The rise of fracking has shifted the U.S. natural gas market at fundamental levels that are not yet fully understood or appreciated. In fact, there is a strong argument to be made that as fracking and other recovery technologies continue to improve, the U.S. will become a major energy provider. By exporting copious amounts of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the U.S. will achieve greater energy independence by cutting back on imports of foreign crude oil products. A massive shift in the global energy markets is neither that far-fetched nor far off and will likely take place over the next decade. As discussed in greater detail below, natural gas has the potential to become a globally traded commodity like crude oil.

Topics: energy risk management, Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy, Energy Solutions, energy procurement, energy regulations, energy reliability, energy savings, Weekly Energy Insights, energy management, exports

For years, coal has been the dominant fuel source for power generation in the U.S.. However, recent changes in the market place, including tighter emissions restrictions imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and low natural gas prices from abundant shale gas suppliers, threaten coal’s dominance as the leading fuel source for generation. An analysis conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) was published in August and predicted that between 35 and 60 gigawatts of coal-fired electricity generation in the eastern half of the country will be retired within the next five years. Therefore, new generation, transmission investments and reliability must run (RMR) contracts will be needed to maintain grid reliability. Natural gas fired generation will most likely fill the bulk of the gap left by the coal retirements. The impact of retirements and the higher operation costs of the remaining coal plants will trigger an increase in prices. This effect will be magnified in regions that are more dependent on coal fired generation, like the Midwest.

Topics: coal, energy risk management, Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy, Energy Solutions, energy procurement, energy regulations, Weekly Energy Insights, energy management, U.S. energy

Legislation proposed in Michigan for 2012 would have increased the ability of customers to choose an alternative energy provider, enabling Michigan businesses to use strategies to manage energy risks  and remain competitive on a regional and national level.  Nevertheless, this legislation failed to make it out of committee, a sign that Michigan’s failed attempt at deregulation will continue to damage the competitiveness of businesses in the state.

Topics: energy risk management, energy, Energy Solutions, energy procurement, energy reliability

During the run-up and actual campaign for the Presidency in 2012, the Obama administration was cited for conducting a “war on coal” through various Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions, including but not limited to:

Topics: Acclaim Energy Advisors, risk management, Energy Solutions

Acclaim Energy Launches New Demand Response Solution 

Acclaim Energy Advisors exhibited their new energy reliability solution at the 2012 AWBD (The Association of Water Board Directors-Texas) Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Team members from AT&T and ILS Technologies accompanied Acclaim Energy in launching this low cost, auto-enabled technology that reduces energy expeditures and generates revenue for small and large commercial customers. This solution is know as  the Dynamic Load Optimization 365 (DLO 365 sm) powered by AT&T. 

Topics: Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy management consulting, Energy Solutions, energy procurement, demand response, Event, dynamic load optimization 365, DLO 365, Municipal Utility District Energy

 

Video Outlook: July 25, 2012

Topics: Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy management consulting, Webinar, Energy Solutions

VIDEO OUTLOOK: JULY 16, 2012

During the past two weeks, Natural Gas has traded between a narrow range: $2.75/MMBtu & $2.90/MMBtu. Prices have limited upside potential since some utilities are switching back to burning coal. On the low end of the range, prices are supported by forecasts, which are calling for above normal temperatures in the coming weeks.  Click here to watch the Video

 

Topics: Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy management consulting, Webinar, Energy Solutions

Acclaim Energy and AT&T Launch DLO 365sm at the TIA: Inside the Network Conference

On June 5, 2012 Acclaim Energy Advisors and AT&T announced their strategic alliance to provide a solution to address energy reliability problems. This solution is known as the Dynamic Load Optimization 365 (DLO 365sm), which utalizes ILS Technology's deviceWISE M2M Application Platform. 

Topics: Acclaim Energy Advisors, Energy Solutions, demand response, dynamic load optimization 365, DLO 365

Energy Insights: May 31, 2012

Natural Gas

After reaching $2.75/MMBtu on 5/18/2012, price action for the June-2012 contract seesawed up until Thursday 5/24. Since then, NG futures have tumbled almost as fast as they rose. The decline showed that sustained prices above $2.50/MMBtu likely would inspire some switching back to coal.

Topics: ERCOT Heat Rates, Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy management consulting, Energy Solutions, Weekly Energy Insights, natural gas

Energy Insights May 23, 2012

High volatility in NG futures ahead of storage data release.  Fresh news will give the market more direction; however, this is becoming a weather driven market again, so prices will swing as conditions change. Regarding the electricity market, on 5/22/2012, ERCOT released a new long-term study which confirmed the potential of electricity shortages within the coming decade as electric use in Texas continues to hit new records.

Topics: ERCOT Heat Rates, Acclaim Energy Advisors, energy management consulting, Energy Solutions, Weekly Energy Insights, natural gas