Policies are being shaped, but potential outcomes are still somewhat murky
ScottMadden, Inc., one of North America’s leading energy consulting firms, recently released its Spring Energy Industry Update. Themed “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” this report focuses on the strategic drivers propelling our industry, including energy regulatory changes under the new Trump administration. What are the potential energy policy changes— reversals, shifts, and debates—and what do they mean for energy?
The first months of the Trump administration have seen some proposed changes in energy and environmental policy and spending. While rapid action had been expected early on, some actions are proving to take more time than initially thought. Initiatives like infrastructure spending are dependent upon Congressional actions and, therefore, must be balanced with other legislative priorities like tax reform and health care. And, potential federal policy changes to support nuclear and fossil generation will continue to tangle with economic realities like continued low natural gas prices and state-level policy activity. Finally, staffing of political appointees and policymaking positions (such as FERC commissioners) is proving to be yet another barrier to the rapid action initially anticipated by some industry observers.
“It’s still to be seen what the complete picture of Trump administration energy policy initiatives might be,” said Rick Starkweather, partner and regulatory practice leader at ScottMadden. “As we look for that picture to more fully emerge, we expect that states will be incubators of regulatory and policy change, now and in the coming months and years. And, once the FERC has a quorum, we may see changes in wholesale markets and a changing federal-state dynamic begin to take shape.”
Potential policy changes vary by sector, as do their potential impacts. This report dives into the implications for environmental policy, fossil generation, nuclear power, natural gas, tax reform, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid transformation.
If you were unable to join our Energy Industry Update webcast, the complimentary recording is now available. Hear what our industry experts have to say about solar curtailment, Australia’s response to distributed generation, and the trends toward smart cities in this new session.
About ScottMadden’s Energy Practice
We know energy from the ground up. Since 1983, we have been energy consultants. We have served more than 400 clients, including 20 of the top 20 energy utilities. We have performed more than 3,000 projects across every energy utility business unit and every function. We have helped our clients develop strategies, improve operations, reorganize companies, and implement initiatives. Our broad and deep energy utility expertise is not theoretical—it is experience based.
About ScottMadden, Inc.
ScottMadden is the management consulting firm that does what it takes to get it done right. Our practice areas include Energy, Clean Tech & Sustainability, Corporate & Shared Services, and Grid Transformation. We deliver a broad array of consulting services ranging from strategic planning through implementation across many industries, business units, and functions. To learn more, visit www.scottmadden.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
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Media contact:
Mary Tew
919-714-7628