What is the Cost of Managing Energy Price Risk?

October 2008

We often say that cost reduction and risk reduction are at opposite ends of a spectrum when it comes to energy buying. This implies that risk reduction costs something. Is this true? What is the cost of energy price risk managment? Read more >>

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Involving Students in Energy Conservation

October 2008

The York Catholic District School Board's Eco Champion Program demonstrates the effectiveness that involving energy users in conservation efforts. Read more >>

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Don't Get Harpooned in a Retail Power Deal

September 2008

In the broad sales world, a "whale" is a customer that yields a high commission or margin. It follows then that one way for buyers (of anything) to minimize costs is to avoid getting harpooned. How can you avoid getting "harpooned" by an electricity retailer? Read more >>

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Ontario's Near-Term Electricity Shelf Well-Stocked

September 2008

The supply-demand picture for electricity is a key consideration for those thinking about hedging their future price for power. For 2009, the Ontario picture is much more favourable than it has been in the past. Read more >>

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Contracting Wisely for T1 Can Reduce Costs

September 2008

The T1 semi-unbundled service offered by Union Gas provides larger gas users with the chance to reduce costs on distribution, but only if they contract wisely. Customers too often "over-contract" for T1 and miss a chance to reduce their costs. Read more >>

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OEB Consults on Low Income Energy Consumer Issues

September 2008

The Ontario Energy Board is consulting with stakeholders on issues concerning low income energy consumers and their use of natural gas and electricity. The discussion has attracted a broad range of interests including large-volume consumers. Read more >>

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Managing Cost and Risk with a Supplier Portfolio

August 2008

For commodities such as natural gas a strong relationship with a single supplier doesn't lead to improvements in cost or quality. In the worst case, using a single natural gas supplier can create financial risk. Read more >>

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Day Ahead Markets

August 2008

While natural gas operates on a day ahead market, power market prices change every five minutes throughout the day. The timing difference between the purchase of gas and the sale of power can present a substantial challenge for power generators. Read more >>

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Key Considerations for CESOP

August 2008

With its Clean Energy Standard Offer Program (CESOP), the Ontario Power Authority has set the competitive bar high. In a continuation of our discussion from our June 2008 newsletter, we explore key considerations affecting the financial competitiveness of prospective projects. Read more >>

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Do Real Interest Rates Influence Commodity Prices?

July 2008

With rising commodity prices come theories of what causes the price increase. A common theory is that a decline in real interest rates (interest rates adjusted for inflation) will prompt investors to forego bonds and invest in commodities, resulting in higher demand for these products and thus, higher prices. To better understand the role that interest rates, and more specifically investors, have on energy prices... Read more >>

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