Latest LTEP Can't Stop Electricity Cost Freight Train

December 2013

The new Long Term Energy Plan for Ontario talks about projected cost increases being lower than in the 2010 plan. But future cost increases on electricity bills are the result of contract terms that have already been set, and so on those costs, "the train has left the station". Read more >>

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Take a Closer Look at Your Gas Delivery Contract

November 2013

Gas users who take their utility delivery services as a "given" are missing out on significant gas cost reductions. Analysis and optimization are key to ensuring that they aren't spending more than they need to. Read more >>

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Is Seasonality in Natural Gas Prices Important?

November 2013

With natural gas consumption being closely associated with heating demand, it seems intuitive that demand for the commodity and the price would rise in winter relative to other seasons. However, history shows that we can't always trust our intuition. Read more >>

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The Hidden Opportunity Cost of Hedging

October 2013

Locking in an arbitrary proportion of one's supply portfolio in case prices rise is an inefficient way to manage the risk of energy market uncertainty. And because it is inefficient, it is expensive. Read more >>

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Uncertainty Surrounding TransCanada Continues

October 2013

Certain anticipated impacts of the NEB's decision on tolls and services for TransCanada have been borne out by activity in the gas market. Other developments highlight that the market is still in a state of flux and so end-users need to be vigilant in their contracting decisions. Read more >>

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Think of Hedging as Just an Umbrella for Unpredictable Weather

September 2013

Deciding when to hedge should be as easy as deciding when to take an umbrella in the morning. The only tricky part is assessing the "probablility of precipitation" in the energy market. Read more >>

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Green Energy Act Conservation Plan, Ontario Regulation 397/11: A Rare Government Gift

September 2013

The conservation plan required by Ontario Regulation 397/11 is a rare opportunity to align people's motivations and management practices to achieve savings on a portfolio level that most have only dreamed of. Read more >>

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What's Happening with the Total Commodity Price for Electricity?

September 2013

Comparing total commodity prices for electricity for the 12 months ended August 2013 to prices for the previous 12 months is instructive in discerning trends and the reasons for the price behaviour. Read more >>

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TransCanada Decision Will Have Major Impact on Eastern Gas Commodity Market

June 2013

The NEB's decision to allow TransCanada discretion in the pricing of short-term services will affect the eastern Canadian gas commodity market by making it harder and less profitable for marketers to get gas to key trading points. In this new reality, it will be essential for gas buyers to have a portfolio of suppliers. Read more >>

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IESO Stakeholder Engagement on Global Adjustment: An Update

June 2013

The IESO released a first draft report as part of its review of the Global Adjustment mechanism in which it assesses the impact of changes in GA cost allocation. The potential exists for the expansion of eligibility for Class A GA treatment. Read more >>

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