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The private sector is increasingly turning to renewable energy to achieve corporate sustainability goals . In order to accomplish this successfully, these companies depend on a clear corporate renewable energy program. A corporate renewable energy program is an implementation and management framework to help companies integrate renewable energy into their business operations. An effective program will include a clear goal (e.g., 100% renewable energy sourcing), a defined procurement strategy (e.g., renewable energy certificates (RECs), power purchase agreements (PPAs), etc.), and an iterative underlying process for ongoing management.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is being used by many organizations as an innovative way to improve business performance and gain process efficiency. RPA is a technology solution that allows you to automate repetitive, rules-based processes through use of computer software. In our previous white paper, “RPA: Innovative Transformation Tool for Shared Services,” we describe how RPA is “a transformational tool that has the ability to lower operating costs while simultaneously increasing efficiency, scalability, consistency, reliability, security, and transparency.” These benefits make RPA an attractive addition to your process improvement toolbox and allow you to take your shared services organization to the next level.
On August 21, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule as a replacement to the 2015 Clean Power Plan (CPP). The EPA had been expected to repeal the CPP ever since the former head of the department, Scott Pruitt, announced the agency’s intention to do so in October 2017.1 The new rule aims to create guidelines for states to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing coal-fired power plants and is subject to a 60-day comment period. The proposed rule will likely lead to legal challenges from environmental and clean energy groups. The EPA is hoping to finalize the ACE rule by early 2019.
During Infocast’s New York Energy Market Summit 2018, ScottMadden consultants offered insights about the ongoing implementation of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative:
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Robert Powelson recently concluded the shortest term of any leader in the regulator’s history. His departure leaves a considerable challenge for the remaining four commissioners to avoid gridlock with several critical policy discussions on the docket.
On July 27, 2018, NextEra Energy Resources announced that Duane Arnold Nuclear Plant will close in late 2020. Licensed until 2034, Duane Arnold had previously planned to shut down in 2025, following the expiration of its current Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between NextEra Energy, who owns 70% of the plant, and Alliant Energy, Duane Arnold’s largest customer. In exchange, Alliant will submit a $110 million buyout in September 2020 to cover the remaining five years of the PPA. Alliant will also purchase 340 MW from four NextEra wind facilities located in Iowa in exchange for ending the PPA. Officials for both Alliant and NextEra say cheaper prices for alternative energy sources drove the decision to close the plant.
Has your organization decided to move to a shared services model? More than likely, you are already preparing for the massive changes ahead as you transform your service delivery model. Any change of this scale should be managed with care, as it can be hard on the customers you are serving as well as your staff. In many cases, it is wise to transition to a new service model using a phased approach, which will help to manage the change over time.
In recent years, individuals visiting customer service websites have been provided the option to engage in an online chat session, via an instant messaging service, with a contact center associate. Customers are also able to contact customer support without having to go to a website. According to IBM,[1] 70% of consumers say they prefer messaging over calling for customer support. Chat technologies, including live chat and chatbots, provide an opportunity for shared services centers to meet customer preferences and provide a new customer experience.
During the recent Intelligent Automation Week event, ScottMadden shared how to design a program that increases your intelligent automation “velocity.” The following presentation details key considerations as you move through the process.
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