Glenn P. Barba has been elected vice president and controller of Consumers Energy. He joined the utility in 2001 as controller. Previously, he served as controller for CMS Generation. Before joining CMS Generation in 1997, Barba spent nine years in public accounting, with a focus on the energy industry. Consumers Energy also named Kim D. Morris, a 20-year human resources veteran at the company, as human resources director for Consumers Energy's generating plants.
Some want to cut costs, others to improve service.
Uncertain economic times have always moved companies to find ways to cut costs. Utilities and energy companies are no different. They have turned to automated meter reading (AMR) during the past years in increasing numbers.
But many technology experts disagree on strategy: should utilities go high-tech or low-tech on AMR?
There are opportunities for utilities despite the telecom market correction of 2001 and 2002.
State public service commissions are insisting that utilities adopt risk management programs, and are allowing less pass-through for those that don't.
How building capabilities for repeated M&A can increase shareholder value.
1. The original consortium of 15 energy companies, announced March 29, 2000, included American Electric Power, Cinergy, consolidated Edison Inc., Duke Enbergy, Edison International, Entergy, Exelon, firstEnergy Corp., FPL Group, PG&E Corp., Public Service Enterprise Group, Reliant Energy, Sempra Energy, Southern Company, and TXU.
But the fly in the ointment is computer modeling, where no one yet agrees on how to mirror the real world.
A promise made is a promise kept, even in the halls of government.