With growing awareness of the risks from cyber attacks, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this past April took steps to enhance U.S. cyber security standards. Their plan seeks to improve the resiliency of critical network operations in electric generation, distribution and transmission systems. The ripple effects of compliance will be felt throughout the U.S.… Keep reading →
With the recent EPA proposal concerning strict carbon levels from existing power plants, owners with facilities out of compliance generally have three options – retrofit to meet emissions standards, convert to an alternative fuel or close the plant. While natural gas conversion is a strong option for some plants, another alternative is either biomass cofiring or making… Keep reading →
The idea that recent sequential earthquake activity, particularly in Ohio and Oklahoma, is related to hydraulic fracking and water disposal operations is gaining traction in some key drilling states. While there is no hard data to conclusively support the theory, action on the part of regulatory agencies will potentially present oil and gas companies with… Keep reading →
The geographic location of proposed LNG export facilities in North America will determine the global markets they will serve, as well as the long-term buyers that will guarantee revenues to help secure project financing. Each proposed facility will have unique opportunities and challenges, but distance to market may be the primary consideration for securing Asian… Keep reading →
Energy reform now underway in Mexico could create a new dynamic in North American energy production, offering new opportunities and risks in many sectors of the industry and expanding North America’s already burgeoning oil and gas production outlook. The result could be a more prosperous Mexico, with the energy sector helping to drive economic growth.… Keep reading →
Across the globe, a number of dynamics, such as new technology, financial pressures and changing community outlooks, are impacting businesses large and small. The demand to do more with less has never been greater. This new operating reality also holds true for water utilities around much of the world. To balance these competing forces, water… Keep reading →
For many utilities there is a razor-thin difference in the price of electricity generated by natural gas and by coal. Slight changes in fuel price can produce dramatic swings in production costs, creating market opportunities for utilities with both gas- and coal-fired assets. Utilities considering new gas-fired assets have several options. Key among them is… Keep reading →
