November 22, 2000

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) via NewsEdge Corporation -

U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said Wednesday there will be plenty of natural gas supplies to meet consumer demand this winter.

Richardson received the assurance earlier in the day after meeting with executives from the natural gas industry to discuss supply issues.

``The good news is they assured me there are enough natural gas supplies to get us through this winter,'' Richardson told reporters.

However, Richardson warned that natural gas prices are still going to be higher than last winter.

To provide some relief to consumers, Richardson said the energy department and the natural gas industry will jointly conduct a public education program to help consumers learn how to become more energy efficient and reduce their heating bills.

He also said the department and the industry will work to get more federal emergency funds to help low income families pay their heating bills.

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), November 22, 2000

Answers

I sure feel a lot better now that the secretary has spoken. Trouble is will I be able to afford it.

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), November 22, 2000.