Commentary
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May 07, 2003 |
With deregulation of the retail electric utility industry a distant memory for all but a few states, it appears to be a good time to return to basics for regulation of the utility sector. This means that the U.S Government along with the 50 states, their legislators, and their Public Service Commissions should revisit the original purpose for creating portfolio standards for energy policy. -
May 06, 2003 |
Managing energy at one facility is difficult. Managing energy at multiple facilities nationwide can seem impossible. Energy managers at businesses such as retail chains, grocery stores, and real estate investment trusts nationwide face an enormous challenge. -
May 05, 2003 |
Just under 3 per cent of the electricity generated in the US comes from pumped hydro energy storage. The pumped hydro generating plants are the unsung heroes of the industry, moving water up and down hills so that demand on the power network can be effectively and efficiently managed. Owners and operators of pumped hydro have access to a very useful asset in their plant portfolio. -
May 01, 2003 |
The issues surrounding customer loyalty and retention must always be considered an important part of an energy company’s marketing efforts, especially as the energy industry moves further into deregulation and competition becomes more committed. -
Apr 28, 2003 |
Convenience and personalization are the hallmarks of good customer service, but people don’t often experience both on any given call. The two predominant methods of customer service – touch-tone multiple-choice menus and phone representatives -- are limited in their capacity to provide superior service. -
Apr 25, 2003 |
The events of September 11, 2001, have brought insurance availability and terrorism risk to the immediate attention of businesses throughout the country. Since September 11, insurance solutions have been developed that serve the needs of most businesses, at least to a partial extent. The purpose of this article is to outline the state of the terrorism insurance market and product offerings available to help businesses manage this risk. -
Apr 25, 2003 |
You may ask, “What is Calibration and why do I need it?” To properly answer the question, let’s talk first about your call monitoring program. Where does your organization stand in your commitment to excellence in call quality? Do you have a paper and pencil system, an automated system or is it something on your list that constantly gets put on a back burner due to everyday pressures? -
Apr 24, 2003 |
The Internet has finally overcome barriers to cost-effective, remote monitoring and control of low voltage substations. -
Apr 22, 2003 |
Our society needs energy conservation for both economic and ecological reasons. Case studies show spectacular large, quick pay-back conservation savings. Estimates of achievable energy conservation in facilities are on the order of 30% (Art Rosenfeld, California Energy Commission). Striving for facilities conservation, with these high stakes, seems like the obvious response. -
Apr 18, 2003 |
The transition of the East German energy sector since 1990 has demonstrated the effectiveness of local municipal utilities in creating an efficient and economical energy sector in transitioning market economies. Thirteen years on, the combined control of the generation and distribution of district heating, gas and electricity, combined with retailing of energy to local consumers, has proven especially valuable in the successful transition in eastern Germany.
