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API sets industry 2000 computer survey

July 13, 1998

The American Petroleum Institute will lead a survey to find out what is being done in the oil industry to resolve looming computer problems in 2000. The so-called Y2K problem involves calendars within computer chips that are coded only through yearend 1999 and that will not be able to interpret the 00 at the end of 2000, a problem that could disrupt all sectors of the oil industry. API will gather data from U.S. and Canadian oil industry groups and its own members in response to a broad request

The American Petroleum Institute will lead a survey to find out what is being done in the oil industry to resolve looming computer problems in 2000.

The so-called Y2K problem involves calendars within computer chips that are coded only through yearend 1999 and that will not be able to interpret the 00 at the end of 2000, a problem that could disrupt all sectors of the oil industry. API will gather data from U.S. and Canadian oil industry groups and its own members in response to a broad request from the U.S. government for information about U.S. industries.

Kendra Martin, of API's Electronic Commerce and Information Technology Group, said API has established an Internet web page as a tool for disseminating information necessary to convert petroleum industry computer systems as the new century approaches. She said API and other groups also would pool data on chips embedded in pipelines and other equipment that could be affected by the Y2K problem.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asked API to coordinate the survey. API recently held meetings with officials from the producing, refining, pipeline, and marketing sectors who agreed on the need for a comprehensive data-gathering program. API and other industry groups have been working with the Energy Working Group of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion. Also API will seek to expand public awareness of the Y2K problem and coordinate reporting on issues straddling different sectors of the petroleum industry. API also will join the Natural Gas Council in coordinating a similar effort in the gas industry. FERC is monitoring the work done in both the oil and gas industries.