Double-edged sword: While it may be miserable to suffer through the blistering start to summer, high temperatures are helping put U.S. natural gas futures on course for the biggest gain in eight years. As Bloomberg reports, gas has surged 16% this year, rebounding from a 17-year low. Drillers, burned by earlier declines, are refilling storage at half last year’s pace as extreme heat boosts the use of air conditioners, increasing gas demand from power plants. By November, supplies will probably drop below the five-year average, the benchmark for normal levels, for the first time in 13 months.
Sign of a thaw?: Chevron Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp. and several partners on Tuesday committed $37 billion to expand an oil project in Kazakhstan, one of the biggest investments since crude prices collapsed two years ago. Experts tell The Wall Street Journal it’s one of several signs the deep freeze in oil-industry spending is beginning to thaw. Read the full story.
Brush up: The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will hold a Lead-Certified Renovator refresher class on July 21 for previously certified contractors who need to renew their expiring certification. Upon completion of the half-day class, attendees may take the certification exam on the same day. Get complete details, including registration and course fees. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/family_home/home/lahouse/housing%20professionals/seminars_events/lead%20certified%20renovator%20training%20rrp For more information, email lahouse@agcenter.lsu.edu.
