Literature Searches
We conduct literature searches on potential questions related to energy, environment and economics questions. We have access to online research databases to perform our search. We provide Draft and Final Search Summary Reports to our clients. In the past we have conducted literature searches related to specific air quality standards and industries.
Economic Modeling, Impact Analysis
We develop Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) documents. We have estimated the economic impact of regulations on small and large entities for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We have conducted economic impact studies for NASA, DOE contractor National Security Technologies, LLC (NSTec) and Paul D. Camp Community College (PDCCC). We have estimated the economic impact of regulations on small and large entities for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Financial Modeling, Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)
We conduct financial modeling of energy efficiency and renewable energy resources using appropriate financial and life-cycle cost analysis programs . As part of these analyses, we calculate the cost/benefit ratio, payback period, rate of return, savings to investment ratio (SIR), and net present value (NPV) of an energy conservation or renewable option. We assess project competitiveness and viability. We conducted economic and financial analyses of nine hydro power plants for the Kenya Tea Development Agency. We used spreadsheet-based models to evaluate the economics and carbon credit potential of the hydro options.
Policy Analyses
We develop policy analyses for clients. We study the economic and regulatory impacts of a policy. We analyze state level electric and gas markets, study energy industry restructuring models and assess the impact of state commission policy on these markets. We review utility policies and programs to encourage the adoption of renewable and distributed generation options by their customers. Finally, we study environmental policies/programs and impacts.
Regulatory Impact & Report
We analyze societal impacts of regulation for clients. We perform studies on the impact of rules and regulations on business and assess how these regulations influence consumer choices of products and services. We also perform Small Business Screening and Analyses. We estimate impacts to small business as part of analyses in compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA). We develop reports base don our regulatory impact analysis.
Industry Profiles
We help develop and update profiles of industries potentially affected by regulation. The profiles include information on type of sources affected by the regulation and background information on the demand, supply and market structure of the industry; production/shipment, export, import, consumption, sales, employment and other market data; industry organization, concentration and pricing.
Industry Analyses
We are experienced in industry analyses. We have participated in twenty proceedings before state regulatory commissions on economic and market condition issues related to the electric and natural gas industries. We have testified on industry demand, supply, structure and cost issues before regulatory commissions and prepared reports, studies based on economic analyses of changing industry structure. We help clients understand economic, market structure, policy and environmental issues related to industries.
Regulatory Trends
We advise clients on how states have addressed cost recovery, allocation of costs, parity of rate of return, purchasing and hedging issues. We performed a benchmark study of regulatory trends in the gas industry by researching gas purchasing and gas cost recovery issues.
Peer Reviews
We perform peer reviews of agency documents. We assist with both the selection of reviewers and with the compilation of their comments. We organize comments and develop a report based on the comments we receive.
Market Segmentation
We help clients understand the benefits of market segmentation and develop residential and business market segmentation programs. We have educated managers of an international utility on product differentiation issues.
Marketing Strategies & Strategic Communications
We help clients define markets and position them for success in a competitive marketplace. We help them communicate their sustainability strategies and successes internally and externally. We provided strategic consulting services to a Midwest utility for the marketing of an improved environmental profile for the company. We helped the Army National Guard with strategic communications related to sustainability best practices within and outside the agency.