SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 6, 2004

The Williams Companies, Inc.

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 918/573-2000

Not Applicable

Table of Contents

Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.

a) None

b) None

c) Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1 Copy of press release dated July 6, 2004, publicly reporting the matters discussed herein, furnished pursuant to Item 9.

Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure.

     On July 6, 2004, The Williams Companies, Inc. (“Williams”) announced that action by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) last week put an end to nearly all of Williams’ natural gas issues and power refund liabilities related to California markets from May 2000 through June 2001. The FERC on July 2 approved Williams’ Feb. 25 settlement with three California utilities. The FERC’s approval of the settlement also resolves the FERC’s investigations into physical and economic withholding. In a related action, Williams on July 2 received a final court order approving a civil class action settlement.

     A copy of the press release announcing the same is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Williams has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS