[IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE]     Wednesday, January 30, 2002  Home  - Email Preferences  - Account        [IMAGE]         [IMAGE]         [IMAGE]    SITE MENU    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] News    Power News     Gas News     Prices     Stock Market    Snapshots    Industry M & A     Power Plants     Nuclear Data     Power Marketing Data    Company Profiles    Investor Owned Utilities     Cooperatives     Municipals     State / Federal     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   NEW CONTENT!    [IMAGE] [IMAGE]   Include the following in your Energy Central Direct:  EREN Network News  A weekly newsletter from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN).   IntercontinentalExchange Gas Indices  See the Firm Physical Natural Gas traded at over 20 hubs through the IntercontinentalExchange trading platform.     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   SPONSORS    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE]  [IMAGE] RER   [IMAGE] LODESTAR CORPORATION   [IMAGE] Silicon Energy   [IMAGE] The Structure Group   [IMAGE] Allegro Development   [IMAGE] Itron   [IMAGE] KWI   [IMAGE] Excelergy   [IMAGE] Energy Solutions Plus, Inc.    [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   TALK TO US    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Ideas Wanted!  We are eager to hear your ideas, feedback, and suggestions for this product.  Together we will create the most useful information tool for the electric power industry.   Partners Wanted!  Reach over 50,000 electric power professionals with your news, analysis,  commentary or insight into the industry. Call Mark Johnson at 303-782-5510     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]  AdvertisementLODESTAR CORPORATION      ELECTRIC POWER NEWS - TOP STORIES    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Energy Central's editors have selected these as the top stories of the day:    Bush Backs Cheney on Energy Papers, Rejects Suggestions of Enron Influence  By Anne E. Kornblut, The Boston Globe, Jan. 29 Enron names restructuring expert as CEO  HOUSTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - NY, New England power grid operators agree to join  NEW YORK, Jan 29 (Reuters) Rhode Island Legislators Hope to Fix Short-Circuit in Electricity Law  By Timothy C. Barmann, Providence Journal, R.I., Jan. 29   [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   ELECTRIC POWER NEWS - MOST REQUESTED    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] These stories have been most requested by Energy Central members in the last two weeks.    Court overturns approval of AEP, Central SW merger     By Julie Vorman, WASHINGTON, Jan 18 (Reuters)  SPECIAL REPORT: U.S. Power Production Scorecard: Who Is Building New Power Plants, And Where? What Fuel Sources Will Be Used?     by Will McNamara, IssueAlert, Jan. 16 (Scientech)  Enron energy services clients may take profit hits     By Carolyn Koo, NEW YORK, Jan 16 (Reuters)  FERC to create electricity market monitoring unit     WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (Reuters)  Arthur Andersen's CEO Points a Finger at Enron's Business Model     By Julie Mason, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 21   [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   GAS INDUSTRY NEWS - TOP STORIES    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Energy Central's editors have selected these as the top stories of the day:    Atlanta Gas Light Seeks Agreement with Public Service Commission on Rates  By Matthew C. Quinn, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution , Jan. 29 Judge Says Port of Houston Must Move Pipelines for Dredging of Ship Channel  By Nelson Antosh, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 29 Petro-Canada to buy Veba assets for C$3.2 billion  CALGARY, Jan 29 (Reuters)   [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]      [IMAGE]   WSI Energycast Trader [IMAGE]  [IMAGE]  IN THIS ISSUE     [IMAGE]    [IMAGE] [IMAGE]   Daily Edition for paul.d.thomas@enron.com  [IMAGE]     Electric Power News  Restructuring Today   RER's eMetrix Load Forecast: CAL ISO  Electric Power News - Top Stories  Electric Power News - Most Requested  Gas Industry News - Top Stories           Selected Content Not In This Issue   Utility Spotlight - Every Monday Utility Stock Price - Top Gainers - Each Tuesday    [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]      [IMAGE]  ELECTRIC POWER NEWS     [IMAGE]    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Selected 97 of 97  Articles Today!      THESE ARTICLES BROUGHT TO YOU BY     ITRON OFFERS WEB-BASED, WIRELESS WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION.  Service-Link, developed by eMobile Data and marketed to the utility  industry exclusively by Itron, combines the power of the Internet and  the speed of wireless communications to take field operations to the  next level. Service-Link is a low-cost, fully integrated application  to manage virtually all field service tasks - service turn ons/turn  offs, gas leak detection, credit and collections, meter services and  emergency calls - quickly and efficiently, while eliminating the  labor-intensive manual processing of work orders. To know more,  start here: http://www.itron.com .       Top Stories     Bush Backs Cheney on Energy Papers, Rejects Suggestions of Enron Influence   By Anne E. Kornblut, The Boston Globe, Jan. 29 As the White House and congressional overseers headed toward an unprecedented court battle, President Bush firmly backed Vice President Cheney's refusal to turn over the records of the administration's energy task force yesterday.  [IMAGE]   Rhode Island Legislators Hope to Fix Short-Circuit in Electricity Law   By Timothy C. Barmann, Providence Journal, R.I., Jan. 29 Key state legislators in the House of Representatives are preparing a series of measures to help spark competition in the electricity industry because they say a six-year-old law is not working as they had hoped.  [IMAGE]   NY, New England power grid operators agree to join   NEW YORK, Jan 29 (Reuters) ISO New England Inc. and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which oversee the electric power and wholesale market systems in New England and New York, said on Tuesday they have agreed to develop a common electricity marketplace for their adjacent regions.  [IMAGE]   Enron names restructuring expert as CEO   HOUSTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Hobbled energy giant Enron Corp. on Tuesday named restructuring expert Stephen Cooper as acting chief executive, the latest effort to clean up after former managers who brought the company to its knees.       Press Release     WORLD ENERGY SOLUTIONS SURPASSES $250 MILLION IN ENERGY TRANSACTIONS USING EXCELERGY'S TECHNOLOGY   WORCESTER, MA and LEXINGTON, MA (January 29, 2002) Energy procurement and management services leader World Energy Solutions Inc. today announced that more than $250 million worth of power and natural gas was bought and sold on its Internet-based exchange during 2001. World Energy Solutions, which is now using Excelergy Corporation's technology platform, managed the exchange of 2.5 billion kilowatt hours in electricity alone, making it the undisputed leading retail electric exchange in North America.       California Crisis     Federal Audit Wants to Disband California Governor's Electricity Board   By Mike Taugher, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Jan. 26 A five-member board formed last year by Gov. Gray Davis to run the electricity grid should be disbanded in favor of a more independent panel that is less susceptible to political influence, according to a federally commissioned audit released Friday.       California Burned by Enron Downfall   Jan 29, 2002 - Associated Press Enron Corp.'s downfall opened fresh financial wounds in California - a state that blames the energy merchant for riddling it with crippling power bills last year.       Plant Construction Slows   Jan. 29 (California Energy Markets) The dreaded bust following the power project boom appears to be kicking in, and the California Energy Commission expects electricity supplies to be less than projected. Special Offer from this Publisher!     [IMAGE] ADVERTISEMENT    Public Utilities Fortnightly magazine is offering advertising  opportunities in their March 15th issue, covering E-Commerce, B2Bs and  Security topics. In addition to reaching Fortnightly readers, this  issue will receive bonus distribution at the Electric Power/E-ProCom  Conference. Contact Joseph Paparello for details at paparello@pur.com  or 703-847-7759.        National Energy Policy     Congress, White House in Tug-of-War over Energy Policy Talks   By James Kuhnhenn, Knight Ridder Washington Bureau, Jan. 29 Congress wants to know who met with Vice President Cheney's energy policy task force in private last year -- especially who from Enron and other energy companies.      Competition & Deregulation     Survey Finds Dallas-Area Power Users Profit by Comparing Rates   By Charlene Oldham, The Dallas Morning News, Jan. 29 Residential consumers in the Dallas area can save as much as $6.50 a month on their power bills if they are willing to shop around in the state's newly deregulated market, according to a survey by Wattage Monitor Inc.       Enron Challenged PECO in Duel for Pennsylvania Electricity Consumers   By David DeKok, The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa., Jan. 26 At the time, it was just another big Texas energy company.      Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures     Analysts Say Indiana Utility's Electric Business May Be for Sale   By Keith Benman, South Bend Tribune, Ind., Jan. 27 The Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) may be getting ready to sell off its electric business, according to consumer groups and industry analysts.       Montana Public Service Commission Unanimously Approves NorthWestern's Acquisition of Montana Power's Utility Business   SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Montana Public Service Commission today unanimously approved NorthWestern Corporation's pending acquisition of The Montana Power Company's energy transmission and distribution business.       E.ON Places Pressure on Government   Jan 28, 2002 - FT World Media Abstracts via Comtex The battle by E.ON AG, the German utilities group, to obtain ministerial permission (Ministererlaubnis) for its planned acquisition of Ruhrgas AG, the gas company, is entering a new round after the German cartel office refused to approve the deal.       EnBW Acquires Majority Stake in Zeag   Jan 28, 2002 - FT World Media Abstracts via Comtex Energie Baden-Wurttemberg AG (EnBW), the German energy company, is acquiring a 50.09 per cent in local energy company Zementwerk Lauffen-Elektrizitatswerk Heilbronn AG (Zeag) from the municipality of Heilbronn.      Legislation/Regulation     Senate panel probes Enron's energy market impact   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Federal regulators testifying before a Senate panel on Tuesday said no new enforcement powers were needed to police energy markets in the wake of Enron Corp.'s collapse.       Democratic senator says Enron collapse shows power markets need oversight   By H. JOSEF HEBERT Associated Press Writer, WASHINGTON, Jan 29, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- The collapse of Enron Corp. shows that government oversight of competitive power markets is still needed, says a Democratic senator whose energy legislation will be taken up by the Senate in coming weeks.       Arthur Andersen Faces Closer Scrutiny on Enron Debacle   Chicago Tribune, Jan. 28 With the first round of hearings investigating the collapse of Enron Corp. now complete, congressional leaders say they have many more questions--and plans for more hearings--regarding what role the Chicago-based Andersen accounting firm may have played in the energy giant's failure.       Enron understated lobbying spending -research group   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) Bankrupt energy firm Enron Corp understated by almost $1 million how much it spent on lobbying Washington for the first half of 2001, the Center for Responsive Politics said on Tuesday.       US panel seeks data on Andersen-Enron consulting   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday sought additional information from embattled auditor Andersen about consulting work it did for now-collapsed Enron Corp., as well as details about who was involved in shredding documents related to Andersen's audit of the energy firm's books.       RPT-SEC staff's accounting report sits unfinished   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Securities and Exchange Commission staff began drafting a report in 2000 that criticized the way accounting firms rate each other's work but the report lies unfinished despite renewed interest in audit issues raised by the collapse of Enron Corp.       Analysis: Enron's shock waves keep growing   By MARTIN SIEFF, Senior News Analyst, WASHINGTON, Jan 28, 2002 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Like a giant tidal wave that steadily picks up force and towering height the closer it gets to land, the political shock waves from the Enron collapse are growing by the day rather than diminishing, and now they are shaking the Bush administration's ship of state, despite all the shrewd tactical moves that have been made to contain them.      Rates     Public Reaction Can Influence Nevada Utility's Rate Case, State Officials Say   By John G. Edwards, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jan. 29 Hundreds of local residents have showed up at this month's public hearings to criticize Nevada Power's plans to increase rates by nearly $1 billion, but some of the company's critics wonder if anybody is really listening.       Many Mexicans to pay higher electric rates   Mexico City, Jan 28, 2002 (EFE via COMTEX) --  Nearly one-third of all Mexican households will start paying higher electric bills as of Feb. 1, when government subsidies come to an end, Finance Minister Francisco Gil said Monday.      General     Appleton, Wis., Analyst Says Enron Inquiry Could Impact Employee-Owned Firms   By Judy Waggoner, The Post-Crescent, Appleton, Wis., Jan. 28 What the Watergate scandal did to the Nixon administration is what the Enron debacle is threatening to do to America's 11,500 employee-owned companies.       Enron collapse latest shock to Houston's economy   By Ellen Chang, HOUSTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) The collapse of Houston-based energy trading giant Enron Corp., the latest in a string of blows to the Texas city, puts the local economy in peril for the near term, according to one economist.       Developments related to the Enron collapse and investigation   By The Associated Press, Jan 29, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) --  Developments Tuesday related to the Enron collapse and investigation:       Andersen CEO Says Scandal Has Been Tough, But Firm Will Survive   By Delroy Alexander, Chicago Tribune, Jan 29 The Andersen accounting firm's chief executive acknowledged Monday that the ongoing scandal over its audits of Enron Corp. had cost Andersen business, but he said longtime clients remain loyal and he predicted the firm would survive.       Charities Benefit from Enron Cash   By Jeff Zeleny, Chicago Tribune, Jan. 28 When former Enron employee Rebekah Rushing opened an account at the Humble Community Bank in Texas to help her jobless colleagues, she hoped her deposit of $90 would slowly multiply from the kindness of ordinary citizens.       Enron Ethics Manual and Much More for Sale on eBay   By William Hageman, Chicago Tribune, Jan. 28 They may not exactly be laughing all the way to the bank, but some former Enron employees are at least smirking these days.       Art exhibit is telling lens on Enron culture   By C. Bryson Hull, HOUSTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) It is probably the only funny collection of tombstones in the world.      Trading/Marketing     CFTC chairman says no market manipulation by Enron   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) Bankrupt Enron Corp. did not try to engage in market manipulation at any futures exchange, the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission told a Senate panel on Tuesday.       ICE e-exchange to start U.S. clearing system in Feb   LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) IntercontinentalExchange, the energy and metals Internet trading platform, said on Tuesday it planned to introduce clearing systems for its U.S. oil and natural gas trades by the end of next month.       ICE to launch European power trading by mid-year   LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Electronic trading platform IntercontinentalExchange said on Tuesday it planned to begin trading European power contracts by middle of 2002.       Energy Traders Under Scrutiny   By BRAD FOSS AP Business Writer, NEW YORK, Jan 28, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- Enron Corp. is not the only energy trader whose books are getting a closer look.       Enron collapse does not mean energy futures mkts need reform - US regulators   WASHINGTON, Jan 29, 2002 (AFX-Asia via COMTEX) -- US federal regulators said the country's energy futures markets do not need reforming in the wake of Enron Corp's recent collapse.       Sempra Energy Trading Acquires Enron Metals Limited   STAMFORD, Conn., Jan 29, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --  Sempra Energy Trading, the wholesale energy trading subsidiary of Sempra Energy, today announced that it is acquiring London-based Enron Metals Limited, the leading metals trader on the London Metals Exchange (LME).      Power Pricing/Supply     Analysts Split on Enron's Role in Setting Northwest Power Prices   The Seattle Times, Jan. 29 Enron used its clout in the Northwest power market to set artificially high prices in a segment of the Northwest electricity market, a Portland utility analyst contends.       Outage Rumors, Varying Temps Leave Central Prices Mixed   Jan. 29 (Btu's Daily Power Report) Prices in the Central U.S. were seen varying today as some areas experienced temperatures that soared as high as 18 degrees above normal while others fell victim to mixtures of sleet and rain. Special Offer from this Publisher!        Enron-omic Stimulus?   Jan. 28 (Energy Market Report) Despite the continuing grip of a cold snap, and a rash of unit outages over the weekend, most Western power prices for Tuesday delivery ended slightly weaker in the first trading session of the new week. Special Offer from this Publisher!       Transmission & Reliability     TransEnergie seeks Australia power link approval   MELBOURNE, Jan 29 (Reuters) Power company TransEnergie Australia Pty Ltd said on Tuesday it had sought approval for a A$100 million regulated power project to boost power flows between New South Wales and Victoria.       MISO, PJM and SPP Announce Single Market Design Forum   CARMEL, Ind., VALLEY FORGE, Pa. and LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO), PJM Interconnection and Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) announce the formation of a Single Market Design Forum to identify the needs of market participants and promote efficiency in electricity markets.        Min: Andean Interconnection Agreement Almost Ready   Jan 28, 2002 (BNamericas.com via COMTEX) --  The agreement on interconnection between Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela is almost ready for signing, and progress has been made by the regulators to bring each country's rules into line, Peru's Mines & Energy minister Jaime Quijandria told Peruvian press.      Power Projects     Enron Fallout Hits Energy Projects in Northwest   By Jeff Manning, The Oregonian, Portland, Ore., Jan. 28 The far-reaching Enron disaster is making itself felt even in tiny burgs like Turner, Ore., and Starbuck, Wash.       NRG, AlintaGas plan power station   MELBOURNE, Jan 29 (Reuters) Energy company AlintaGas Ltd and NRG Asia-Pacific Ltd said on Tuesday they were looking into building a generator in Western Australia to provide lower-cost electricity to customers in the state's south-west grid.       Residents balk at proposal for power station   Jan 28 - The Santa Fe New Mexican Fifty yards west of a two-lane highway that runs along the Rio Grande bosque, a modest sign hangs upside-down on a fence post.      Legal     Retirement Plan Is Focus of Class-Action Lawsuit by Former Enron Employees   By Rosanna Ruiz, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 29 More than 400 former Enron Corp. employees have filed a federal class-action lawsuit demanding company executives, Arthur Andersen and the administrator of their retirement plan "make good" on its losses.      Renewables     Wind Energy Faces Hurdles in Nebraska   By Nancy Gaarder, Omaha World-Herald, Neb., Jan. 28 The blustery high plains near the Panhandle city of Kimball, Neb., soon will be home to what may be the future of wind energy in Nebraska.       Oklahoma Gas & Electric Pushes Wind Power Option   By Russell Ray, Tulsa World, Okla., Jan. 29 Customers of Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. would be offered an opportunity to buy wind-generated electricity under a proposal that would raise rates by $22 million, papers filed Monday with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission show.       INTERVIEW-Enel GreenPower to up production 30 pct by 2005   By Julia Hancock, ROME, Jan 29 (Reuters) Italy's GreenPower, the world's largest renewable energy producer, will spend 2 billion euros on a range of generating systems to raise its output by 30 percent in the next three years, GreenPower's CEO said on Tuesday.       Renewable Energy in Sweden AB to investigate possibilities of using wind power in Afghanistan   Jan 29, 2002 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) --  The Swedish energy resources developer Renewable Energy in Sweden AB has been commissioned by the US company Convergence Energy to investigate the possibilities for using wind power in Afghanistan.       Wind power report questioned   Jan 28 - South Bend Tribune A recent study published by Purdue University professor Stephen B. Lovejoy on the potential for wind power in Indiana generated a little bit of heat, but almost no light on the subject.       Congressional Battle Stalls Wind Power Tax Credit   Jan 29 - Environment News Service New wind farms installed across the United States in 2001 will produce as much electricity annually as 475,000 average American households use, according to a year end analysis by the American Wind Energy Association.      Plants     Power Plant Company's Contract Sparks Feud over Payment in California   By Jim Hinch, The Orange County Register, Calif., Jan. 28 AES Corp.'s controversial seaside power plant, already suffering the effects of a drastically changed electricity market, is mired in a $58 million dispute with a Costa Mesa contractor and more than 100 subcontractors nationwide, some of whom say they face layoffs and bankruptcy if their bills are not paid.      Energy Efficiency/Conservation     Power Plant Will Slash Marine Base Energy Bills in Twentynine Palms, Calif.   By Joseph Ascenzi, The Business Press, Ontario, Calif., Jan. 28 A Milwaukee company will build and install a $16.1 million electrical system that will sharply cut energy bills at the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command in Twentynine Palms.      People     Scandal Surrounds Columbia, Mo., Native, after Leaving Helm of Enron   By Chris Birk, Columbia Daily Tribune, Mo., Jan. 28 Dan Simon was just out of Chicago airspace when it hit him.       Army Official Comes under Scrutiny over Ties to Enron   By Patty Reinert, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 29 Army Secretary Thomas White, a former top executive at Enron Corp., is coming under scrutiny by congressional investigators probing links between the Bush administration and the collapsed Houston energy trader.       Wife of Former Enron Chairman Says Lay Did No Wrong, But Couldn't Stop Crash   By Bill Murphy, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 29 The wife of former Enron Chairman Ken Lay said he would have acted to fix the company's problems if he hadn't been kept in the dark by accountants from Arthur Andersen and outside legal counsel.       Lay's wife seeks to distance her family from Bush   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) The wife of Kenneth Lay, former chief of Enron, the biggest financial backer in President George W. Bush's 2000 campaign, said on Tuesday her family was closer to Bush's parents than the current first couple.       Hastert backs Bush's withholding of energy records   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert on Tuesday backed President George W. Bush's decision not to hand over records to congressional investigators on involvement by Enron Corp. and other companies in developing the White House's energy policy.       Baker backs Cheney on Enron   By PATRICK J. KILLEN, TOKYO, Jan 29, 2002 (United Press International via COMTEX) --  U.S. Ambassador Howard Baker, a former senator and White House chief of staff, said Tuesday he would not criticize Vice President Richard Cheney for invoking the doctrine of separation of powers in declining to disclose information to Congress about his talks with Enron, Corp. officials.       Bode defends 1998 Lay contribution   Jan 28 - Tulsa World Enron executive Kenneth Lay, now at the epicenter of investigations and accusations of financial misdealing at the Houston energy giant, was a major contributor to Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode's 1998 campaign.       Jesse Jackson Meets with Former Enron Chairman Lay about Workers' Plight   By Janette Rodrigues, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 29 As former Enron employees gathered in a church across the street from the bankrupt company's headquarters, the Rev. Jesse Jackson met for nearly an hour with Ken Lay on Monday and reported that Lay seems truly concerned with the workers' financial plight.       NEWSMAKER-Restructuring pro Cooper faces Enron challenges   NEW YORK, Jan 28 (Reuters) Stephen Cooper, the partner in restructuring firm Zolfo Cooper who is expected to take over the reins of Enron Corp., may not succeed in reviving the bankrupt energy firm, industry watchers say. But it won't be for lack of trying.      Conference Announcements     "Live" From Houston and CBI's 6th Annual Merchant Energy Conference: Challenges That The Merchant Power Business Will Face in 2002 (Part 1)   By Will McNamara, IssueAlert, Jan. 29 (Scientech) On Jan. 28 and 29, I am in Houston serving as chairman of the 6th Annual Merchant Plants conference, sponsored by the Center for Business Intelligence. Special Offer from this Publisher!       Labor/Human Resources     Midwest Generation to Reduce Staff at All Seven Illinois Plants   By Paul Gordon, Journal Star, Peoria, Ill., Jan. 26 The Powerton power station will lose 38 jobs as Midwest Generation plans to reduce manpower at all seven of its Illinois plants.      Environmental     US Senate panel to tighten power plant emissions   WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) Congress can spur development of new clean air technology with legislation tightening the limits on power plant emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and carbon dioxide, a prominent backer said on Tuesday.       Senators, EPA at Odds Over Pollution   By JOHN HEILPRIN Associated Press Writer, WASHINGTON, Jan 29, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- Lawmakers who are working to reduce emissions from coal-burning power plants are frustrated by the Bush administration's determination to craft separate policies to deal with air pollution and climate change.       Lobbyists Win Out over Environmentalists in Texas Report on Global Warming   By Randy Lee Loftis, The Dallas Morning News, Jan. 28 Dallas has had some warm spells this month -- during one eight-day stretch the highs reached 6 to 21 degrees above normal -- but the real heat has come from the debate about what Texas should do about global warming.       Senate Votes to Limit Scc's Power; Let the Deq Determine Environmental Effects of Power Plants, Lawmakers Say   Jan 29, 2002 - Roanoke Times & World News The Senate passed legislation stripping the State Corporation Commission of the power to conduct environmental reviews of proposed power plants.      Nuclear     Russia's Nuclear Plants to Double Power Output by 2015   Jan 29, 2002 - Itar-Tass News Agency Russia's nuclear power plants are supposed to double the output of electricity by the year 2015, and the plant at Balakovo in the Middle Volga area will have the decisive role in it, Bulat Nigamtulin, atomic energy deputy minister, said Tuesday.      Financial     Lead Hydro One underwriter may be named this week   By Rajiv Sekhri, TORONTO, Jan 29 (Reuters) The lead underwriter in the initial public offering for Ontario power distributor Hydro One could be announced by the end of this week, a government spokesman told Reuters on Tuesday.       Enron Investments Lured Pension Giant CalPERS   By Pamela Yip, The Dallas Morning News, Jan. 28 CalPERS invested in two of Enron's controversial outside partnerships, which the company used to move debt off its balance sheet.       Liquidation seen as increasing prospect for Enron   By C. Bryson Hull, HOUSTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) There may not be enough of Enron Corp. left to reorganize now that its major money-making unit is gone, making liquidation a more probable and less palatable option, analysts and bankruptcy experts said on Monday.       ICE e-bourse considers IPO, says enjoys fast growth   LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Energy and metals electronic trading platform IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) is considering floating its shares under an initial public offering, the U.S.-based company's chief executive officer Jeff Sprecher said on Tuesday.       Mirant tries to reassure investors   ATLANTA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Power trader and generator Mirant Corp. on Tuesday attempted to assuage investor concerns over its marketing and risk management operations on a day when its shares fell as much as 19 percent.       With Enron collapse, other energy companies' books get scrutinized   By BRAD FOSS AP Business Writer, NEW YORK, Jan 28, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Enron Corp. is not the only energy trader whose books are getting a closer look.       Veba Was Already Concerned Over Enron Creative Accounting in 1999   Jan 28, 2002 - FT World Media Abstracts via Comtex Veba AG, the former German energy group which has now been merged with Viag to form the utilities giant E.ON AG, broke off merger talks with Enron, the stricken US energy trading company, in 1999, owing partly to the US group's debts in subsidiaries which were not publicly known, and partly because Enron was obviously speculating over a takeover of the German power group..       Enron Employees' 401K Disasters Send Message to Diversify   By David Ranii, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Jan. 29 The devastating losses suffered by Enron employees whose 401(k) plans were heavily invested in Enron stock have pointed a glaring spotlight at the obvious remedy: diversification.       Virginia State Workers Retirement System Reports $60 Million Loss in Enron   By Tom Shean, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va., Jan. 29 The retirement system for state employees and many municipal workers and teachers in Virginia estimated Monday that it lost $60 million from its investments in Enron Corp., the bankrupt energy company under investigation for possible accounting fraud and other misdeeds.      Financial - Results     United Illuminating Parent Buoyed by Non-Utility Businesses in Fourth Quarter   Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, Jan. 29 Fourth-quarter profits rose at United Illuminating Co.'s parent firm as nuclear generation performance improved and the non-utility businesses did better than expected.       WPS Resources earnings rise 52 percent   GREEN BAY, Wis., Jan 29 (Reuters) Energy holding company WPS Resources Co. on Tuesday reported a 52 percent increase in fourth-quarter earnings, as higher profits in nonregulated businesses offset a drop in income at its electric and gas utility operations.       TransCanada PipeLines profit slips, dividend up   CALGARY, Alberta, Jan 29 (Reuters) - TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. said on Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit slipped 5 percent, but the country's top pipeline operator raised its dividend for the second time in as many years, saying growth plans were on track.       Exelon backs 2002 EPS forecast, sees lower 1st qtr   NEW YORK, Jan 29 (Reuters) Exelon Corp., the largest U.S. nuclear generator, on Tuesday maintained its earnings forecast for 2002 and warned that its first-quarter results will be lower than year-ago results.       OUTLOOK Scottish Power Q3 boosted by reduction in US power costs   LONDON, Jan 29, 2002 (AFX-Europe via COMTEX) --  Scottish Power PLC's third quarter results, due Friday, are expected to show a significant improvement in underlying earnings due to a reduction in power costs in the US.       Enel Storms Ahead Despite Deregulation   Jan 29, 2002 - FT World Media Abstracts via Comtex Enel, the former Italian electricity monopoly, has closed 2001 with a revenue of 28.8bn euros (+7 per cent) and a gross operating margin of 8.5bn euros (+3 per cent).      International     UK govt says claims on Enron connection 'overheated nonsense'   LONDON, Jan 29, 2002 (AFX-UK via COMTEX) --  Downing Street has once again been forced to deny that the government's dealings with failed US energy group Enron Corp were improper after newspaper reports this morning suggested Prime Minister Tony Blair intervened to water down restrictions on gas-fired power stations.       Enron Australia in Liquidation   Jan 29, 2002 - Associated Press The Australian arm of Enron was placed into liquidation Tuesday, two months after its debt-ridden parent entered the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history.       Thailand Power Firm to Expand in Subregion   By Yuthana Praiwan, Bangkok Post, Thailand, Jan. 29 GMS Power Plc, part of MDX Plc, a major construction group, plans to invest at least US$3 billion in independent power projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion covering Yunnan in China, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.       Parana Cancels Privatization of Copel   Brazil, Jan 28, 2002 (BNamericas.com via COMTEX) --  The governor of Brazil's Parana state Jaime Lerner has cancelled the privatization process of integrated power company Copel due to changes in federal government policy and electricity regulations.       Spain power cos to receive 482 mln eur in 2002 to offset nuclear moratorium   MADRID, Jan 29, 2002 (AFX-Europe via COMTEX) --  Iberdrola SA, Union Electrica Fenosa SA and Endesa SA are to receive 482 mln eur from the government in 2002 to offset the impact of the nuclear moratorium, El Pais reported, citing a new sector regulation.       German cartel office starts probe into RWE, E.ON energy units' overpricing   BONN, Jan 29, 2002 (AFX-Europe via COMTEX) --  The German cartel office said it has launched an investigation into the overpricing of access to networks of ten energy network companies, including three subsidiaries of E.ON AG and two RWE AG units.       Gas Natural Gains 40% of Enron's Spanish Clients   Jan 28, 2002 - FT World Media Abstracts via Comtex Spanish gas company has gained 40 per cent of US energy group Enron's clients in Spain, according to sector sources, as part of its strategy to enter the electricity sector.       Hidrocantabrico Concludes Gas Agreement with Eni Group   Jan 28, 2002 - FT World Media Abstracts via Comtex Spanish power utility Hidrocantabrico (HC) will have a powerful ally to develop its gas business in Spain.       Chubu Electric to Cut Fees by Roughly 5%   Jan 29, 2002 - Kyodo News Chubu Electric Power Co., the utility in charge of central Japanese prefectures, indicated Tuesday it intends to match the fee cut planned by Tokyo Electric Power Co. by October.       Electricity Board - Prequalified Bidders Shun Govt Over Tariffs   Jan 29, 2002 - Africa News Service THE PRIVATISATION of the Uganda Electricity Board's successor companies has suffered a setback as two pre-qualified bidders for the generation and distribution arms of the former parastatal pulled out of talks with the government, citing confusion in tariffs.       Operation Sigma Update - Sigma Makes Arrests   By Frank Sserwaniko, Jan 28, 2002 (New Vision/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --  UGANDA Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), on Friday held one Mustafa Nsimbe after dismantling unauthorized power connections at his residence in Kawaala near Kampala.   [IMAGE]     Powered by Energy Central   ? 2002 CyberTech, Inc. All rights reserved.  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