ND oil lease auction brings record $71.6M AP (November 06, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - An auction of oil drilling rights on North Dakota state land has fetched $71.6 million, a record haul that will go mostly to benefit public schools.
Oil falls below $78 as US unemployment rises AP (November 06, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices lost over $2 to stumble below $78 a barrel Friday as rising U.S. unemployment figures renewed concerns about the economic recovery and consumer demand.
Senator: No stimulus money for US-China wind farm AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic senator is calling on the Obama administration to reject an expected request for economic stimulus money for a $1.5 billion West Texas wind energy project.
Dynegy posts 3Q loss on sale of plants AP (November 05, 2009) (AP) - Power company Dynegy Inc. said Thursday that it posted a second straight big quarterly loss as it continues to write down the value of plants that it is selling as part of a deal to bolster finances.
Statoil partners with China in Gulf of Mexico AP (November 05, 2009) OSLO (AP) - Norwegian oil company Statoil ASA agreed last month to sell part of its interests in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, a company spokesman said Thursday.
Sweden OKs Baltic Sea gas pipeline AP (November 05, 2009) STOCKHOLM (AP) - Sweden on Thursday became the second nation to approve a Baltic Sea pipeline that would ship Russian natural gas to Germany, saying the project meets its demands to protect the marine environment.
Oil: back to $80 per barrel as dollar slides AP (November 04, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Crude prices bounced above $80 per barrel once again on Wednesday, a level that even OPEC leaders have said is too high given the fragile state of the global economy.
Oil falls to near $79 despite US crude supply drop AP (November 04, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices fell slightly to near $79 a barrel Wednesday in Asia despite an unexpected drop in U.S. crude supplies which suggested demand may be picking up.
Explosion reported as fire breaks out at refinery AP (November 04, 2009) WOODS CROSS, Utah (AP) - A fire broke out at a refinery north of Salt Lake City on Wednesday, reportedly causing an explosion that damaged homes.
Oil up above $80 on weak dollar, lower inventories AP (November 04, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices rose to above $80 a barrel Wednesday, helped by the weaker dollar and a report pointing to a drop in U.S. crude supplies.
Reactor shutdown at nuclear plant in NYC suburbs AP (November 03, 2009) BUCHANAN, N.Y. (AP) - Federal regulators say a nuclear power reactor in the New York City suburbs has been shut down because of an electrical fault.
Oil hovers near $78 amid positive US economic data AP (November 03, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices hovered near $78 a barrel Tuesday in Asia as investors welcomed new U.S. manufacturing and construction figures as positive signs of an economic recovery.
Marathon production rising; profits tumble AP (November 03, 2009) (AP) - Marathon Oil said Tuesday that its third quarter profit plunged from a year ago when record-high prices sent gasoline prices over $4 per gallon.
Nevada utility panel taking public comment in Reno AP (November 03, 2009) RENO, Nev. (AP) - Nevada state utility regulators plan a public meeting in Reno to hear from residents about electric, gas, telephone, railroad and water service in northern Nevada.
Judge to reschedule ex-Westar CEO trial AP (November 03, 2009) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to schedule the third criminal trial for a pair of former Westar Energy Inc. executives.
Oil edges lower ahead of Fed meeting AP (November 03, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices edged lower Tuesday as a stronger dollar cooled the money flow into energy markets that has propped up crude prices for months.
SD regulators to hold public hearing on pipeline AP (November 03, 2009) PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The Public Utilities Commission gets comments from the public Tuesday evening in Pierre on the $920 million, 313-mile stretch of the Keystone XL pipeline that TransCanada Keystone plans to build across western and south central South Dakota.
Wis. regulators approve utility's biomass plan AP (November 02, 2009) ASHLAND, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved a utility's latest plan to replace coal and use logging residue and dead trees as the primary fuel to generate electricity.
SEC staff issues acctg. guidelines for oil cos. AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - To help energy companies meet a requirement of providing more detailed information to investors when reporting oil and natural gas reserves, federal regulators issued new accounting guidelines Friday.
Duke Energy profits fall; conditions stabilize AP (October 30, 2009) (AP) - Duke Energy reported Friday that sales to industrial customers have begun to stabilize, another signal that better economic conditions have led to growing power consumption.
Retail gas prices highest in a year AP (October 30, 2009) (AP) - Retail gasoline prices chugged higher Friday to a new peak for the year, forcing consumers to dig deeper into already-thin wallets to pay for fuel.
Number of active rigs increase by 21 AP (October 30, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. this week has risen 21 this week to 1,069.
Hydro-Quebec agrees to buy more energy assets AP (October 30, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canadian utility company Hydro-Quebec says it will pay 4.7 billion Canadian dollars ($4.4 billion) for the assets of New Brunswick Power, a deal that would help the company secure greater access to electricity markets in the U.S.
AEP 3Q profit climbs with rate hikes, cost cuts AP (October 29, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Power company American Electric Power said Thursday that its third quarter earnings rose 18 percent as rate increases throughout its service area and cost cutting offset continued weak demand for electricity from industrial customers.
Natural gas stocks climb to record high AP (October 29, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Natural gas stockpile levels rose last week to a new high, the government said Thursday.
Exxon Mobil 3Q profit drops 68 pct, production up AP (October 29, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The world's largest publicly traded oil company said Thursday that oil production is bouncing back with crude prices.
Oil hangs below $78 amid demand doubts AP (October 29, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices hung below $78 a barrel Thursday in Asia as an unexpected jump in U.S. gasoline supplies cast doubt on the strength of a recovery in crude demand.
Shell Q3 profit falls 62 pct, to cut 5,000 jobs AP (October 29, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Europe's largest oil company, reported Thursday a 62 percent fall in profit for the third quarter due to lower oil prices, and said it plans to cut 5,000 jobs to cope with continuing weakness in the global economy.
Pickens: OSU town hall will be among his last AP (October 28, 2009) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Billionaire energy magnate T. Boone Pickens says a town-hall meeting planned for his alma mater to promote his "Pickens Plan" for energy independence will be his next-to-last in a university setting.
Oil below $79 on mixed signs for US recovery AP (October 28, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices fell below $79 a barrel Wednesday amid mixed signals about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery and the dollar's gains against other major currencies.
ConocoPhillips 3Q profit tumble; production jumps AP (October 28, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - ConocoPhillips said Wednesday that low natural gas prices and thin margins from its gasoline refining business drove profits down 71 percent in the third quarter, but the oil company is ramping up production as crude prices jump.
Kansas transmission line project back in mix AP (October 28, 2009) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A proposed ultra high-voltage power line in southern Kansas is back on the drawing board after a regional planning body decided Tuesday to keep it a priority.
Energy prices fall ahead of govt supply report AP (October 28, 2009) (AP) - Energy prices fell Wednesday ahead of a government report that could show whether supplies of crude and gasoline are growing tighter as prices at the pump rise.
Enterprise Products 3Q profit rises on volume AP (October 28, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - Pipeline operator Enterprise Products Partners LP said Wednesday volume growth and strong natural gas processing margins helped boost earnings 4.8 percent in the third quarter.
Ark. energy companies make case for climate bill AP (October 27, 2009) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - An industry group said Monday that alternative energy companies need Congress to pass the climate bill so they will be assured of a long-term market, one that will ultimately lower energy costs and employ 25,000 in Arkansas by 2020.
Ecuador to Europe: Pay us not to drill in Amazon AP (October 27, 2009) QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador's president is in London this week to promote a unique proposal: pay his country $3 billion not to drill for oil in a pristine Amazon reserve.
BP 3rd-qtr profit down by a third, tops forecasts AP (October 27, 2009) LONDON (AP) - BP PLC, Europe's second-largest oil company, reported higher than expected profits in the third quarter though earnings were depressed by the sharp fall in oil and gas prices in the past year.
Wis. nonprofit gets $3.3M grant for solar training AP (October 27, 2009) MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A Wisconsin nonprofit will train solar power instructors throughout the Midwest with a $3.3 million federal grant.
Valero margins get squeezed, loss widens AP (October 27, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The largest independent petroleum refiner in the U.S. reported a loss for the third quarter Tuesday with crude prices rising sharply over the past three months even as the country used less energy and Americans traveled less.
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers AP (October 27, 2009) JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation.
Calif. utility wants to buy more solar power AP (October 27, 2009) LOS ANGELES (AP) - California's largest utility said it plans to boost the amount of solar power it buys from residents and businesses as the state pushes for wider use of alternative energy.
Obama promotes 'smart grid' AP (October 27, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - After an overnight stay in Miami, President Barack Obama heads to Arcadia, Fla., to promote "smart grid" technologies.
US reps worry ocean policy will block development AP (October 27, 2009) ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Dozens of U.S. representatives sent a letter Monday to the head of the President's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force with concerns that the policy will block offshore energy development and cost jobs.
Oil falls to near $80 for third day of losses AP (October 26, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices slipped to near $80 a barrel Monday in Asia as traders looked to this week's company earnings and U.S. economic data for evidence that justifies last week's jump to a 2009 high.
Safety board to investigate Tesoro refinery fire AP (October 23, 2009) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board says it is sending a three-person team to investigate a fire at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Salt Lake City.
Politics at play as Obama talks energy at MIT AP (October 23, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is doing more than promoting clean energy with a tour of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He's pumping some energy of his own into the campaigns of New England allies facing tough re-election bids.
Economy, cool summer hurt Exelon profit AP (October 23, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Power generator Exelon said Friday that the weak economy and the cool summer dragged down its third-quarter profit.
Tenneco shares rise on investor optimism AP (October 23, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Tenneco Inc. rose Friday on expectations that the auto parts supplier's sales will benefit from increased vehicle production and tightening emissions standards for light and commercial vehicles across the globe.
Oil holds above $81 as global economy recovers AP (October 23, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices held above $81 a barrel Friday, just below a one-year high, as signs the global economic recovery is gathering pace fueled investor optimism.
Number of active rigs increase by 8 AP (October 23, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. this week has risen by eight this week to 1,048.
Fla. House panel discusses offshore drilling AP (October 22, 2009) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Texas and Alabama get far less money every year from offshore drilling in their state waters than advocates say Florida can expect, the state's environmental chief told a House panel Wednesday.
OSU experts discuss sweet sorghum use in ethanol AP (October 22, 2009) CHICKASHA, Okla. (AP) - With demand growing for ethanol produced from sources other than corn, researchers at Oklahoma State University said Wednesday that state agriculture producers could someday grow sweet sorghum or switchgrass as cash crops.
Oil slips below $81, retreating from 2009 high AP (October 22, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices slipped below $81 a barrel Thursday, retreating from a 2009 high, as a wobbly U.S. dollar steadied against other currencies.
Vermont Senate chief questions Entergy spinoff AP (October 22, 2009) MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's future as a provider of a third of the state's electricity could be in jeopardy if the plant's owner spins it off to a newly created company, the head of the state Senate said Wednesday.
Occidental's oil production jumps, profits slump AP (October 22, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Occidental Petroleum says it's producing more crude and making more money off of it in the third-quarter even though profits slumped compared with last year when oil prices were at record highs.
Serbia seen as hub for Russian gas in Europe AP (October 22, 2009) BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Serbia will become a major hub for distribution of Russian natural gas to Europe thanks to the storage and transport capacities of the planned South Stream pipeline, the general manager of Serbia' state energy company said Thursday.
Oil dips on hints of a buildup in supplies AP (October 21, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices fell again Wednesday on hints that the amount of unused crude going into storage is on the rise. Retail gasoline prices, however, moved higher for the eight consecutive day.
Oil slips for second day, falls below $79 AP (October 21, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices fell for a second day Wednesday in Asia as investors eyed a bigger-than-expected U.S. crude inventory increase and weak economic data.
ND defies predictions with record oil production AP (October 20, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota is again setting monthly oil production records and may be on pace to set a record for the year, state and industry officials said Tuesday.
Oil briefly above $80 as earnings beat forecasts AP (October 20, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices briefly rose above $80 a barrel Tuesday as better-than-expected U.S. corporate earnings boosted investor confidence and the dollar fell against other major currencies.
Weatherford International 3Q profit drops 79 pct AP (October 19, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Weatherford International Ltd. on Monday said weakened demand for North American drilling slashed its third-quarter profits by 79 percent, but an uptick in international revenue helped soften the blow.
Oil jumps above $79 in Asia to 2009 high AP (October 19, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices jumped above $79 a barrel to a 2009 high Monday in Asia as investors looked to the corporate earnings of big U.S. retailers this week for signs consumers may be regaining confidence.
Power troubles delay trains between Washington, NY AP (October 19, 2009) NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Power problems stalled trains between Washington and New York, causing rush-hour delays along the busy Northeast Corridor.
Oil jumps above $79 to 2009 high before retreating AP (October 19, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices jumped above $79 a barrel to a 2009 high on Monday before falling back as investors looked to the corporate earnings of big U.S. retailers this week for signs consumers may be regaining confidence.
NRC: Up to Congress to stop nuke waste imports AP (October 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Witnesses tell a House committee its up to Congress to stop other countries from shipping their radioactive waste to the United States.
Oil up to near $78 as weeklong rally continues AP (October 16, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices were up to near $78 a barrel Friday, continuing a weeklong rally amid an unexpected drop in U.S. gasoline inventories.
Eni, Repsol confirm record Venezuela gas discovery AP (October 16, 2009) MILAN (AP) - The Italian oil company Eni and Spain's Repsol on Friday said tests have confirmed that their natural gas discovery offshore Venezuela is the largest ever in the country.
Brigham Bakken well flows 2,112 boepd, shares rise AP (October 16, 2009) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Oil and gas company Brigham Exploration Co. on Friday said that one of its wells in the Bakken Shale produced an initial rate of about 2,112 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Oil jumps to fresh 1-year high above $75 AP (October 15, 2009) VIENNA (AP) - Oil prices reached a fresh one-year high above $75 a barrel Thursday, boosted by a weaker U.S. dollar and growing investor optimism about an economic recovery.
Heating bills likely to remain comfortable AP (October 15, 2009) DENVER (AP) - A nasty winter weather outlook is usually enough to put a crimp in your wallet because of anticipated shortages of fuels like heating oil and natural gas.
Dollar loses punch and crude finds momentum AP (October 14, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices on Wednesday soared to new highs for the year because of a weak dollar and the upcoming holiday shopping season that could bring more traffic to the roads.
Texas heavy industries worry about EPA crackdown AP (October 14, 2009) DALLAS (AP) - For 15 years, environmentalists have complained that state regulations have allowed the powerful oil and chemical industries to skirt Clean Air Act standards in Texas, the nation's foremost producer of industrial air pollution.
Oil prices jump above $75 a barrel to 1-year high AP (October 14, 2009) VIENNA (AP) - Oil prices jumped above $75 a barrel Wednesday for the first time in a year on investor optimism crude demand will improve ahead of the Christmas shopping season.
World stocks up as tanking dollar boosts oil, gold AP (October 14, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Global stock markets rose Wednesday as China's economy showed more signs of recovery and oil prices touched a new high for the year above $75 a barrel.
Supreme Court will hear appeal of Enron's Skilling AP (October 13, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court will consider throwing out the convictions of former Enron Chief Executive Officer Jeff Skilling for his role in the collapse of the one-time energy giant.
Report: Oil demand peaked in 2005 for West AP (October 13, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - An international energy think tank says oil demand in developed countries likely peaked in 2005, well before the recession sent crude prices plummeting.
Chaparral Energy in deal to go public AP (October 13, 2009) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Privately held oil and gas producer Chaparral Energy Inc. would go public as a result of a deal with United Refining Energy Corp., a company created two years ago to make deals in the energy business.
Gazprom strikes preliminary gas deal with China AP (October 13, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - China and Russia signed a framework agreement Tuesday that could see a steady flow of natural gas to energy-hungry China from its resource-rich neighbor.
Oil up to near $74 in Europe as dollar weakens AP (October 13, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices rose to near $74 a barrel Tuesday as the weakening dollar made commodities - which are priced in the U.S. currency - cheaper for international investors and increased their appeal as protection against inflation.
OPEC sees 2010 oil demand up almost 1 percent AP (October 13, 2009) CAIRO (AP) - A rebounding global economy spurred on mainly by China and other developing nations is expected to boost world oil demand by slightly under 1 percent next year, OPEC said Tuesday while cautioning that the pace of recovery remains far from certain.
Oil, fuel prices jump as dollar, temperatures fall AP (October 12, 2009) (AP) - Energy prices rose Monday as an October chill across much of the U.S. sent thermometers plummeting along with the weakening U.S. currency.
Energy high on agenda for Putin visit to China AP (October 12, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin landed in China Monday in an effort to bolster energy, political and military ties between the former rival nations turned strategic partners.
Oil over $73 ahead of US earnings results AP (October 12, 2009) VIENNA (AP) - Oil prices rose above $73 a barrel Monday as investors looked to a slew of U.S. corporate earnings reports this week for signs of economic recovery.
Siemens loans $178M to finance wind expansion AP (October 12, 2009) ISELIN, N.J. (AP) - Siemens Financial Services Inc. said Monday that it has loaned Windy Point Partners II $178 million to finance expansion of a wind project in Washington state.