This article explores the impact of the 2005 hurricane season on gas trading and the potential implications for force majeure provisions in energy contracts generally. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita evoked many force majeure declarations and a fair number of on-going disputes; nonetheless, the marketplace successfully avoided the widespread disruptions other traumatic events have spawned (such as the 2000 and 2001 power shortages in California). Examination of the forces that may have played a role in sparing the natural gas industry from those nightmarish effects, as well as the disputes that have arisen, provides important insight about best practices and pitfalls for the unwary.

Please click here to view the entire White Paper in Adobe PDF format.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.