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Fortnightly Magazine - June 2004

Future Shock

The U.S. faces a near doubling of population this century. Will there be enough power for the people?

In the early 20th century, a mere 247,000 out of a potential 5 million customers had electricity, according to the National Academy of Engineers. Today, the investor-owned utility industry serves almost half of the 293 million who live in the United States. The average number of electric utility customers has run as high as 135 million, according to Energy Velocity. The industry has come a long way. But looking to the future, one sees clouds beginning to form. The answers to the questions become more difficult. The limitations and the obstacles increase. As we see a linear increase in demand, the difficulty of meeting that demand grows exponentially.
Byline: 

Richard Stavros

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LNG: FERC Asserts Control

CPUC questioned historic oversight authority.

The Sound Energy Solutions declaratory order clarified an important jurisdictional issue at a time when the United States is facing dwindling supplies of natural gas from traditional sources. While the order may ultimately be subject to judicial review, expeditious review and confirmation by the courts of the declaratory order may facilitate the development of new infrastructure and the expansion of existing LNG terminals.
Byline: 

Julia R. Richardson and John H. Burnes, Jr.

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The Fight for Sustainability

Investors are asking utilities questions about environmental and social risks. Answers can be a challenge.

Sustainability reporting may produce benefits that come full circle-satisfying the demands of shareholders, improving the company's performance on environmental and social factors, and ultimately increasing value for investors.
Byline: 

Michael T. Burr

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A Rough-Cut Diamond: Fortnightly Turns 75

Let's look back over the past few years — what we got right and where we went wrong.

So we come to the 75th anniversary of the publication of Public Utilities Fortnightly. Few magazines ever live that long. Nor should they. Yet here we stand. Launched in 1929. Still kicking in 2004. We can learn from the experience of the past 10 years — a time of turmoil like no other in the utility industry. So let’s lean back and have a little fun. What can we learn from Public Utilities Fortnightly over the past decade?
Byline: 

Bruce W. Radford

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The New CEOs

Whether utility leaders come from law, engineering, or finance, one thing can be said: Many of the new CEOs have had diverse experiences.

Our annual CEO survey looks at six new utility leaders: Mike Morris of AEP, Robert McGehee of Progress Energy, Michael Chesser of Great Plains Energy, Gary Rainwater of Ameren Corp., Dennis Wraase of PEPCO, and Paul Anderson of Duke Energy.
Byline: 

Richard Stavros

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Envision the Utility of Tomorrow

How will the industry change in the future?

Scale, synergies, and automation will transform tomorrow’s utilities, as will deregulation. But new management strategies and new technology also will play a part.
Byline: 

Keith Mueller

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Boardroom Showdown

Investors are revolting against poor corporate governance, demanding tighter controls that will boost earnings and stock price.

Does good governance lead to superior financial performance? Some large institutional shareholders think so, and they’re pushing for changes. Will your company be affected?
Byline: 

Kevin Genieser

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