Elaine Chao Gets Cozy Reception at Confirmation Hearing
Ms. Chao sailed through the hearing to become transportation secretary with little difficulty, offering remarkably few specifics but many promises of cooperation.
Will the bears of steel markets bite back in 2017?
Consensus forecasts suggest iron ore delivered into China will average around $55-$60/dry mt this year.
Wholesale power prices in 2016 fell, reflecting lower natural gas prices
(Wed, 11 Jan 2017) Average wholesale electricity prices at major trading hubs across the United States during the first quarter of 2016 were significantly lower than during the same period in 2015, ranging from 24% lower in California to 64% lower in New England.
Renewable generation capacity expected to account for most 2016 capacity additions
(Tue, 10 Jan 2017) Once final data are in, EIA expects 24 gigawatts (GW) of new generating capacity to be added to the power grid during 2016. For the third consecutive year, more than half of these additions are renewable technologies, especially wind and solar.
Coal production declines in 2016, with average coal prices below their 2015 level
(Mon, 09 Jan 2017) U.S. coal production in 2016 is expected to total 743 million short tons (MMst), 17% lower than in 2015, and the lowest level since 1978. Falling production in 2016 continues an eight-year decline from peak production in 2008.
Did We Take Low Interest Rates for Granted?
The country had the perfect opportunity to invest in infrastructure and squandered it.
U.S. gasoline prices in 2016 were the lowest since 2004
(Fri, 06 Jan 2017) U.S. regular retail gasoline prices averaged $2.14 per gallon (gal) in 2016, 29 cents/gal (12%) less than in 2015 and the lowest annual average price since 2004. Lower crude oil prices in 2015 were the main cause of lower gasoline prices. In 9 of the 10 cities for which EIA collects weekly retail price data, gasoline prices did not exceed $3.00/gal.
US ports prime themselves for expected uptick in petchem exports
The expected growth in international shipments as a slew of new ethane crackers and associated derivative units start coming online this year has US ports gearing up to nab a piece of the action.
Annual Energy Outlook 2017
(Thu, 05 Jan 2017) The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) today released the Annual Energy Outlook 2017 (AEO2017), which focuses on the factors expected to shape U.S. energy markets through 2050.
EIAâs AEO2017 projects the United States to be net energy exporter in most cases
(Thu, 05 Jan 2017) EIAâs <em>Annual Energy Outlook 2017</em> (AEO2017), which will be released this morning, presents updated projections for U.S. energy markets through 2050 based on eight cases. This is the first time that EIA is publishing projections through 2050 in the AEO tables.