated by oil producers given record associated gas on top fluctuating demand growth.

•PSEP Program Progression & Operational Improvements

Our gas buyer panelists will give you solid and valuable insight into what is currently working, what they have learned from volatility and what they will do differently next time. Topics of discussion to include:

1) What buying or pricing strategies are you currently employing, for instance, what if any long-term purchases are you making or how are you managing the hedging activities?

2) What are the important issues/challenges for your LDC/company/industry in both the short-term and the long-term? How will your LDC/company/industry meet these challenges?

3) Has FERC Order No. 849 adopted in rulemaking docket RM18-11, Rate Changes Relating to Federal Income Tax Rate, and the requirement for interstate pipelines to file Form No. 501-G had any impact on your business?

4) How has the recent low-cost commodity environment impacted expectations of and communications with end-users and regulators?

5) Were there any developments this winter that caused you to look at storage and firm transportation differently? Discuss how and why. What will you do differently to prepare for the winter of 2018/2019 based on low storage injection projections? 

6) How have exports to Mexico impacted the current natural gas market in the West?

7) Are the planned Permian pipeline projects enough to affect the current basis? What do you foresee as a result of the recent pipeline expansion and/or project delays?

8) How are Canadian Imports impacting natural gas in the Northwest / West. How could the proposed LNG Methanol exports in the NW impact the region? 

9) How has the impact of the Aliso Canyon and SoCal outages affected the region and gas buying in the region?

10) What tools and assets would you like to have access to as an end-user to improve your ability to manage your energy portfolio

11) What factors, other than price, influence your decision to choose one supplier over another?