EnergyWindow is committed to supporting our customers with insight and analysis that is both timely and actionable. White papers on a variety of popular topics are available here, free of charge. Click on a link to download a white paper.

• How To Use Energy Procurement to Reduce Operating Costs Significantly
  Virtually every business is concerned about keeping a tight rein on operating costs, but many do not realize the potential savings associated with a savvy energy procurement strategy and process. Businesses that adopt a strategic energy management and sourcing plan aligned with their overall supply chain strategy can expect to reap significant benefits. The resulting budgetary certainty and reduced risk exposure make development of a smart energy management approach a must for procurement and energy managers, as well as for C-level executives.
  
  
• How Black Swan Events Impact Energy Portfolios
  Low-probability, high-impact events can wreak havoc on an energy supply portfolio. These events - termed "Black Swans" by author Nassim Taleb in his 2007 book - are notoriously difficult to predict, and yet must be considered as part of an effective risk management strategy. Dr. Jack Mason examines how historical data can be mined, using Monte Carlo simulation and other analysis tools, to uncover the statistical probability of outlier events occurring and to what extent they might create exposure in a company's energy spend.
  
  
• Energy Rises to C-Level
  Many companies do not realize that energy supply costs can be controlled. Even those that do, too often don't consider energy supply management to be a strategic discipline, worthy of C-level executive attention. As part of a comprehensive approach to risk management, however, it is imperative that financial executives recognize the powerful bottom line implications of energy supply management. What used to be a nuts-and-bolts procurement issue is now a threat to budget certainty and predictable financial performance if not properly managed at the top level of an organization. Value-at-risk, technological advantage, and tactics for better energy cost management are discussed, as well as a "CFO's Strategic Energy To-Do List."
  
  
• Shedding Light on Energy Price Trends and Their Drivers
  Considering the broad fluctuations in energy supply prices over the past five years, energy buyers often find themselves asking how to project prices, how to determine when to buy or fix, and where to identify reliable indicators for predicting market direction. This white paper provides an overview of the factors used to determine contract prices, a formula for estimating energy costs, and in-depth discussion of the various indicators that inform price forecasting. Together, these form a strong, rational foundation for making strategic energy supply decisions with greater confidence.
  
  
• PowerStrategy® Strategic Sourcing of Energy: Integrating Energy Procurement into Your Supply Chain Strategy
  The dramatic rise in energy prices over the last decade and continuing today demands that companies pay serious attention to this major operational expense. Effective, strategic energy sourcing bears many similarities to service and material procurement; but it's a complicated business. Important differences do exist and must be considered. EnergyWindow illustrates how strategic energy sourcing fits seamlessly into a business' overall supply chain strategy and offers a primer for building a comprehensive energy strategic sourcing plan from the ground up.
  
  
• Companies with Many Smaller Facilities Can Obtain Relief from Rising Natural Gas Prices
  Historically, the biggest savings on natural gas were available only to companies with individual facility loads large enough to attract the attention of competitive suppliers. With the introduction of PowerPurchase®, an innovative collective purchasing platform, even smaller facilities can enjoy significant savings on the cost of gas supply.
  
  
• Late summer and early fall often yield opportunities in wholesale energy markets
  History shows that August, September and October often yield the lowest settle prices of the year. Understanding market movements and trends over the last decade can help energy buyers anticipate these seasonal dips and be ready to move quickly when prices drop favorably, if only briefly.
  
• Price Trends Inform Strategic Energy Procurement Decisions
  Key elements for consideration in devising an energy procurement strategy include timing, approach for requesting and selecting a supplier, contract term and price structure. This discussion of current price trends and price behavior that defies conventional wisdom sheds light on markets that no longer adhere to historical models. A summary of expert opinions regarding price behavior is offered, along with some strategies for managing energy supply costs in these volatile times.
  
  
• Making Sense of Moving Markets
  Electric rates are now set several times per year in many EDCs. Determining what represents a good price and assessing how it will compare to default rates over the next year or more can be tricky. This white paper explores some analytical tools for supporting the decision of when to lock in a fixed rate, and for what period of time.
  
  
• Natural Gas Price Trends and Practical Strategies For Managing Escalating Supply Costs
  Today's natural gas prices display extreme volatility and continue their fast-paced run-up. Energy managers want to be able to predict prices with some measure of confidence, as well as to balance risk and uncertainty as they establish budget goals. Several industry experts weigh in with their opinions about where natural gas markets are headed, and EnergyWindow offers an overview of available products, plus a variety of strategic approaches for consideration, depending on business strategy and risk profile.
  
  
• Energy e-Procurement Offers Exceptional Financial Returns
  Energy supply costs rank as one of the top economic concerns of purchasing executives. Those seeking to realize significant operational cost savings are wise to review their energy procurement policy. By utilizing effective e-procurement methods and soliciting competitive bids, companies can save as much as 20% on energy supply costs and realize staggering financial returns with an average payback period of less than one month.
  
  
• Ten Steps For Immediate Energy Cost Savings
  For businesses with multiple facilities running on tight margins, the ability to cut energy costs can have a real and positive impact on the bottom line. Here is a step-by-step approach for saving money on energy supply quickly and efficiently, with no up-front investment.
  
  
• Top 12 Datapoint Categories Needed For Energy Quotes
  Shopping competitive energy markets can be complex and time-consuming, but having the right data in hand can greatly simplify the process. From facility information to utility tariff rates, here are the key pieces of information an energy buyer must collect before requesting quotes from competitive energy suppliers.
  
  
• The Top Five Tips to Help Retail Chains with Energy Procurement
  Whether a company handles energy procurement in-house or outsources the function, these five purchasing tips are indispensable information for any retail organization.