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Article Archive

Capitalizing on Consolidation

Why U.S. utilities are picking up speed in the race to consolidate.
By Jack Azagury and Ted Walker, Accenture
Macro- and microeconomic factors are combining to help utilities capture untapped value through M&A. The recent pace of deals probably will continue.
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Learning from Retailers

Competition and technology could transform the industry.
By Adrian Tuck, Tendril
Success in retail energy markets requires providing customers with the best choices and the best service. Utilities can learn valuable lessons from the experiences of competitive electricity retailers.
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Wellinghoff Weighs In

FERC chairman has his eye on markets, cyber security, and rooftop PV.
By Bruce W. Radford, Public Utilities Fortnightly
In an informal meeting at the National Press Club in early September, FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff discussed the commission’s policy priorities -- including plans to fine-tune energy markets, and to bring the industry into compliance with FERC’s landmark Order 1000.
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On-Site Audits vs. Virtual Assessments

Comparing tools for assessing conservation and efficiency potential.
By Richard Huntley and Hugh Gaasch, Retroficiency
Virtual assessments and on-site audits both play critical roles in commercial energy efficiency programs. Data analytics can provide insight about efficiency potential in advance of on-site assessments -- allowing utilities and energy service companies to target the best opportunities for achieving conservation goals.
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Risk Management's Existential Crisis

Despite strong methodologies and supporting technology, risk management failures continue aplenty. Fortunately, structural changes can help.
By David Foti, Lone Star College and Foti LLC
JP Morgan’s recent multi-billion dollar loss is just the latest in a series of risk-management disasters – some of which involved energy companies. The problem stems from perverse incentives that encourage risk managers and traders to over-risk the company – and utilities aren’t exempt from the problem. Avoiding similar losses in the future will require taking a careful look at the incentives in place for risk management professionals.
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