But guiding their companies in times of change is a challenging task.
Ken Silverstein is editor-in-chief of Public Utilities Fortnightly. Contact him at ksilverstein@fortnightly.com. Herman K. Trabish is a full-time news reporter covering regulatory proceedings as well as renewables, energy storage, transmission, and policy issues. Formerly a Doctor of Chiropractic, he transitioned to his current career and cut back on treating when he realized his plan to save the world one patient at a time was taking too long. Feel free to direct feedback and story ideas to: herman@NewEnergyNews.net.
Not since the Clean Air Act of 1970 - and its subsequent amendments in 1990 - has the utility world been so encumbered with environmental issues, namely the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Just how such companies cope with the pending requirements is a function of their geographies as well as their existing fuel portfolios.
Beyond the fuels that companies will use to meet their electricity demand, they are also zeroing in on new technologies, whether they be distributed generation, electric batteries or microgrids. And no matter where they fall on this spectrum, they are taking notice and trying to develop a strategy going forth.
To provide a mix of perspectives, Fortnightly has chosen to speak with four chief executives: Ian McLeod of Ergon Energy in Australia, Darrel Anderson of Idaho Power, Tony Earley of PG&E Corp. and Mark Vogt of the Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association in Minnesota.
Ian McLeod
CEO, Ergon Energy in Australia
Can you briefly describe your utility and the major issues you are facing in Australia?