Energy Market Update

Electricity Market

The wholesale electric market did not see much movement from last week’s report. NYISO slightly decreased while NEISO and PJM remained steady. ERCOT saw a drop-off, as additional capacity projects are planned to come in service between 2018 and 2022.

 

Spot market pricing on the day-ahead shot up in PJM, while NEISO is returning to normal post-storm.

Natural Gas Markets

The natural gas market 2018 forward curve is trending down across the board. With strong production matching higher demand, the market is content to hover in its current range possibly until summer weather forecasts begin to appear. Changing weather forecasts have been driving volatility in the near term gas markets, while the long-term strips remain stable. With 3 or 4 weeks of withdrawal season remaining, end-of-season estimates are beginning to narrow, providing ample room for injections this summer in preparation for next winter.

Six-Month Natural Gas Futures

Futures as of 3/21/18 versus previous week:

Apr.  $2.638    -0.093

May. $2.667    -0.092

Jun.   $2.724    -0.085

Jul.    $2784    -0.075

Aug. $ 2.802   -0.072

Sep.  $2.787  -0.071

Natural Gas Inventory

According to EIA estimates, working gas in storage was 1,446 Bcf as of Friday, March 16, 2018, which represents a net decrease of 86 Bcf from the previous week. The market was expecting an 88 Bcf withdrawal from storage. There was a 137 Bcf withdrawal last year, with the 5 year average of 53.

NG Rig Count

The Baker Hughes exploration gas rig count increased by 1 rig to a total of 190 rigs. The report total is 35 rigs more than in operation last year when there were 155 rigs.

Weather Update

Temperatures remain below normal but are expected to warm up marginally heading into next week before dropping, once again, into below-normal territory as we move into April

National Weather Service Updates (NOAA)

Hurricane Watch- No Activity: Click here to view the National Hurricane Center site.

Equatorial Pacific Outlook: Click here to view La Nina and El Nino status.

Energy News & Resources

Electricity generation from fossil fuels declined in 2017 as renewable generation rose

According to EIA’s Electric Power Monthly, total U.S. net electricity generation fell slightly (down 1.5%) in 2017, reflecting lower electricity demand.

If you would like to receive the Energy Market Update to your inbox weekly, please click here 

to submit your name and email address. 

Disclaimer: This information is provided for the use of our customers and potential customers. Power Management Company assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of pricing or information in this document. Historical data was obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. It is not intended to provide advice or recommendation. Views are subject to change without notice.

 

Leave a Reply