Commentary
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May 30, 2003 |
As energy choice, or deregulation, is phased in across the nation, energy suppliers and marketers (hereafter, “suppliers”) are especially focused on how to retain and grow their customer base, how to inform customers of new choices, and how to convince consumers who are reluctant to change that change is beneficial. -
May 30, 2003 |
The customer information system is one of the most important components of information technology in the utility; however, implementations of these systems are notorious for failing to meet expectations. -
May 30, 2003 |Consumers rely on municipalities to provide essential commodities for living happy and healthy lives. However, legacy billing systems that produce thousands of pieces of paper, inefficient phone systems that leave customer questions unanswered and long wait times during weekday work hours have frustrated customers for years.
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May 30, 2003 |
The utilities sector is under tremendous pressure to reduce costs while improving the level of service it provides to customers, all in an increasingly competitive business environment. -
May 30, 2003 |
NSTAR Electric and Gas Company, which is headquartered in Westwood, Massachusetts, is one of a handful of utilities implementing Customer Relationship Management systems in their Call Centers. What prompted this pioneer effort and what are the resulting benefits? Read on, these questions and more will be answered in the remainder of this article. -
May 27, 2003 |
While many companies have initiated some form of energy management program, only the Best-In-Class (BIC) have effectively integrated an Energy Management Process (EMP) throughout their operations. By applying the philosophy to “Use Energy At Only The Exact Time, Location and Quantity Required To Produce A Quality Product” in all facets of their business, they continually improve energy efficiency and consistently maintain those improvements to strengthen their competitive positions. -
May 15, 2003 |
Recently, SolArc asked a sample of its customers to sit down and share information about their upcoming IT budgets, corporate goals and priorities. Participating companies ranged from global integrated energy giants to regional utilities, refiners and energy marketers. Based on the discussion, it appears that IT spending by energy companies in the next few years will be dominated by three primary goals – cost reduction, commercial growth and compliance, or what can be referred to as the “three Cs.” -
May 12, 2003 |
Control systems are integral to the operation of the nation’s critical infrastructures of electric power, fuels, water, chemicals, and other vital services. Control systems include Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs). -
May 08, 2003 |
Nevada Power, which serves Southern Nevada where I live, is running a series of ads offering $30 for each used refrigerator turned into them. The idea is that new refrigerators use less electricity than old ones, so the overall result is supposed to be conservation. -
May 08, 2003 |
The open nature of the Internet requires use of robust data security measures when implementing Internet-based SCADA systems.
