Officials are working diligently to ensure a smooth transaction as the Energy Information Administration prepares to replace the American Gas Association as the main provider of U.S. gas-storage figures, according to the EIA's gas-analysis team leader, William Trapmann. Collection of storage figures from the operators of 415 underground storage sites across the country is no small feat, and it's an endeavor watched closely by the industry. "We've gotten more calls on this than anything I can remember," says Trapmann. Development and testing of the EIA's data-collection system has begun. Full operation is expected in May. The AGA wanted to end its storage survey at the end of 2001, but agreed to continue it until the EIA could get its system off the ground. Trapmann says the trade association has been helpful in the transition. The EIA traditionally keeps monthly storage data. Last year there was an 18% difference between the AGA's weekly and the EIA's monthly calculations by the end of March, Trapmann says. Officials currently are preparing a report to address why the groups reported such different numbers. Looking at the EIA forecasts for this year, Trapmann predicts a 2002 gas price of just over $2 per thousand cubic feet of gas. In 2003, he sees prices averaging about $2.60 per Mcf. For storage, Trapmann looked at high-, medium- and low-withdrawal scenarios for the rest of the heating season. Even with the highest withdrawal rates projected, the U.S. would exit the heating season with 1,250 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in storage. In the low-withdrawal scenario, storage could be as high as 1,958 Bcf. -Jodi Wetuski

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