Policy risk
Switzerland powers up
Though not a member of the European Union, Switzerland is liberalising its power market in order to bring itself more in line with the EU's liberalisation policy. Oliver Holtaway takes a look at this process and the expected impacts on energy markets
Trading concerns
The convictions of Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling in May closed a sorry chapter in energy trading. But it should be noted that much of what was good about Enron remains. However, some are concerned that Enron-like innovation now risks being stifled by lack…
The end of an era?
Latin American governments are hiking taxes and forcing changes to contracts with oil and gas investors in a marked departure from the economic liberalisation of the 1990s. But reality may prompt a rethink, writes Maria Kielmas
Benefits of compliance
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 profoundly increases regulatory risk for energy market participants in the US, but implementing an effective compliance programme can have long-lasting benefits, writes former FERC executive William Hederman, Michael Griffen…
Special Report - Energy prices - Rising cost burden
German energy policy is hampering competitiveness, industry claims
A question of priority
The US Energy Policy Act of 2005 calls for a review of existing power dispatch methods. But replacing today's regional methods with a one-size-fits-all plan throws up many concerns, writes Richard McMahon
Special Report - Energy prices - Opening up the grid
Germany is set to move this year to an entry/exit system for access to its gas grids. But some in the market fear that unresolved issues could cause a bumpy start
March 2006 - LNG moves offshore
Offshore LNG terminals not only circumvent environmental objections, they give suppliers global arbitrage opportunities. But are they economical, asks Catherine Lacoursiere
LNG moves offshore
Offshore LNG terminals not only circumvent environmental objections, they give suppliers global arbitrage opportunities. But are they economical, asks Catherine Lacoursiere
March 2006 - Relations with Russia revisited
As Europe becomes more dependent on Russia for oil and gas supplies, it endeavours to maintain good relations with Moscow, while at the same time looking for alternative ways of securing fuel
Europe goes nuclear
Proposals to build new nuclear power plants in the Baltic states and Poland are gathering pace, finds Maria Kielmas
In defence of Gazprom
The Russian gas giant's recent price dispute with Ukraine has not given it the best start to the year, but the cat calls of political bullying are not deterring Gazprom's European customers, writes Oliver Holtaway
Market focus - Sky-high cost of clean air
US emissions allowance prices for sulphur dioxide (SO2) rose nearly 200% in 2005 and 300% during 2004. Sandy Fielden of Logical Information Machines examines the SO2 emissions allowance market and discovers which market drivers are forcing prices ever…
Price drivers - Policy fears in EU ETS
Developments in 2005 have shown that the EU ETS price has been correlated to relative fuel prices and weather. However, there are still remaining policy issues that could greatly influence prices, writes Henrik Hasselknippe and Kjetil Roine from Point…
Rights and resources
Doing business in a country with a poor human rights record can be costly, thanks to the changing landscape of corporate liability and human rights. Maria Kielmas reports
A look in the rear view
Utilities and regulators often disagree over the purpose of energy price risk management. Manitoba Hydro's recent experience with backtesting its hedging strategy is a case in point