SGA Spring Training Week May 20-23, 2008 - CenterPoint Energy -- Houston, Texas
SGA's Spring Training Week provides an excellent opportunity for employees to receive valuable, industry specific training in only three days. Beginning with Introduction to the Natural Gas Industry, new employees can get up to speed quickly with a broad overview of the industry. Next, they can choose from one of three concurrent classes covering different functions - Accounting, Rates and Gas Buying/Selling Basics.
The member fee for any single class is $425; $625 non-member. The discounted fee for two classes - the Intro class plus one other, is only $695 member/$895 non-member. AND, each registration includes a ticket to Astros game Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening.
Introduction to the Natural Gas Industry - (click to view agenda) SORRY - THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT
Another class will be held in Atlanta in September, date TBA. Please email Debbie Krawzik at dkrawzik@southerngas.org to
be placed on the wait list for that class.
Tuesday May 20 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Wed. May 21 8:30 a.m. - Noon
This program provides practical information about the natural gas industry in a fast paced, time saving format. A broad range of subjects will be covered, from exploration and production to the latest technology and issues impacting the industry
Who Should Attend
Personnel new to the industry or new to a job function, or any employee needing an overview of the gas industry will benefit by attending. Excellent training for employees from natural gas, electric or combination gas/electric companies.
TOPICS:
Contact Pat Downey at pdowney@southerngas.org for more information or questions.
Introduction to Regulated Natural Gas Accounting (click to view agenda) May 21 - 1:30 - 4:30 pm & May 22 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Provides an overview of the major functions related to gas industry accounting. The information will help new personnel get up to speed quickly on a wide range of accounting processes, including the fundamental issues facing a regulated industry. Covers a wide range of topics, including:
Entry level accounting personnel from all departments, including: Gas Accounting; Property Accounting; Budget & Planning; Tax; General Accounting; Financial Reporting; Rate professionals (2 years or less); Individuals from other departments interfacing with accounting.
The Ratemaking Process (click to view agenda) May 21 - 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. & May 22 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The first day provides information on the basic components of the rate process from the pipeline and LDC perspective, including fundamentals of the ratemaking process such as:
The day concludes with an interactive group exercise, the Van Go Transportation Company, which illustrates issues companies face when structuring their rates and determining if services are fixed, variable or both.
The second day provides an opportunity for participants to apply the information they received the previous day in a series of case studies and role playing exercises. The Ratemaking Game - a set of case studies based on actual rate cases - divides participants into role-playing groups comprised of gas company representatives, commissioners, consumer advocates and interveners.
- Rate Analysts (two years or less) from LDC, transmission, or gas supply marketing companies
- Non-rate professionals from any department who need a broad understanding of the rate process, including: Operations, Government Relations, Marketing, Public Affairs, Accounting, Engineering and other departments.
How Natural Gas Is Bought and Sold (click to view agenda) May 22 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. & May 23 - 8:30 a.m. - Noon
This workshop addresses the fundamentals of buying and selling natural gas. The first part of the class covers the phyical system, while the second part cover the financial systems.
Topics include the evolution of gas purchasing; basic knowledge and terms (firm vs. interruptible transportation, GISB, etc.); gas supply and transportation issues (capacity release, price differentials at various pricing points, imbalances, nominations, confirmations/allocations, penalties, cash-outs, force majeure); and risk management (NYMEX, futures, options, swaps).
The 2nd part of the class covers the financial aspects of buying and selling gas, including market analysis, gas purchasing scenarios, the processes involved in developing a supply portfolio, and the different tools and financial mechanisms that can be utilized. The workshop wraps up with a tour of a gas trading floor.
Click here to view the preliminary agenda.
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOTEL / LOCATION
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Courtyard Houston Downtown /Convention Center, 916 Dallas Street, Houston, TX, 77002, (832) 366-1600 www.courtyardhoustondowntown.com Request the Southern Gas Association rate of $159.
For online reservations, go to this link. Courtyard Houston Downtown /Convention Center >>
Cutoff for reservations: HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MAY 5 (was April 28) . After the cutoff, rooms are subject to availability and a higher rate. The hotel is located in downtown Houston a short walk from CenterPoint Energy - 1111 Louisiana, Houston, Texas 77002 - where all sessions will be conducted.
QUESTIONS?
For general information, contact Pat Downey pdowney@southerngas.org .
