Access Gas Services Inc

Access Gas Services Inc. (“Access”) is an innovative energy company that delivers natural gas services to institutional, industrial, commercial, and residential customers throughout Canada. Access was formed in October 2006 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rockpoint Gas Storage Partner L.P. (formerly Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC ). Rockpoint Gas Storage is sponsored by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, an entity that operates global infrastructure assets primarily in the utilities, transport, energy and communications sectors. Rockpoint manages, operates and develops Brookfield’s growing portfolio of natural gas storage assets. We are an asset-based energy company with a strong track record and solid financial backing. Access offers an extensive product mix to meet the needs of our clients with an emphasis on transparency.

Our History

The name, Rockpoint Gas Storage reflects Rockpoint’s vision for growth. With roots as the developer of the first major trading point for natural gas in Alberta, the AECO Hub, our organization has grown to become the largest independent owner and operator of natural gas storage assets in North America.  Our assets were mostly developed by a division of a Calgary-based oil and gas producer.  Alberta Energy Company (AEC) first developed gas storage in one of its depleted reservoirs at Suffield in the late 1980s in order to operate its production more efficiently in the face of markets that peaked only in the winter.  That was right at the time of deregulation of natural gas markets and a more active, liquid market for natural gas was beginning to emerge.  The storage operation turned out so well for AEC that other producers were soon asking for storage capacity too and the decision was made to ‘go commercial’.  Through the 1990s a series of expansions occurred at Suffield as the market grew, with ultimately 5 reservoirs being developed to a working capacity of 80 Bcf.  With the success of AECO-Suffield, the company began looking to grow its natural gas storage business with diversification into other regions.  California was targeted as being a true market region, but relatively close to Alberta and containing reservoirs with good potential for gas storage development.  The Wild Goose Gas Storage project came on-stream in 1999 with 14 Bcf, was first expanded in 2004, and is now at 35 Bcf.  Further diversification was achieved in the early 2000’s with the acquisition of the former Manchester Gas Storage facility in Oklahoma, which was renamed Salt Plains Gas Storage, as well as contracts for natural gas storage capacity at attractive rates on the Natural Gas Pipeline System.  In 2002, AEC merged with PanCanadian to form EnCana Corp.  PanCanadian had controlled the Countess reservoirs, which had been identified as ideal gas storage candidates.  The gas storage team quickly brought the Countess project on-stream (initially in 2003 with 20 Bcf) and it has been steadily expanded through the decade to the current working capacity of 68 Bcf.  In May 2006 the energy-focused private equity funds managed by Riverstone Holdings LLC acquired the natural gas storage business and assets of EnCana Corp., naming it Niska Gas Storage.  About half of our staff and management have continuity with the business from the EnCana days, while the remainder has been recruited since from amongst the best in the industry.  In October 2006 Niska responded to the growing need for commercial, industrial and retail natural gas marketing services by forming Access, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to serve markets in the lower mainland and interior of British Columbia.  In 2008 Access expanded into the commercial and industrial energy markets of Ontario and Quebec.  In 2009 Access began serving commercial and industrial energy markets in Alberta.  In May 2010, after forming Niska Gas Storage Partners, LLC, an Initial Public Offering was launched to offer equity interests in our business to the public.

Meet our Natural Gas Experts

A business is only as strong as the people who breathe life into it. The Access organization is comprised of an innovative team of highly skilled, creative professionals with a diverse range of energy expertise and experience. We have a proven track record of providing consistent, positive results for our customers. Our business is based on personal relationships with our customers and our partners. The strength of those relationships comes from the way we do business – with integrity, with innovation and with collaboration.  Our energy professionals are devoted to specific markets and communicate with regional utilities and regulatory organizations to ensure our clients take advantage of every cost optimization opportunity. Our regional experts leverage their technical expertise to provide you with comprehensive and dedicated account management. We make sure you’re never left in the cold.

Access East Commercial Products and Services

Access East serves locations in the Ontario and Quebec markets. Fully versed in current market fundamentals, we communicate on your behalf with the local utility to ensure there is never a disruption in service and leverage our industry knowledge to seize pricing opportunities as they arise.

Management Services

Access offers complete account management and marketing services, as well as customized, innovative products tailored to meet your company’s needs. Our highly skilled and experienced staff is dedicated to providing expert and professional energy management services to end use consumers across Canada.  With over 100 years of combined operations management experience, Access has become an industry leader in transportation management and optimization. Our understanding of pipelines and utilities throughout Canada allows us to efficiently manage your natural gas portfolio while you focus on your core business.  Our risk management capabilities and outstanding market analysis provide you with tremendous flexibility to help manage your gas consumption costs and maximize your bottom line. As a major aggregator of Canadian consumers, our market knowledge and economies of scale translate directly into value for our customers.