In prior articles, we focused on the important impact that the energy efficiency industry has had on the current North American energy economy. In this essay, we share our thoughts on the ways this segment will be challenged to drive innovation as it continues to mature. We also discuss the evolving role demand side management will play in the energy industry and the utility of the future.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the new presidential administration's environmental policies, wind power prices in the Great Plains region are now averaging around $20 per megawatt-hour. According to a new report from Moody's Investors Service, many utilities are capitalizing on this cheap wind, using it to grow rate base or replace inefficient coal-fired assets.

We in the energy industry need to have a strong voice when tomorrow's workforce makes career choices. We need to show our stuff, and get them energized about the vitally important work we do.

Throughout a spate of civil wars between 1989 and 2003, Liberia’s burgeoning electricity system was central to the power struggle. Its systematic destruction by rebel forces left a once-viable economic structure in shambles. Fifteen years later, Liberians still cope with the fallout.

Linquist spoke about shareholder activism with Chris Young, a lawyer who moved into investment banking in the technology sector. Young spent six years at Institutional Shareholder Services. Chris joined Credit Suisse seven years ago and leads the Contested Situations Group.

Is coal dead? No, but it's facing an uphill battle in the U.S., according to EPRI's Jeff Phillips, senior program manager for advanced fossil generation. And so began a thought-provoking conversation about where we are today, and the innovation needed to make fossil fuels relevant in the future.

Mike Caranfa leads sales efforts for the electricity and water businesses in the Americas.

Jane Lewis-Raymond is a partner in Parker Poe's Charlotte office, practicing with the firm's Public Company Growth & Compliance and Energy groups. She has over 25 years of legal experience, including a decade as general counsel and chief compliance officer of a publicly traded company, Piedmont Natural Gas.