Policy risk
Exceptions to the rule
With commodity markets set to fall within the scope of more EU regulation, trade associations are concerned that this extra burden on market participants could stifle trade. By Stella Farrington
If the cap fits...
Legal compliance seems the only way to achieve cuts in carbon dioxide emissions. Europe is leading the way, but the US is some way from a similar approach, despite a regional initiative sparking some interest. Joe Marsh reports
European Commission sues over emissions-trading legislation
The European Commission is taking legal action against Greece, Italy, Belgium and Finland for not fully transposing the emissions-trading directive into national law by December 31, 2003. Separately, Italy will receive a final written warning because it…
A new breed of bond
Issuance of rate reduction bonds by utilities may be down, but the market is preparing for a surge in new asset-backed securities derived from the stranded cost model. By Catherine Lacoursiere
European Commission blocks acquisition of Gás de Portugal
The European Commission has blocked the joint acquisition of Gás de Portugal (GDP), the country’s incumbent gas company, by Energias de Portugal (EDP) and Italian energy company Eni, because it would impede competition.
Back in power
As George W. Bush settles back into the White House for his second term, experts analyse the influence his energy and foreign policies may have on the energy industry both domestically and abroad. By Stella Farrington
Changing of the guard
Changes to the European gas market may further attract financial players, and tighten the rules in case of physical supply disruptions. Meanwhile changes in the UK gas market may lead to clearing at the hub. By James Ockenden
Caring competition
What are the theoretical consequences of restructuring electricity markets on emissions? Here, Benoît Sévi shows that changes in supply and consumption and restructuring for competition has environmental effects, and argues that strong public policies…
Utility 2025: a vision
Power companies will face enormous political, societal, and technological change over the next 20 years. Douglas Houseman and Dennis Taylor of Capgemini look at how the utility of the future should embrace change
BITs in pieces
Argentina is launching a direct attack on the validity of investment treaties, and other countries may be about to follow its lead. How are investors responding to the challenge? Maria Kielmas reports
The perfect balance
For most governments, hedging oil price risks on the financial markets is not impossible. But it is politically difficult. Most find instead opt for establishing ‘rainy day’ stabilisation funds. By Maria Kielmas
Oiling the wheels
Bribery and corruption is a hot topic, not least in the energy sector. Energy Risk this month looks at recent high-profile cases and what governments are doing to combat the problem. By Daren Allen and Kelly Williams
CFTC allows US firms to trade on EEX
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has permitted US companies to trade power derivatives on the European Energy Exchange with immediate effect, EEX said Thursday.
Energy users demand trading oversight
The debate continues over whether speculative traders are distorting energy prices, following a letter sent by the Industrial Energy Consumers of America (IECA) to Congress last week. “Energy markets have changed drastically, and regulatory oversight,…
18 EU states urged to implement energy law
Most European Union countries have not transposed the internal-market electricity and natural gas directives into national law, according to the European Commission. The commission today sent formal letters to 18 of the 25 EU member states asking them to…
Pressure on Puhca
The US General Accounting Office is to investigate whether the SEC has been lax in its oversight of the Public Utility Holding Company Act. How will this affect firms subject to Puhca requirements? By Paul Lyon
Bilateral collateral
Until recently, there was little legal protection from foreign investment risk.But the past few years have seen the rise of the bilateral investment treaty(BIT). Matthew Saunders shows how BITs can benefit the energy sector
Avoiding the gas work
Ferc is exploring whether gas storage inventory details should be posted on adaily basis. How will this affect the development of the embryonic natural gasstorage swaps market? Paul Lyon reports
Energising the US
Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry has plans to require the US to generate20% of its electricity from renewable sources. But just how different are Kerry’sand President Bush’s stances on energy policy? By Paul Lyon
James Newsome
James Newsome talks to James Ockenden about his position as Nymex’s newpresident, and how his previous chairmanship of the CFTC helps him in the role
Putin’s endgame
The geopolitical premium on oil prices is rising as Russia pursues its ‘oligarchs’. Catherine Lacoursiere reports on the wider effects of Russian oil giant Yukos’ collapse
US companies fined for sharing gas storage data
Three US energy companies are to pay penalties totalling $8.1 million for sharing natural gas storage inventory data with their customers and affiliates. This is the result of a settlement with US interstate energy regulator the Federal Energy Regulatory…
Brown-Hruska to serve as CFTC acting chairman
Sharon Brown-Hruska has been appointed by US president George Bush to serve as acting chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Brown-Hruska was previously a CFTC commissioner and will take over the duties of outgoing chairman, James…
Newsome leaves CFTC to head up Nymex
James Newsome has quit as chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to head up the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex). Newsome’s resignation is effective from July 23, and he will be president of Nymex from August 2, replacing Bo…