Key vacancy holds CNG back from hot new markets. (Consolidated Natural Gas Co.)

Pursuing deregulated business could revive natural gas company

DOWNTOWN - Consolidated Natural Gas Co. is still trying to fill the void at its energy marketing subsidiary, a vacuum created when the unit's president, Russell Gifford, retired in September.

In the race to take advantage of new, deregulated markets, CNG has little time to waste in filling that void. But a self-imposed Jan. 1 deadline for filling the position has come and gone, with no sign of a new leader.

At present, Stephen Williams, senior vice president and general counsel for CNG, is serving as interim president of the subsidiary while a search continues.

CNG produces, transports, distributes and markets natural gas. Its CNG Energy Services Corp. unit, formed in 1995 as a wholly owned subsidiary, sells natural gas, electricity and related services to …