As a result of recent market conditions and the accelerated payout schedule, the asset management plan, especially this year, is a tremendous benefit for Virginia Natural Gas customers.

While energy costs still remain high, the warmer than usual weather, which has brought natural gas prices down, allows us to take this step now. This is reflected in our reduction in gas costs as well. We want to make these cost savings available to our customers when they need them most this winter.

We want to do everything we can to help our customers this winter. Thanks to some well-timed decisions, our superb asset management program, and the good fortune of warmer weather, our gas costs are moderating. We want to pass along these savings to customers with their first bills in February.

[Jay Leno said the Federal Emergency Management Agency head recently appeared at his doorstep and said,] I'm here for the earthquake damage you had back in '94. ... The Bush administration is getting ready to ignore it.

We want to look at whether these functions such as financial management are core to the agencies' mission, or should they spend money to get data from a shared service provider. We really want people to look at this, and we will work with them as they move forward.

Smart hasn't developed as planned, and it's no secret the two sets of management didn't always see eye to eye