A Mindset to Mimic
What if Utilities Were Lead Like Amazon?
Reflect for a moment on the Amazon story. Yes, it’s a different type of business. But take careful note of how their leader’s mindset has shaped the outcomes.
Strategy & Planning
Finishing Transmission Planning Reforms
No Way to Get There Without FERC Acting Now
Ineffective interregional transmission policies, not technical or economic barriers, are the chief factors holding up the construction of new interstate transmission. This will not change without FERC intervention.
Active Grid
Where Smart Energy Meets Internet of Things
Imagine what could be achieved if the current modernized grid evolved to be even more dynamic, a complete solution encompassing electricity, gas and water.
Energy People: Werner Buehler
We talked with Werner Buehler, General Manager of Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative
Werner Buehler is the general manager of Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative based in Baker City, Oregon. Oregon Trail serves 23,000 members in four rural counties in eastern Oregon.
Tom Fanning: Leadership Lyceum Podcast Summary
Conversation with a Prime Mover: Tom Fanning, Chairman and CEO of Southern Company
A summary of Tom Linquist's conversation with Tom Fanning, Southern Company CEO, on strategy and investment. Full podcast available.
Response to Mitnick Re: Costs Fixed Depending on Timeframe
A response to the Editor-in-Chief column by Steve Mitnick in our July 2016 issue
Mitnick’s observation was visionary, that we are heading toward an industry that will become increasingly dominated by fixed costs. Even so, he could have gone one step further.
Helter Skelter
Closure of a Perfectly Decent Nuclear Power Plant
Prematurely closing a nuclear plant because of the inflexibility of solar and wind generation is like going after a fly with a sledgehammer.
Marginal Utility
Way Forward for Electric Utilities
To address this brave new world facing the U.S.’s electric utility industry, we suggest an electric utility six-pack to facilitate the transition.
Legislative and Consumer Advocate Challenges
Reforming the Regulatory Advocacy Process
State legislators must be mindful that the customer base is evolving. We will need to reassess the enabling legislation that defines the consumer advocate’s roles in our various states. The consumer advocates, within the statutory authority granted, may have to choose which customers to represent before utility commissions.
Investor-Owned and Public Power Can Learn from Co-ops
Co-op Approach in Energy Efficiency
Co-ops have the freedom to explore creative ways to enhance energy efficiency. Two forward-thinking programs that treat efficiency as a utility investment may be starting a bit of a revolution.