LNG will have a profound impact on gas and power markets in the
Southeastern United States. As one analyst noted, the region is
unique with limited gas storage, large consumers downsteam of bottlenecks,
significant planned pipeline expansions, demand driven by gas-fired
power and questions as to whether developers can successfully establish
new LNG terminals. Existing terminals (e.g., Cove Point) have already
altered flows on some systems, such as Columbia Gas. Power, distribution
and industrial demand is as important to the market balance as gas
infrastructure and increased LNG volumes - especially in the context
of high natural gas prices and their associated power prices.
The eight states that comprise the Southeast (Florida, Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and
Tennessee) consume some 7 Bcf daily with the largest market residing
in weather-sensitive Florida. Large pipelines also cross the region
headed eastward and northeastward. With Cove Point and Elba expanding,
and new projects planned in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas,
this conference will address such questions as how will the market
change, what can be expected in five to ten years, what investments
will be made to improve gas supply, and what's missing to ensure
a steady and stable market.
