Introducing our new director of operations

Spire Midstream welcomes Chip Lang as our new director of Midstream operations. Chip will be responsible for operations, maintenance and compliance for all of Spire Midstream’s operating assets, including Spire Storage West, Spire Storage Salt Plains as well as the STL, MoGas and Omega pipelines. Chip is a seasoned leader with extensive experience across operations, engineering and infrastructure in the energy sector. Prior to joining Spire, he served as the director of U.S. operations and engineering at Gibson Energy. 

What we’re reading

Wall Street Journal: A Safe, Profitable Bet on the Green Transition 
The Wall Street Journal recently explained how midstream energy companies stand out as compelling investment options, noting an increasing need for the integral role of storing and transporting natural gas amid the evolving energy landscape. Demand for natural gas remains strong along with growth in pipeline and storage capacity, allowing companies to secure longer-term contracts with higher rates.

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Mild winter weather may lead to persistently high natural gas inventories through 2025 
The EIA’s April Short-Term Energy Outlook highlights the potential for continued elevated levels of natural gas reserves and, in turn, low natural gas prices into 2025. Due to a historically warm '23/'24 winter season and elevated production peaking in December 2023, Henry Hub prices have been depressed and are forecast to remain below $2 until the second half of 2024. The potential for an increase in natural gas prices hinges on high residential and commercial demand due to a hot summer and the persistence of production cuts.

S&P Global Commodity Insights: US power sector natural gas demand sets another record in Q1, remains strong in April 
In the first quarter of 2024, demand for natural gas in the U.S. power sector surged to another record high, signaling continued strength in April. This uptick underscores the pivotal role of natural gas in meeting the nation's energy needs. Amid ongoing market dynamics, the sustained demand for natural gas reaffirms its position as a cornerstone of the American energy landscape.

RBN Energy: Storm Front - As Data Centers Proliferate, Utilities Turn To Gas-Fired Power To Meet Demand
AI and other tech advancements have driven the rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers, which has pushed U.S. utilities to expand power generation. Utilities face significant challenges in meeting this rising demand with new infrastructure due to lengthy permitting processes. Natural gas storage facilities offer an appealing solution to utilities by a providing timely and stable energy supply.

Clear Creek Field Expansion Update

The expansion of Spire Storage West’s Clear Creek Field in Wyoming is underway. Drilling operations were completed in February 2024, with more updates to come as construction begins to ramp up this summer.