Energy, Energy Service, Natural Gas &amp; Oil Sectors

Top 740. Oct 18, 2001 11:51 AM

» lcha - Re: Re: Re: Re: Oil futures drop to 19-month low

In response to message posted by Rande:

Man, I saw 6 new messages in the Energy thread and I actually thought I might might find some insightful comments on energy. Nope, just the same old whining about gas prices.

I just paid $1.14 for 87 octane at Albertson's. You might check to see if your corrupt and inept CA government hiked your gas taxes again. Better yet, why not sink a couple of more million $$ of taxpayers money into worthless oversight commissions to study how/if you are getting screwed by the oil companies.

Wait until the first Saudi oil field is blown up. Then you'll really know what screwed is.

-- posted by lcha

Top 741. Oct 18, 2001 1:05 PM

» Rande - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Oil futures drop to 19-month low

In response to message posted by lcha:

Same old whining? How about the same old company line? Actually, it would be nice if this is all we had to worry about again. smile

As you know, or should know, the problem with the Bay Area and places like Chicago and other major metro areas is that the independents have been virtually run out of the market by the big boys so that now they have market control. But we sure do appreciate hearing about places where this isn't the case and prices are much lower, especially when it's accompanied by the standard "tough sh*t."

-- posted by Rande

Top 742. Oct 18, 2001 1:34 PM

» lcha - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Oil futures drop to 19-month low

In response to message posted by Rande:

How did major oil companies get such a stronghold in your area that they could not get in most other areas of the country?

I assumed that gas was higher in the Bay area because the general cost of living was higher in the Bay area. Your gas prices compared to our gas prices can be compared to your real estate prices compared to our real estate prices.

Homefair salary calculator shows that if I make $100,000 in Houston and move to San Francisco, I will need $280,500 just to stay even. I'm guessing gas prices don't account for a significant portion of that HUGE difference.

You are right about 1 thing. I don't understand your gas situation but I can bet it's not 100% the oil companies fault.

-- posted by lcha

Top 743. Oct 18, 2001 1:40 PM

» Rande - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Oil futures drop to 19-month low

In response to message posted by lcha:

We've gone over this ad nauseum. There are numerous lawsuits by franchisees and independent dealers in nearly every state over the predatory practices of the big companies. The big companies have definitely been more successful in some areas as opposed to others when it comes to gaining virtual control over retail pricing. Maybe they figured that it would be more advantageous to concentrate their efforts in places like the Bay Area and Chicago. As you point out, what would be the point of gaining retail control over some Podunk town where most folks don't have a pot to pee in?

Here's the bottom line:

In the same period where unleaded gasoline futures have dropped by over 50% and crude oil has dropped by 35%, retail gasoline prices have dropped in the Bay Area by only 10%. Now, you can blame it on the Tooth Fairy if you want, but facts are facts. And consumers well know that if "something happens" anywhere in the world at anytime those same prices that are so sticky on the way down will shoot up like a rocket at a moment's notice, even if yesterday's gas is still in the underground tanks. Why do the oil companies do it? Because they can. Don't expect rank-and-file consumers to be happy about it.

-- posted by Rande

Top 744. Oct 18, 2001 5:31 PM

» R_Lewis - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Oil futures drop to 19-month low

In response to message posted by lcha:

Rande doesn't realize how much happier he would be if he moved to LA where the gas is cheaper and the streets are cleaner.

Richard

-- posted by R_Lewis

Top 745. Oct 18, 2001 5:45 PM

» Rande - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Oil futures drop to 19-month low

In response to message posted by rich8rd:

Keep tryin'. You'll show me the light eventually.

-- posted by Rande

Top 746. Oct 19, 2001 5:28 AM

» lcha - Renegotiate?

Oct. 18, 2001, 10:06PM

California's Davis wants to renegotiate contracts, but Dynegy says nothing doing
Reuters News Service

LOS ANGELES -- After coming under criticism for signing costly long-term power deals to stave off statewide blackouts, California Gov. Gray Davis is set to unveil a plan to renegotiate $43 billion in contracts, officials said Thursday.

But the plan, to be released today, is expected to be fiercely resisted by suppliers, who say they have no reason to go back to the bargaining table.

"The contracts are legally binding agreements, and therefore we don't feel any obligation to renegotiate," said Steve Stengel of Houston-based Dynegy.

Many of the deals were signed by the California Department of Water Resources in the spring when the state was desperate to secure additional supplies to avoid widely forecast summer power blackouts.

In episode 12, Daryl and Daryl run a state government...

BTW, I don't work for an electric utility, don't know anyone who works for an electric utility and don't have anything to do with electric utilities.

-- posted by lcha

Top 747. Oct 19, 2001 5:39 AM

» lcha - CA illegal tactics?

2 power suppliers accuse grid operators

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Two major power suppliers filed a complaint with federal energy regulators Thursday, charging California grid operators with giving preferential treatment and sensitive market information to state power traders.

In the complaint, Houston-based Reliant Energy and Mirant Corp. ask the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate transactions between the California Independent System Operator and the California Department of Water Resources.

-- posted by lcha

Top 748. Oct 19, 2001 6:45 AM

» Rande - Re: Re: Daryl and Daryl run a state government

In response to message posted by Kirk:

Big winners at this point are the lawyers. Would imagine they've already put together a case of "duress" for rescission of contracts. Win or lose, they charge by the hour for this stuff.

-- posted by Rande