The utilities sector is complex and changing rapidly as companies pursue new models of value creation. Some strategies fiercely reinforce the traditional integrated utility strength of owning production, distribution and the customers. Others seek competitive advantage (or have it thrust upon them by regulators) by concentrating on particular parts of the energy chain. Previously sacrosanct national boundaries are falling as cross border investment progresses. Energy trading is becoming a risky essential. But the trend to liberalisation, convergence and competition for end customers is by no means uniform across territories. National differences abound.
Recent postings
A world beyond recession: Global utilities survey 2009
Our 11th utilities global survey looks at the impact of the events of the past year, through the views of senior utility company executives, and ahead at the world that lies beyond the downturn.
Crisis or not, renewable energy is hot: To reap the rewards, governments and companies should act now
The survey examines Europe's future renewable energy marketplace through the lens of progress towards the 2020 goals. The study considers the market's potential, compares approaches in various countries, and puts forth some high-level recommendations for how governments and companies can achieve the high targets.
The impact of electric vehicles on the energy industry
The aim of this study is to provide an analysis of the impact that electric vehicles would have on the Austrian energy industry. This study is part of the Austrian Climate Research Programme.
Renewables deals: 2008 annual review
The renewable energy sector is an increasingly important arena for deal-making as companies and investors respond to the growing role of renewable sources in meeting global energy demands and the challenge of climate change.
Power deals: 2008 annual review
Mergers and acquisitions activity within the global electricity and gas market. 2008 was the year in which power deal values came down from their record-breaking highs of the two preceding years as the financial crisis and a number of market uncertainties had a negative impact on deal activity.
A world of difference: 2008 Utilities global survey
This survey marks the tenth anniversary of PwC annual utilities global survey of 118 senior executives in 37 countries and reveals a sector that is anticipating wide scale transformation in the decade ahead.
Financial reporting in the utilities industry
National standards in other countries are being converged with IFRS. The global trend towards IFRS has gained significant further momentum with the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) commitment to the standards, beginning with its decision to drop the requirement for foreignlisted companies in the US to reconcile to US GAAP.
Need to know: The future of IFRS for the extractive industries
The IASB is undertaking a project that could change the face of accounting for extractive activities.
Value and growth in the liquefied natural gas market
The future development of LNG as one of the fastest growing areas of the energy market worldwide will also require the development of new technologies and will depend on the pace in which they are put into practice. These challenges for the engineering sector and the shipbuilding industry will have a considerable influence on the investment programmes of governments, infrastructure and transportation companies as well as of private investors. Our report also covers these possible or, even, probable consequences.
Getting the data right: A survey of information technology solutions to meet EU emissions trading scheme requirements
For the first time, the most relevant information technology solutions to meet EU emissions trading scheme requirements were listed and assessed for your convenience.
LNG: A glossary of terms
With LNG playing an increasingly important part in the world's energy mix, familiarity with LNG terminology is needed by a growing number of professionals
Global utilities capability statement
The utilities industry is central to economic activity. Global economic growth is dependent on water and power. Delivering sustainable expansion of water and energy provision is a critical challenge to the utilities industry. Massive investment is needed. At the same time, the market, regulatory and customer context of the sector is evolving continually
