News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, Sept. 18, 2003
LAWRENCE--With the coming of the winter heating season and growing concerns over energy prices, a statewide summit on natural gas is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Washburn University in Topeka.
Organized by the State Energy Resources Coordination Council, the summit will bring together energy producers and suppliers, legislators, state agency staff, university faculty, and consumers to discuss natural gas supplies, prices, and the impact on Kansans.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius will be a featured speaker, describing the summit's challenges and goals.
Natural gas prices have risen over the past year, and experts say that consumers can expect to pay about 20 percent more for natural gas this winter as compared to last winter. A colder-than-normal winter could drive prices even higher.
"We want to bring together a range of people to talk about ways to manage the short-term impact of high natural gas prices, and to examine long-term problems and remedies," said Lee Allison, chair of the council and director of the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.
Other speakers include representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Gas Association, Kansas Municipal Utilities, and energy-related companies and organizations. Topics of discussion include the economic impact of gas prices, reducing consumption and increasing production, lessening the impact of higher prices on consumers and businesses, and educating Kansans about natural gas.
Participants will also develop recommendations for the Energy Council to take to the Governor and Legislature concerning natural gas shortages and possible price increases this winter.
The meeting is by invitation, but a limited number of spaces remain. Those interested in attending can go to the Energy Council's web site (www.kansasenergy.org/sercc.htm) for registration information. There is a $15 registration fee.
Sponsors of the summit include the Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas Geological Survey, Washburn University, Kansas State University's Energy Extension, the University of Kansas Energy Research Center, Citizens' Utility Rate Board (CURB), Atmos Energy of Dallas, Texas, and Kansas Gas Service.
The Energy Council is a 13-member group charged by the Governor with studying and making recommendations concerning the state's energy situation. Lee Allison is the chair of the council and director of the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.