Jason Davis, a director at ScottMadden, spoke with GenerationHub about infrastructure issues that could undermine the growing use of natural gas for electric power. Membership is required to access the full article. To register, click here.
Author: Wayne Barber, GenerationHub
Investment analysts have generally positive outlooks on electric and combination utilities, although they seem to lag gas utilities and slightly trail the broader equities market. Despite this, utility companies are increasing investment in generation (either new facilities or retrofits) and the grid, and evaluating potential acquisitions, combinations, and infrastructure investments that can enhance their balance sheets. Read more below.
We are pleased to announce our Spring 2012 issue of THE SCOTTMADDEN ENERGY INDUSTRY UPDATE. This semi-annual publication features our view of recent significant events and emerging trends in the energy industry.
The combined impact of low natural gas prices and added environmental regulations are beginning to force a shift in the fuel composition of the U.S. power generation fleet. Will the shift be more measured than the industry’s last “dash to gas”? Read more below.
EPA is promulgating regulations that impact coal-fired generation in particular, tightening emission standards for mercury, air toxics, and sulfur dioxide, as well as greenhouse gases from new power sources. Despite political and legal uncertainty surrounding the ultimate implementation of the regulations, many companies are making tough plant retirement decisions now. Read more below.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and states like Texas continue to seek ways to promote transmission development, but issues around cost allocation and regional coordination remain. In addition, safety issues related to the gas transmission network are receiving heightened attention. Read more below.
Cheap natural gas has spillover effects into clean tech and renewables industries. With oil prices around $100 per barrel and natural gas at $2 per MMBTU, alternative fuel and electric vehicles are getting a second look. Meanwhile, the wind and solar industries are contemplating a possible future upon the expiration of tax subsidies, complicated by low natural gas prices. Read more below.
Finance organizations, like many corporate service functions, strive to be business partners providing value-added services to their business unit customers. This article, published by Strategic Finance Magazine, profiles Exelon’s ambitious effort to remake their finance organization, taking its performance and leadership to best-in-class levels. Access the complete article today to learn about the approach and process Exelon undertook for their strategic transformation.
Brad DeMent, partner and finance and accounting practice area leader at ScottMadden, recently published an article on finding a strategic location for shared services operations. This report was featured in the April 2012 issue of the online Area Development Magazine.
A partner at ScottMadden, presented, “Supply Trends – What Are The Impacts on Transmission?” at Infocast’s 15th Annual Transmission Summit. This presentation focused on important developments in generation and how they will impact transmission.
ScottMadden believes that change management is most effective when embedded within a project and least effective when it is stand-alone or “bolt-on.” Too many organizations allow for significant segregation between Project Management’s executional focus and the activities of a change team. A key point of our success is the ability of our team to integrate change management within transformational projects. In this article, we focus on effective change techniques and processes and provide an overview of ScottMadden’s extensive change management tool kit, including ScottMadden’s change model.
Success of a shared-services operation depends upon more than just a good plan and solid execution and like any good relationship; it requires constant monitoring and regular maintenance. Without a serious, ongoing commitment by the CEO, CFO, CIO, and managers throughout the company, shared services will implode. The entire corporate way of thinking has to change.
Sussex Economic Advisors is now part of ScottMadden. We invite you to learn more about our expanded firm. Please use the Contact Us form to request additional information.
