End-user natural gas segments include Gas Distribution Utility (LDC); Power Generation (Utility & IPP); Refining; Petrochem, Industrial & Manufacturing (process & heat); and Commercial Businesses. Entities include investor-owned and municipal utilities, who are subject to regulation, as well as private non-regulated businesses. Gas Buyers for these entities maintain a unique perspective on the market, given their existence at the end of the value chain and their absolute dependence on gas supply. Creative negotiation of commercial terms for gas supply is crucial to their business to ensure security of supply, operational flexibility and competitive pricing. In addition, the regulated entities must do all this while managing the complexities of regulatory oversight and pass-through of gas supply costs in published rates.

This Panel is composed of gas purchasing experts representing a variety of businesses who are Gas Buyers. The Panel will address various topic categories to structure the discussion: 
•Current Market Conditions - implications
•Gas Purchasing strategies, requirements, preferences
•Gas supply portfolio management
•Transportation & storage use
•Regulatory implications
•Use of technology & financial tools