NATURAL GAS MARKET INDICATORS
AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION
UPDATE: OCTOBER 31, 2008
Reported Prices – as we move into the traditional winter heating season it
seems appropriate to take a snapshot of current oil and natural gas
commodity prices. Crude oil is now in the mid-$60s, while natural gas cash
prices at Henry Hub are registering about $6.60 per MMBtu. In addition, the
NYMEX futures strip for November 2008-March 2009 was between $6.19
and $6.76 per MMBtu on October 28. All of the current pricing data are at
levels reflecting half of what the market showed in late June 2008. Not
surprisingly, most market indicators continue to point to a strong supply
position as we transition from October – a traditional swing month – to the
winter heating season. Last year Energy Information Administration
wellhead prices averaged $6.25 per mcf in October before rising to $6.37 in
November and $6.53 in December. Approaching November in 2007 storage
indicators and supply in general were also relatively strong just as they have
been this fall in 2008.
This will give you some idea what to expect for a Natural Gas price this
winter. The price has come down, but as usual the total heating cost will
largely be determined by the weather.
NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code,
2009 Edition
The manuals are available from the National Fire Protection Association at the
following web site. The price is also shown below which does not include the shipping
costs.
http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?pid=5409&src=nfpa&order_src=A292
Format
List
Member *
Book
$44.00
$39.60
PDF
$44.00
$39.60
More information about NFPA 54
Fully revised, the 2009 NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code facilitates
safer installations and better protection against fire and explosion
hazards.
Up-to-date with current techniques, products, materials, and
construction practices, the 2009 National Fuel Gas Code
provides a more effective means of ensuring fuel gas safety on
consumers' premises. Based on scores of proposals from Code
users like you, it presents designers, installers, AHJs,
maintainers, and inspectors with state-of-the-art criteria for
the installation and operation of gas piping systems,
appliances, equipment, and related accessories.
Changes in the 2009 edition that improve fuel gas safety
include:
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New bonding requirement for corrugated stainless steel
tubing (CSST) installed inside buildings protects against
threats likely to energize gas piping.
Addition of a new system of connecting copper tubing using a
crimping tool for press-connect fittings
New rule for a dedicated master shutoff valve for
laboratories
Revised requirements for radiant tube heaters prevent
cracks, leaks, or fractures.
New section adds minimum code coverage for permanently
fixed outdoor open flame decorative appliances.
Additional requirements for commercial cooking appliance
connectors will reduce the risk of fugitive gas, potential
fires, and subsequent losses.
Termination of vents in a side wall revised to ensure
reliability and prevent nuisance shutoffs.
New language for vent termination in screened porches
reduce possible dangers from harmful combustion products
and potential fire hazards.
Annexes provide valuable advice on sizing and capacities of gas
piping, and sizing of venting systems serving
appliances...checking for leakage…and emergency procedures
for gas leaks. More than 100 graphics visually clarify concepts
so you can avoid mistakes. Take fuel gas hazards seriously and
mitigate risks. Stay up-to-code with the 2009 NFPA 54!
(Softbound, 164 pp., 2009)
COPIES OF THE NFPA 54 2006 EDITION ARE STILL
AVAILABLE FROM THE IOWA NATURAL GAS
ASSOCIATION OFFICE FOR THE PRICE OF $5.00
(which is the cost of shipping). AS LONG AS
SUPPLIES LAST. It is better to have an old edition
then not to have one at all. Please phone, write, or
email the office if you are interested.
The following information was received from AGA
about emissions from gas stoves. AGA’s response to
this information follows the article.
Gas Stove Emissions Boost Asthma in Inner-City Kids
Washingtonpost.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
FRIDAY, Oct. 24 (HealthDay News) -- High levels of nitrogen dioxide emissions
from gas stoves can aggravate asthma symptoms in inner-city children, especially
pre-schoolers, a new study says.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an irritating and toxic form of nitrogen oxide gas that is
often present in industrial zones but can also be found at higher levels in poor
homes with unvented gas stoves.
Researchers from John Hopkins University, reporting in the October issue of
Environmental Health Perspectives, tied asthma flare-ups in young children directly
to high concentrations of NO2 in their Baltimore homes, most of which had gas
stoves and/or natural gas heat. The stoves or ovens were often used for heating as
well as cooking.
Because using stoves as heat sources is a hallmark of urban poverty, our study
tellingly points to how profound and direct the effects of purely social and
environmental factors can be on a child's health," lead researcher Dr. Nadia Hansel,
a Johns Hopkins lung expert, said in a news release issued by the university.
"Doctors caring for children with asthma should always inquire about the home's
heating and cooking appliances and urge those using gas-based stoves and space
heaters to switch to electric heating and cooking, if possible, or at least properly vent
the exhaust gases."
Each 20 point increase in nitrogen dioxide levels led to 10 percent more days of
cough and 15 percent more days with limited speech due to wheezing, the
researchers said.
Asthma affects 6.2 million children in the United States and is most prevalent in
inner-city children. Doctors believe poor access to regular health care and added
exposure to indoor allergens such as mouse and cockroach dander, dust, cigarette
smoke and automobile fumes make the condition worse for these children.
LETTER FROM AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION IN REPSONSE
TO THE ABOVE ARTICLE
October 30, 2008
Letters to the Editor, The Washington Post, Via email
Dear Editor:
The Johns Hopkins University study you recently reprinted (Gas Stove Emissions
Boost Asthma in Inner-City Kids, Oct. 24) wrongly leads readers to believe that the
proper use of gas stoves increases asthma symptoms in urban children.
There is no evidence to suggest that the correct and safe use of gas stoves and ovens,
i.e. for cooking purposes only, emits a problematic level of nitrogen dioxide.
According to the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine text, “Clearing
the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures,” nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide
are agents for which there is “inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine
whether or not an association exists,” for development of asthma.
Problems arise, however, when people use their gas or electric stoves and ovens for
home heating, which is a dangerous and unsafe practice that can result in fires.
We agree with the authors of the Hopkins study that this is not an appropriate use
of these appliances. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) range and
oven manufacturers issue strong warnings to consumers never to use this appliance
for space heating.
The recommended removal of gas cooking appliances is misguided advice to
consumers. The American Gas Association encourages customers to use all of their
appliances properly and to be informed about the hazards of their incorrect use.
The 171 million natural gas customers in the United States can and should continue
to use natural gas safely in their homes and businesses.
Sincerely,
David. N. Parker