Optimization offers alluring generation strategies

摘要

Prevailing economic uncertainties have affected most, if not all, sectors of U.S. industry. The electric industry is no exception. In fact, merchant power has taken a particularly direct hit due to its reliance on financing―which not so long ago was friendly (and often, downright love-at-first-sight). Now, borrowed dollars needed to shore up the bottom line are scarce. Many companies are taking a "sit back and wait" approach until financing becomes more favorable. Regardless of their approaches, companies are turning their attention back to asset management, with emphasis on getting the most out of what they already own. Gaining operational efficiencies within a plant, and increasingly, across a portfolio of plants, can help companies meet stakeholders' continued demands for earnings. EL&P discussed the current status of optimization with Curt Lefebvre, president and CEO of NeuCo; Peter Dyson, president and CEO of Modus Operandi; Kevin Sullivan, vice president, Instrumentation & Controls, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp; and Ralph Genesi, director, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp.