Energy Policy: Natural Gas Prices During the Winter of 1996-97

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on natural gas prices during the winter of 1996-1997 nationwide and for New Mexico, focusing on: (1) whether natural gas prices or small consumers have become more volatile than in the past; (2) the factors that contributed to natural gas volatility and price spikes, if any, during this period; and (3) the actions by the private sector and regulators to mitigate future natural gas price volatility and price spikes.