News

Gap between Henry Hub, Appalachian natural gas prices narrows

The difference between the Henry Hub national benchmark prices and natural gas prices in the Appalachian region has diminished, as more new projects and expansions are completed.

The difference in the first seven months of 2017 was about two thirds of the difference during the first seven months of 2016. So far in 2017, prices at the Henry Hub in Louisiana and at Dominion South in southwestern Pennsylvania differed by an average of $0.53 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). The difference as compared to other Appalachian price points followed similar trends.

More pipeline projects were completed starting in October 2016, including the Equitrans expansion of the Ohio Valley Connector and the Rockies Express Pipeline Zone 3 Capacity Enhancement. This increased pipeline capacity likely contributed the reduction of the difference between the Henry Hub and Dominion South price points, which reached $0.49/MMBtu at the end of 2016.

Over the first four and one-half months of 2017, the price difference dropped to an average of $0.33/MMBtu.

The difference has since increased, but 7.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of additional takeaway capacity from 25 projects in the region may drive it to drop again. Production in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays increased by 0.9 Bcf/d between the start of this year and July to reach a total 24.1 Bcf/d.

Kevin Randolph

Recent Posts

Florida PSC approves plans by Duke Energy, Tampa Electric to lower rates

This week, the Florida Public Service Commission approved two Florida energy companies—Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric—to lower their rates.…

3 hours ago

U.S. clean energy industry surpassed 100 GW of installed solar capacity in Q1 2024

This year has already brought major milestones for the U.S. clean energy industry, with solar topping 100 GW at utility-scale,…

3 hours ago

ISO New England projects increase in electricity consumption in the region in next decade

Regional electricity consumption in New England will increase by about 17 percent over the next decade, according to a new…

3 hours ago

Avista incorporating potential power shutoffs into wildfire safety options

With the threat of wildfires a growing yearly occurrence these days, Avista announced ahead of this year’s wildfire season that…

3 hours ago

Northwest Regional Forecast predicts more than 30 percent regional electric demand growth possible by 2033

The latest update to the not-for-profit Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee’s (PNUCC) Northwest Regional Forecast painted a picture of surging…

1 day ago

Allete to be acquired by CPP Investment and Global Infrastructure Partners

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners have agreed to terms with Allete to acquire the Minnesota-based…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.