Shell to Sell Electricity and Gas

Gas marketer turns power marketer--utilities counter with market power

HOUSTON -- Shell Oil Co.'s plan to sell electricity and natural gas directly to businesses makes the petroleum powerhouse the latest player to challenge established utilities and provide competitive choices for energy managers.

Called Shell Energy Services, this new entity is expected to begin sales of electricity and gas within the year in deregulated states and other geographies.

Meanwhile, established utilities have been bracing for the entrance of such strong foes and have created customer-oriented alliances to better serve existing markets-and move into new territory. Three large …