Liquefied gas is building owners new best friend.

Representatives from Hess Corp. presented data on potential energy savings for owners of commercial buildings at an April 12 members-only roundtable of the Long Island Chapter of Building Owners and Managers.

Speaking at the meeting, held in Melville at 68 S. Service Rd., Tim Connors, Kevin Duffy and Bob Welch outlined the recent history of energy prices and the company's price/risk management system, which it manages for its customers.

"Natural gas is becoming the energy of choice, but it's become more costly," said Robert Welch, a member of Hess' New York City energy marketing team. He said that supplies of liquefied natural gas will help bring down the cost of energy.

Connors, senior accounts manager for energy marketing, said the company promotes dual-fuel products. He noted that CW Post last year burned oil, when natural gas prices rose and as a result, Hess shared the profit it made on gas sales with the college. He said not every user will qualify for the program.

The executives also discussed the possibility of a BOMA-Long Island buying cooperative. "Someone is going to have to sign for everyone. That's your challenge," said Connors.

BOMA LI's next event, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 10 at 68 S. Service Rd., Melville, is also a members-only roundtable at which Long Island Power Authority officials will present information on the agency's 2007 Commercial Construction Program, which offers technical and financial incentives to commercial/industrial customers for the installation of high efficiency equipment.