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29 Dead: Who Knew?

Submitted by Ken Silverstein on Mon, 2015-10-19 18:25

If terrible disasters happen, like the mining accident that killed 29, companies that have built trust within the communities they operate will be given benefit of doubt.

Every day, just after 5 p.m. eastern time, Don Blankenship exits the federal courthouse for the Southern District of West Virginia flanked by four lawyers. And when he does, a parade of cameras is there to catch to his every move. The former chief executive of Massey Energy is now on trial — one of a handful of top chieftains from publicly-held companies to have ever faced a jury.

America's Coal Boss on Trial

Submitted by Ken Silverstein on Fri, 2015-10-09 20:20

By all standards, this trial has huge implications – not just for Mr. Blankenship and the miners’ families but also for corporate America.

Court has just broken for 20 minutes and I’m in the men’s room standing next to one of Don Blankenship’s lawyers. In an awkward sort of way, we introduce ourselves but wait until we are at the sink to shake hands. Both of us are smiling and joking – an odd sense of levity at a time when a man’s life is on the line, or as much as 30 years.

Water, Water Everywhere Except for Energy Production

Submitted by Ken Silverstein on Tue, 2015-09-29 14:20

Water scarcity may inspire more disruptive technologies and onsite generation.

The global energy world is swirling in predictions, with most climate scientists saying that climate change is a manmade phenomenon that requires new technologies and cleaner fuels. Irrespective of one’s opinion on the matter is the notion of water and how much of it is required to produce energy.

Innovation Comes to the Electric Utilities

Submitted by Ken Silverstein on Mon, 2015-09-21 16:30

In the age of utility innovation, what exactly qualifies as innovation?

It was one of those things you don’t forget. Years later, it's still with you. It wasn't a Eureka! moment and it wasn’t an epiphany, but it's a firm memory from the mid-1980s.

Utility Market Transformation

Submitted by Ken Silverstein on Wed, 2015-09-16 11:07

Ruthless markets are disrupting utility markets but they are also creating new opportunities. What's next for utilities?

Free markets are ruthless, creating both wealth and disruption. Just ask the multitudes who have toiled in telecommunications, railroads, and journalism. Now, it’s time for the utility industry to evolve and to maintain its relevance.

That’s the topic of discussion to be held at the Public Utilities Fortnightly’s conference on November 17-18 in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a plethora of industry experts will gather to discuss and to debate exactly what role utilities will play in a redefined energy market place.

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