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To: dfloydr who wrote (59542)	2/2/2000 8:52:00 AM
From: Think4Yourself	Respond to of 95453

Agree that the timing of the API draw is AWFULLY convenient for the politicians. Given how pathetic the reporting is in this industry, it is entirely possible the number has been manipulated. Since DOE doesn't punish mis-reporters, they could easily be mis-reported as well. We'll probably never know.

To: dfloydr who wrote (59542)	2/2/2000 8:56:00 AM
From: BigBull	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 95453

Schumer plays his games, OPEC plays their games. Sure, OPEC will pump more, but not because Bill Richardson threatens them with the SPR. They will do so because they do not wish to cause recession. But, they MUST do it on their own terms, or all the work they've done will be for nought. I think Slider has really nailed this one on the head. They'll only do it when everybody believes $25 oil is cheap. The psychology of disbelief in OPEC had to be completely shattered. OPEC has almost completed that process. The language of the debate has completely changed. OPEC is in the drivers seat. The "OPEC will cheat" talk is almost invisible now. So far OPEC has been masterful in bringing crude to these levels. It's just hard for me to believe they'll completely blow it now. What does Richardson bring to the table besides his last card, the SPR? I never bought this stuff about how the US really controls the price of oil via it's millitary might. I suppose the US could just take over the Gulf States by force... No, that's too stupid for even Charles Schumer to contemplate. The US really has no choice but to defend the Gulf States. Does it? The US has abandoned it's own oil industry through the constant vilification of oil companies, so now it's between a rock and a very hard place. Down to the SPR as the only bargaining chip. Didn't Germany threaten this a while back as well? Did they actually sell all their reserves? I don't think so.

To: dfloydr who wrote (59542)	2/2/2000 9:27:00 AM
From: SliderOnTheBlack	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 95453

Remember this name: Suez Lyonnaise One day you will see this company make an Enron/ENE-like move... This Global powerhouse will soon control Europe's water, waste, gas & utilities and is making huge inroads into the USA. This company is a new millenium play - in the 60's it was "plastics" - in the 90's it was "chips" in the future it will be water, waste & utilities & don't underestimate the "WATER" side of the equation, especially in Europe. Gas News Wed, 02 Feb 2000, 9:17am EST 2/2 7:11 Suez's Tractebel Wants to Expand Through Acquisition, Alliances By Thomas Mulier Suez's Tractebel Wants to Expand Through Acquisition, Alliances Brussels, Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux SA's energy unit, Tractebel SA, said it wants to expand in Europe, North America and Latin America through acquisitions and alliances. The company didn't give a timetable, as it's still in the final stage of a strategy study it began last year. Tractebel's plans come as merger activity in the European energy industry speeds up, with Viag AG and Veba AG combining in a $13 billion merger, creating Europe's fourth-largest power company and giving competitors the impetus to do the same. ``There is clearly an openness to step into alliances,' Jacques Van Hee, Tractebel's spokesman, said in an interview, adding ``everyone is talking to everyone.' He wouldn't name specific developments. He said Tractebel is looking for a ``wedding' with another energy company, and is planning ``a certain number of targeted acquisitions.' Those could be similar in size to the purchase by Electrabel SA, a unit in which Tractebel owns 40 percent, of 80 percent of Epon NV for 1.7 billion euros ($1.69 billion), he said. ``In Europe, Tractebel will be able to find its relative position, but that doesn't mean we're shutting all the doors and windows to stay on our own,' Van Hee said. The company said the completion of the study is crucial to its strategy, as it could lead to a reorganization, including a possible merger of Tractebel, Electrabel and gas distributor Distrigaz SA or a shift of assets among the three. ``A cohesive approach is required in Europe,' the spokesman said. The three companies should seek to cooperate as much as possible to cut costs and increase their purchasing power, according to Tractebel. First Step Paris-based Suez Lyonnaise's purchase of the 49 percent of Tractebel it didn't own for about $8 billion last year was a first step to forming partnerships. Suez said energy mergers and acquisitions were accelerating faster than it had expected, and it wanted 100 percent of Tractebel to give it flexibility to make alliances without losing control over the company. Gerard Mestrallet, the company's chairman, said at the time he hoped Tractebel would be ``more aggressive' in the future and that it ``should do what it needs to do as soon as possible to proceed to possible alliances.' Separately, Tractebel aims to double its energy sales in terms of volume by 2003, compared to 1998 levels, according to Van Hee. However, Tractebel will only expand its production capacity by about 50 percent. ``The strategy is to be short in assets but long in sales,' Van Hee said. Tractebel plans to do this by placing more emphasis on marketing, expanding its sales activities in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy, and by forming joint ventures with local energy companies in Europe. Tractebel shares were unchanged at 120.3 euros. Suez Lyonnaise shares rose as much as 13.6 euros, or 9 percent, 164.5.