The restructuring of Africa's electricity sector : lessons learned

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fall, A.

2008-01-01

The challenges facing the electricity sector in Africa was discussed with particular reference to financial constraints and the inefficient management of public utilities. The 2 types of reform in the electricity sector include the disengagement of the State for the benefit of the private sector, and the restructuring of the electrical industry to include competition for greater efficiency in the sector. The first reform in Africa involved the opening of the sector to private enterprises without the restructuring of the industry. With the exception of Uganda, the evolution of the restructuring did not include a complete de-integration in the transitional stage. Restructuring involved systematic independent production; a single buyer model with a limited period of monopoly on bulk purchase; access to third party on the networks; empowerment of regulation by the creation of an independent body responsible for regulation; and, establishment of a rural electrification agency. In more advanced countries such as Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria, the creation of a holding company with legally separated subsidiaries was retained. One of the major problems was financial investment, technical performances and the extension of electrical access. Low competition, or low negotiation capabilities led to unbalanced contracts in favour of private promoters. In general, rates for electrical energy increased due to the reform, with the lowering of public resources at the profit of private funding, notably in the independent production of thermal energy versus hydroelectric energy. The results have been mixed due to the breakdown of public versus private partnerships in many countries, with the disengagement of the State. Independent power production has raised problems of sustainability and environmental issues, as well as social problems, price control, as well as accessibility in rural settings. 7 refs., 1 fig

Restructuring, ownership and efficiency in the electricity industry

Science.gov (United States)

Shanefelter, Jennifer Kaiser

a reduction in superfluous or redundant employment, as suggested by the broadening of union job titles during the 1990s. Additionally, the second chapter examines the wage trend in the industry, which is not observable using aggregate establishment payroll data. I find that in the electricity industry, after controlling for person-level characteristics, employee wages are statistically equivalent in states with a high degree of restructuring activity as in traditionally regulated states. When the person-level controls are dropped, wages are significantly higher in states with a more competitive industry structure. This supports the hypothesis that employment has been reduced disproportionately among the lower-skilled employees in the industry. Chapters 1 and 2 document the experience of labor in the electricity industry in the post-regulatory restructuring era. Chapter 1 finds evidence that employment has been reduced significantly at electricity generation plants that are owned by nonutilities ("merchants"). That chapter also finds that the nonutility average wage is higher than the utility average wage. Chapter 2 further finds that the average wage is increasing in the industry not because individual employees, adjusting for worker characteristics, are better-compensated to an equal degree, but rather because nonutility-owned plants are using employees with a different set of attributes. Chapter 3 of this analysis considers the shift in the wage distribution, identifying how different types of employees have fared under restructuring, which provides insight into which employees most benefit from restructuring in this industry. Chapters 1 and 2 hypothesize that low-skill employees in this industry were most affected by regulatory restructuring, which eroded the regulatory rents that accrued to this group in the form of employment stabilization. I graph the wage distribution in the electricity industry, breaking the data into different groups to judge how the

Electricity restructuring: charting new frontiers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kwaczek, A.

1996-01-01

Various aspects of restructuring in the electrical industry were examined. A general warning was issued to the effect that there are no 'one-size-fits-all' answers to competing in the markets that will follow deregulation. Experiences with electricity deregulation in other countries, such as the U.K., Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Norway, and more recently, in Alberta, were described. Two major lessons emerged: (1) there are a number of ways to achieve the same goal, and (2) different jurisdictions have different goals, i.e. instead of deregulation being a universal process that will lead to the correct destination, restructuring in each province of Canada will more likely evolve through a series of tradeoffs among objectives. The final outcome will be determined by policy decisions about issues such as efficiency versus equity, public versus private, and big versus small. The most important issues that each jurisdiction will have to address have been identified as market power in both generation and system operation, pooling, and the extent of competition. It was also stated that while the issues are complex, they are not intractable; all experience shows that the transition is manageable, and sometimes even exciting

An introduction to electric industry restructuring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eisenberg, J.F.; Berry, L.G.

1997-09-01

This paper briefly describes the electric industry, its residential markets, industry structure and current trends. Its purpose is to provide Weatherization grants managers with the background necessary to assess their leveraging opportunities in an industry that is experiencing sweeping changes, commonly known as electric industry restructuring. The study describes the terrain of a changing industry topography on a national and regional basis, with some state and local information also provided. Weatherization managers and subgrantees who read this paper should be better able to understand the leveraging opportunities that are emerging now in the electricity market place. The reader will be introduced to the basics of the electric industry as it presently operates, the nature of the changes that are in the process of occurring, and the driving forces that are behind those changes. The major industry players are described by type and their interests are explored in further depth. There will also be an overview of the regulatory process as it has operated historically, as well as the changes now underway at both the state and federal levels. Finally, the paper will conclude with a description of some of the assets and opportunities available to those who may be interested in participating in the restructuring process in order to expand or protect low-income programs in their own states.

Ontario electricity industry restructuring : preliminary asset valuation and calculation of stranded debt

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1998-01-01

The rationale for restructuring Ontario's electricity industry was restated. Financial elements of the Government's White Paper on the electrical industry included the following: (1) establishing a level playing field on taxes and regulation, (2) restructuring Ontario Hydro into new companies with clear business mandates, and (3) taking action to put the new companies on solid financial ground. To achieve these objectives requires valuation of the new companies as a key part in the restructuring process. This Ministry of Finance document contains preliminary estimates of the total debt and liabilities of Ontario Hydro ($ 39.1 billion), the value of the new generation and service companies ($ 15.8 billion), and the stranded debt ($ 23.3 billion, less the value of dedicated revenue streams of $ 15.4 billion, equal to the residual stranded debt of $ 7.9 billion). The method by which the stranded debt was calculated is also described. It is stressed that the overriding principles governing the financial restructuring plan are to achieve restructuring without increasing electricity rates, to retain maximum value in the electricity sector until stranded debt is retired, and to recover stranded debt from the electricity sector and not from taxpayers. Ministry advisors indicate that these preliminary valuations would allow the new companies to operate as commercial companies in a competitive market and receive investment grade credit ratings. 44 figs

Bulgarian electricity market restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganev, Peter

2009-01-01

The energy sector in Bulgaria has undergone major restructuring in recent years. It faces the dual challenges of achieving regulatory stability to attract private investors, and creating a functioning competition energy market. As of the EU Accession in 2007, Bulgaria has fully liberalized power and gas markets. The 2003 Energy Law establishes the energy sector legal framework and sets the basis for creation of a transparent and predictable regulatory environment where the key regulatory responsibilities are vested with the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC). The energy sector experienced significant problems in the first half of 2007 due to lost production capacities and regulatory failures on the electricity market. Excess price regulations on the market of electricity supplies to household, coupled with insufficient liberalization of imports and exports, create unfavorable conditions for power producers and large electricity users. The energy regulator has tried to achieve several incompatible targets as of July 1, 2007 for maintaining low electricity prices for households in response to political pressure, low power generation prices amid rising input costs, and market opening in compliance with EU regulations. (author)

American Indian tribes and electric industry restructuring: Issues and opportunities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Howarth, D. [Morse, Richard, and Weisenmiller, and Associates Inc., Oakland, CA (United States); Busch, J. [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States); Starrs, T. [Kelso, Starrs, and Associates LLC, Vashon, WA (United States)

1997-07-01

The US electric utility industry is undergoing a period of fundamental change that has significant implications for Native American tribes. Although many details remain to be determined, the future electric power industry will be very different from that of the present. It is anticipated that the new competitive electric industry will be more efficient, which some believe will benefit all participants by lowering electricity costs. Recent developments in the industry, however, indicate that the restructuring process will likely benefit some parties at the expense of others. Given the historical experience and current situation of Native American tribes in the US, there is good reason to pay attention to electric industry changes to ensure that the situation of tribes is improved and not worsened as a result of electric restructuring. This paper provides a review of electricity restructuring in the US and identifies ways in which tribes may be affected and how tribes may seek to protect and serve their interests. Chapter 2 describes the current status of energy production and service on reservations. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the evolution of the electric industry to its present form and introduces the regulatory and structural changes presently taking place. Chapter 4 provides a more detailed discussion of changes in the US electric industry with a specific focus on the implications of these changes for tribes. Chapter 5 presents a summary of the conclusions reached in this paper.

RESTRUCTURED ELECTRICITY MARKETS: Three States' Experiences in Adding Generating Capacity

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

2002-01-01

...., restructured electricity markets by shifting from service provided through a regulated monopoly-the local electric utility-to service provided through open competition among the local utility and its competitors...

Electric power industry restructuring and ROE: The case of Korea Electric Power Corporation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Won, Gu-Hwan

2007-01-01

Korea's electric power industry was previously run by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in a natural monopoly-type structure. As economy of scale was waning in influence and management effectiveness began to increase in importance, KEPCO was divided into six subsidiaries and faced competition beginning in April 2001. This study evaluates the restructuring process for Korea's power industry and analyzes the financial outcomes based on return on equity (ROE). The results show that the ROE ratio increased. In the analysis period (1993-2004), the financial ratio showed a better performance than that before restructuring. However, productivity ratios such as productivity of capital (or gross value added to total assets) and gross value added to property, plant, and equipment decreased compared to the situation before restructuring. It is believed that the results were due to the increased financial leverage of KEPCO. For this reason, KEPCO should make further efforts to manage its debt in a systematic way

Greening public power : protecting the public interest in electricity restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stewart, K.

2002-01-01

On April 30, 2002, the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) called for a moratorium on the sale of Ontario's electricity system and called for new policies to protect the environment. The TEA is critical of the government's plan to privatise and deregulate the province's electricity system, given the experience with restructuring in the United States and Europe. The TEA argues that the plan to deregulate will promote the production of more electricity from polluting coal-fired power plants and nuclear power generating stations, increasing health risks. It was also argued that restructuring creates barriers to introducing green power from renewable resources such as wind and solar energy. The government's plan to restructure will create markets that are easily manipulated by large private power companies to increase profits and eliminate small green power providers. It was also suggested that once electric power generation is privatised, it will be subjected to the rules of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which prioritize profits over environmental protection. This report presents some environmental policies of other jurisdictions that have proven to save consumers money, provide security and jobs, while doing so in an environmentally sustainable manner. 29 refs

Demand participation in the restructured Electric Reliability Council of Texas market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarnikau, Jay W.

2010-01-01

Does an electricity market which has been restructured to foster competition provide greater opportunities for demand response than a traditional regulated utility industry? The experiences of the restructured Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market over the past eight years provide some hope that it is possible to design a competitive market which will properly value and accommodate demand response. While the overall level of demand response in ERCOT is below the levels enjoyed prior to restructuring, there have nonetheless been some promising advances, including the integration of demand-side resources into competitive markets for ancillary services. ERCOT's experiences demonstrate that the degree of demand participation in a restructured market is highly sensitive to the market design. But even in a market which has been deregulated to a large degree, regulatory intervention and special demand-side programs may be needed in order to bolster demand response. (author)

Alternative models for restructuring Ontario's electric sector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bright, D.; Salaff, S.

1996-01-01

The future of Ontario Hydro and the provincial electrical sector was discussed. Various models proposed for restructuring Ontario's electric sector were described and views of some of the stake holders were presented, among them the views of AMPCO, MEA, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, IPPSO, Ontario Hydro Management, Energy Probe and the Power Workers' Union. In general, most stake holders were in favour of privatization to some degree except for the Power Workers' Union which was unalterably opposed to privatization, claiming that it would lead to quantum increases in electricity rates. 2 figs

Proceedings of the CERI 2003 electricity conference : electricity restructuring in transition. CD-ROM ed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

The restructuring of the electric power industry was reviewed from a North American perspective. This conference focused on how current market structures can be improved to benefit all participants. The current issues for future development of power generation and transmission were discussed. The conference was divided into seven sessions as follows: (1) market design issues, (2) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC's) wholesale market platform, (3) does retail competition make sense, (4) the future direction of the Alberta market, (5) the status of restructured electricity markets, (6) resource mix in a greenhouse gas (GHG)-constrained world, and (7) electricity supply from oil sands cogeneration. A total of eleven papers were selected and indexed separately for inclusion in this database. refs., tabs., figs

Electrical power industry restructuring in Latin America: towards a new mode of organization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

De Oliveira, A.; Pinto, H.Q.

1995-01-01

At the beginning of the 1990s the restructuring of the industrial organization and the regulatory regimes are probably the most important economic and institutional phenomenon in electricity supply industries Latin America countries. This paper analyses the main characteristics of the restructuring in Chili and Brazil. Two major problems are driving this changes: the financial constraints and economic inefficiencies. Despite institutional barriers to privatization initiatives, the participation of new private companies in electricity supply industrial, specially in generation side, is becoming the common aspect of restructuring. This solution requires new regulatory options and new coordination mechanisms. In this context, the electricity companies may promote innovative strategies and adapt their long-term decisions. (authors). 2 tabs., 30 refs

The impact of electricity restructuring on the natural gas industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Given, G.

1999-03-01

The main objective of the study is to quantify the impact of electrical restructuring on the natural gas industry, in particular the expected rise in natural gas consumption for electricity generation in Canada from 2000 to 2020. To this end, the study estimates how large the demand potential is and where it is likely to materialize, with the timing of these events also considered. Chapter two discusses the study methodology, which is that of a quantitative forecast. Before an analytical model was chosen, a careful review of potential candidates, a literature review, and an analysis of important issues were undertaken. Chapter three provides requisite background information of electricity restructuring issues. U.K. experiences are highlighted, and common issues and differences among states and provinces are discussed also. Chapter four provides some necessary historical background and puts into perspective the importance of gas consumption for electric generation. Also treated are relevant Canadian and U.S. generation and capacity, and forecasts of restructuring impacts from other organizations. Whether a consensus forecast for gas demand exists is examined, as well as a number of critical factors examined in various studies. Chapter five describes the development of individual study scenarios and key assumptions contained in each scenario. Also described are some of the selected model's capabilities. Retail and generation company strategy parameters are highlighted to provide a better understanding of those capabilities. The competition parameters chosen for generators and retail companies in the model are described. Chapter six reports all key forecast variables in a discussion which compares relevant scenario and sensitivity forecast results. Detailed forecast results for two scenarios are provided in appendices. Chapter seven discusses new investment and business opportunities and challenges in light of the forecast results. These are reviewed for a number of

Electric energy restructuring in the European Union: Integration, subsidiarity and the challenge of harmonization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serralles, Roberto J.

2006-01-01

In 1996, the European Union (EU) instituted Directive 96/92/EC that aims to establish a competitive, secure and transparent EU-wide internal electric energy market. The process of electricity market restructuring in the EU is being guided primarily by the principle of subsidiarity. As an organizational concept, the principle of subsidiarity allows Member States to establish their own implementation strategies and methods as a means of achieving the EU-mandated goal of electric energy restructuring. Historically, the structure of the electric energy industry in place among the Member States exhibited widely disparate organizational and functional characteristics with regard to ownership, control and regulation. Under these varied and contrasting political and economic conditions, the goal of a EU-wide harmonized electric energy market becomes very challenging. In this paper, I describe the policy mechanisms and the market conditions mandated by the EU directive aimed at liberalizing the electric energy market. I then assess the role of political culture, historical resource endowment and geographical conditions in the utility restructuring strategies of some key Member States and its effects on the overall goals of a harmonized internal electric energy market. Finally, I argue that European electric energy restructuring must be understood within the context of the political and economic milieu that spawned the individual Member States' electric energy industry

Electric energy restructuring in the European Union: integration, subsidiarity and the challenge of harmonization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serralles, R.J.

2006-01-01

In 1996, the European Union (EU) instituted Directive 96/92/EC that aims to establish a competitive, secure and transparent EU-wide internal electric energy market. The process of electricity market restructuring in the EU is being guided primarily by the principle of subsidiarity. As an organizational concept, the principle of subsidiarity allows Member States to establish their own implementation strategies and methods as a means of achieving the EU-mandated goal of electric energy restructuring. Historically, the structure of the electric energy industry in place among the Member States exhibited widely disparate organizational and functional characteristics with regard to ownership, control and regulation. Under these varied and contrasting political and economic conditions, the goal of a EU-wide harmonized electric energy market becomes very challenging. In this paper, I describe the policy mechanisms and the market conditions mandated by the EU directive aimed at liberalizing the electric energy market. I then assess the role of political culture, historical resource endowment and geographical conditions in the utility restructuring strategies of some key Member States and its effects on the overall goals of a harmonized internal electric energy market. Finally, I argue that European electric energy restructuring must be understood within the context of the political and economic milieu that spawned the individual Member States' electric energy industry. (author)

Challenges of electric power industry restructuring for fuel suppliers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1998-09-01

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the changes in other energy industries that could occur as the result of restructuring in the electric power industry. This report is prepared for a wide audience, including Congress, Federal and State agencies, the electric power industry, and the general public. 28 figs., 25 tabs

Challenges of electric power industry restructuring for fuel suppliers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-09-01

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the changes in other energy industries that could occur as the result of restructuring in the electric power industry. This report is prepared for a wide audience, including Congress, Federal and State agencies, the electric power industry, and the general public. 28 figs., 25 tabs.

Consequences of electricity restructuring on the environment: A survey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sevi, Benoit

2004-01-01

The aim of this paper is to assess theoretical consequences of restructuring electricity markets on the environment. We examine changes in potential behaviours in consumption-side as well as in supply-side. We show that restructuring and following access to competition is not neutral from an environmental standpoint. Deregulation could induce some negative externalities due to requirements in cost-efficiency. The principal result of this paper is the need of strong incentives in public policies to compensate the new short-term horizon in which energy sector's firms are evolving, particularly concerning R and D. (author)

Avant le deluge: An investigation of some neglected dimensions of electricity restructuring in California

Science.gov (United States)

Golove, William Harry

Chapter One of this dissertation focuses on describing the key participant groups and their principle interests in the restructuring process. The process of reaching agreement on the restructuring plan turned on each major interest group receiving satisfaction of all of its key objectives. Chapter Two explores the effective use of rhetoric in the electricity restructuring debate. Despite a lack of public involvement, the use of rhetoric appears to have been a prominent feature of the public policy process. A series of rhetorical concepts and mechanisms defined. Of these, the notions of rhetorical salience and rhetorical efficacy are most significant. The results of a field test on the impact of the particular examples of these tropes prominent in the restructuring debate on opinions regarding some of the key restructuring issues are presented. Chapter Three describes the sea change in the nature of demand side management (DSM) policy in the state, brought about by the restructuring of the electricity market. Whereas the primary goal of DSM had been resource acquisition, the new policy goal was to be market transformation. This chapter reviews the economic, and other social science theory that led to the development of demand side management programs based on a resource acquisition goal prior to restructuring and, subsequently, to a market transformation objective. Chapter Four examines the performance of the market during the period beginning in early 1998 through the first few months of 2000 at which time both the wholesale and retail markets in California were apparently functioning relatively well. The findings presented in this chapter are the result of a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with non-residential electricity customers that had chosen to receive electric service and, in some cases, value-added services from a competitive retail electricity service provider One of the key conclusions is that market rules appear to be critical to customer

An empirical examination of restructured electricity prices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knittel, C.R.; Roberts, M.R.

2005-01-01

We present an empirical analysis of restructured electricity prices. We study the distributional and temporal properties of the price process in a non-parametric framework, after which we parametrically model the price process using several common asset price specifications from the asset-pricing literature, as well as several less conventional models motivated by the peculiarities of electricity prices. The findings reveal several characteristics unique to electricity prices including several deterministic components of the price series at different frequencies. An 'inverse leverage effect' is also found, where positive shocks to the price series result in larger increases in volatility than negative shocks. We find that forecasting performance in dramatically improved when we incorporate features of electricity prices not commonly modelled in other asset prices. Our findings have implications for how empiricists model electricity prices, as well as how theorists specify models of energy pricing. (author)

Restructuring in the Electricity Markets and Structural Transformation in Turkish Electricity Market

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hakan ÇETİNTAŞ

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Electricity markets are changed over from monopolistic to competitive structure. In many countries liberalization process in electricity markets began after 1980. In this study models for restructuring the electricity markets are explained with the natural monopoly and its regulation which is discussed in economic theory over many years. Then structural transformation in Turkish Electricity Market is explained within the legal arrangament framework and in liberalization process of electricity markets current state of Turkey is evaluated. In Turkey, the reform process in electricity market began with the liberalization of production and ıt is contiuned to change the design of the wholesale market. There has been significant progress for energy exchange by the establishment of EPİAŞ with the Electricity Market Law Numbered 6446 in 2013.

Electric power industry restructuring in Australia: Lessons from down-under. Occasional paper No. 20

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ray, D. [Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States)

1997-01-01

Australia`s electric power industry (EPI) is undergoing major restructuring. This restructuring includes commercialization of state-owned electric organization through privatization and through corporatization into separate governmental business units; structural unbundling of generation, transmission, retailing, and distribution; and creation of a National Electricity Market (NEM) organized as a centralized, market-based trading pool for buying and selling electricity. The principal rationales for change in the EPI were the related needs of enhancing international competitiveness, improving productivity, and lowering electric rates. Reducing public debt through privatization also played an important role. Reforms in the EPI are part of the overall economic reform package that is being implemented in Australia. Enhancing efficiency in the economy through competition is a key objective of the reforms. As the need for reform was being discussed in the early 1990s, Australia`s previous prime minister, Paul Keating, observed that {open_quotes}the engine which drives efficiency is free and open competition.{close_quotes} The optimism about the economic benefits of the full package of reforms across the different sectors of the economy, including the electricity industry, is reflected in estimated benefits of a 5.5 percent annual increase in real gross domestic product and the creation of 30,000 more jobs. The largest source of the benefits (estimated at 25 percent of total benefits) was projected to come from reform of the electricity and gas sectors.

Managing relationships between electric power industry restructuring and grid reliability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, R.J.

2005-01-01

The electricity system is a critical infrastructure, and its continued and reliable functioning is essential to the nation's economy and well-being. However, the inter-dependency of electricity networks is not completely understood. The economic impact of outages was discussed in this white paper. It was suggested that moving to a restructured environment has degraded the reliability of the bulk system. New institutional arrangements and approaches to information management are needed. It was suggested that reliability practices caused the 2003 blackout, and not technical failures. Uncertainties in the restructured market were discussed, as well as incentives to maintain system adequacy. Examples of deregulation in other countries were presented. Organizational complexities were reviewed, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) requirements and the new layers of complexity that have been added to the decision-making process in the light of restructuring. Planning and connectivity issues were reviewed. The need for design standards in power grid control centres was discussed. Difficulties in collecting data from different control centres were considered. Issues concerning the lack of investment in research and development were discussed, with particular reference to the urgent need for coordinated research programs. The looming manpower crisis in the electric power industry was also discussed. Recommendations included ensuring that the transmission system can support a market structure; building a national reliability centre; solving the manpower crisis; and testing market designs before deploying them. It was concluded that good engineering design principles, including experimental economic testing, should be required of any new electricity market design before authorizing its use. 31 refs., 1 tab., 6 figs

The environmental and efficiency effects of restructuring on the electric power sector in the United States. An empirical analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharabaroff, Alexander; Boyd, Roy; Chimeli, Ariaster

2009-01-01

Recent measures to restructure the electric power sector in different US states have raised the interest of policy makers, commentators, and the general public as to the actual impact of restructuring on both the economy and the environment. This paper focuses on two aspects of restructuring, namely its potential impact on the efficiency of electricity generation and air pollution. Our empirical results suggest that restructuring contributes to improved efficiency of electricity generation and better air quality through reduced electricity-induced sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, although no effect was found for emissions of nitrous oxides (NO x ). These results, in turn could have important implications for policy in this area. (author)

Shock to the system: Restructuring America's electricity industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brennan, T.J.; Palmer, K.L.; Kopp, R.J.; Krupnick, A.J.; Stagliano, V.

1996-01-01

Recent decades have seen revolutions in communications, finance, and transportation. In a similar way, technological, economic, and political developments are reshaping the US electricity industry. This concise, balanced, and readable primer, produced by a team of economic analysts at Resources for the Future, introduces the concepts, crucial elements, and terminology used in discussions about electricity restructuring. A Shock to the System provides the background necessary to understand the increasing role of competition in electricity markets. The authors present the history of public policy regarding electricity, identify the significant proposals for implementing competition, and examine their potential consequences for utility regulation, industry structure, cost recovery, and the environment. This volume is an instructive guide to the decisions that electricity providers, customers, and policy makers will face, what forms the decisions are likely to take, and what the long-term ramifications may be

Citizen and consumer attitudes towards electricity industry restructuring : an Ontario (Canada) case-study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rowlands, I.; Parker, P.; Scott, D.

2001-01-01

This report examines public attitudes regarding electricity restructuring in Ontario. A survey from the Waterloo region in western Ontario provided responses to questions about attitudes towards restructuring and strategies for advancing environmental goals. A 158-item survey was sent to 1,110 individuals, between September 2000 and April 2001. A total of 474 questionnaires were answered, for a response rate of 43 per cent. It was noted that although the response rate was high, the survey may not be representative because the respondents were older, better educated, and wealthier than the general population. In addition, the respondents had previously indicated they were willing to pay $25 for a home energy evaluation, suggesting a special interest in issues regarding energy and the environment. Respondents were first asked whether they agreed, disagreed or were not sure about the need to restructure, whether a single government power company should supply electricity, or whether they were pleased to choose a power company of their choice. The respondents were then asked to rank the importance of the price of electricity, the quality of customer service, whether the electricity is generated in southern Ontario, the environmental effects of the electricity produced by the company, the reputation of the company, and reliability of electricity. Price and reliability ranked as the highest priorities by respondents. Citizens' attitudes toward premium-priced green electricity were also examined. The general conclusion was that while many respondents wanted a sustainable electricity system, most of them will look for the cheapest electricity product once the market is opened. 6 refs., 3 tabs

Efficiency and environmental impacts of electricity restructuring on coal-fired power plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chan, H. Ron [Maryland Univ., College Park, MD (United States). Dept. of Economics; Fell, Harrison [Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States). Division of Economics and Business; Lange, Ian [Stirling Univ. (United Kingdom). Division of Economics; Li, Shanjun [Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States). Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

2013-03-15

We investigate the impacts of electricity market restructuring on fuel efficiency, utilization and, new to this area, cost of coal purchases among coal-fired power plants using a panel data set from 1991 to 2005. Our study focuses exclusively on coal-fired power plants and uses panel data covering several years after implementation of restructuring. The estimation compares how investor-owned (IOs) plants in states with restructuring changed their behavior relative to IOs in states without. Our analysis finds that restructuring led to: (1) a two percent improvement in fuel efficiency for IOs, (2) a ten percent decrease in unit cost of heat input, and (3) a lower capacity factor even after adjusting for cross-plant generation re-allocation due to cost reductions. Based on these estimates, back-of-the-envelope calculations find that restructuring has led to about 6.5 million dollars in annual cost savings or nearly 12 percent of operating expenses and up to a 7.6 percent emissions reduction per plant.

Restructuring the State Electricity Boards (SEB'S) in India: the case of HSEB

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kanika, T.Bhal [Haryana State Electricity Board, HSEB, Dept. of Management (India); Abhishek, Kalra; Madhuri, Agarwal [Haryana State Electricity Board, HSEB, B. Tech, Mechanical Engineering (India)

2001-11-01

In India, power generation and distribution is the responsibility of the different States that have their own electricity boards through which this is done. Of late, in the wake of liberalization, many attempts have been made to reform the power sector, in the light of the poor performance of these boards. The Haryana State Electricity Board (HSEB) is the primary supplier of power in one of the States called Haryana. For quite some years, it was facing problems with revenues, low PLF etc. A review was done and counselling help sought from prominent Consultancy firms. As a result a large scale restructuring was planned. The present paper looks at the attempts of HSEB at restructuring and the consequences of the restructuring efforts. (authors)

The Potential Economic Impact of Electricity Restructuring in the State of Oklahoma: Phase II Report; FINAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hadley, SW

2001-01-01

In April 1997, the Oklahoma legislature passed a bill to restructure the state's electric industry, requiring that the generation sector be deregulated and allowing retail competition by July 2002. Details of the market structure were to be established later. Senate Bill No.220, introduced in the 2000 legislature, provided additional details on this market, but the bill did not pass. Subsequent discussions have identified the need for an objective analysis of the impact of restructuring on electricity prices and the state's economy, especially considering the experiences of other states following restructuring of their electric systems. Because of the recent experiences of other states undergoing restructuring (e.g., higher prices, greater volatility, lower reliability), concerns have been raised in states currently considering restructuring as to whether their systems are equally vulnerable. Factors such as local generation costs, transmission constraints, market concentration, and market design can all play a role in the success or failure of the market. Energy and ancillary services markets both play a role in having a well-functioning system. Customer responsiveness to market signals can enhance the flexibility of the market. The purpose of this project is to provide a model and process to evaluate the potential price and economic impacts of restructuring the Oklahoma electric industry. The goal is to provide sufficient objective analysis to the Oklahoma legislature that they may make a more informed decision on the timing and details of any future restructuring. It will also serve to inform other stakeholders on the economic issues surrounding restructuring. The project is being conducted in two phases. The Phase I report (Hadley 2001) concentrated on providing an analysis of the Oklahoma system in the near-term, using only present generation and transmission resources. This Phase II report looks further in the future, incorporating the potential of new

Deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nixon, Hal [Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO, (United States)

1997-12-31

Federal and state policy makers are currently faced with the rapidly evolving issue of the restructuring and potential deregulation of the electric utility industry, a sector of the economy of huge importance through its sheer size and its impact on the daily life and livelihood of everyone. This paper describes eleven principles that must be adhered to in any restructuring of the electric industry. Adherence to the principle and positions outlined can help assure that the transition in this industry benefits all, not just a few, and that the general health and welfare of the people is protected and enhanced [Espanol] Los legisladores estatales y federales se estan enfrentando con el rapido y envolvente aspecto de la reestructuracion y desregulacion potencial de la industria electrica, un sector de la economia de enorme importancia por su tamano y su impacto en la vida diaria y los medios de vida. En esta ponencia se describen once principios y posiciones que deben ser considerados en cualquier reestructuracion de la industria electrica. El apego a los principios y posiciones comentados puede ayudar a asegurar que la transicion en esta industria deneficie a todos, no solo a unos cuantos, y que la salud general y bienestar de la gente sea protegida y mejorada

Electricity distribution industry restructuring, electrification, and competition in South Africa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Galen, P.S.

1997-07-01

This paper reviews the status of the South African electricity supply industry (ESI) and proposals for reorienting and restructuring it. South Africa has been intensely examining its ESI for more than 4 years in an effort to determine whether and how it should be restructured to best support the country's new economic development and social upliftment goals. The debate has been spirited and inclusive of most ESI stakeholders. The demands on and expectations for the ESI are many and varied. The debate has reflected this diversity of interests and views. In essence, however, there is a consensus on what is expected of the industry, namely, to extend provision of adequate, reliable, and affordable electricity service to all citizens and segments of the economy. This means a large-scale electrification program to reach as many of the nearly 50% of households currently without electricity service as soon as possible, tariff reform to promote equity and efficiency, and the upgrading of service quality now being provided by some of the newly consolidated municipal authorities. The issues involved are how best to achieve these results within the context of the national Reconstruction and Development Program, while accounting for time and resource constraints and balancing the interests of the various parties

Independent Power Producers' view on restructuring in Ontario's electric power sector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brooks, J.

1996-01-01

The collective views on electricity industry restructuring of the independent power producers in Ontario were summarized by IPPSO's executive director. The Society is fully in agreement with the MacDonald Committee recommendations to privatize power generation in Ontario, and is equally in favor of competitive restructuring that is now underway in Michigan, New York and Quebec, as well as farther afield in the U.S., the U.K., and elsewhere around the world. IPPSO claims that a competitive generation system comprised of current and future IPPSO members could supply the province's power requirements at a cost 20 per cent lower than the present monopolistic system of Ontario Hydro. Add to that no reduction in services to the consumers, increased revenues in the form of taxes to the province, and the prospect of restructuring becomes far less threatening than first perceived. While fully in agreement with the MacDonald Committee's recommendations, IPPSO is opposed to Ontario Hydro's own restructuring plans. Their objection is based on the assessment that the plan would not result in real competition; in reality, it would allow Hydro even greater freedom to continue investing publicly-guaranteed money on a completely dissimilar basis to its competitors

Can rural electric cooperatives survive in a restructured US electric market? An empirical analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Greer, Monica Lynne

2003-01-01

This paper examines the ability of rural electric distribution cooperatives to continue operating in their present form in a restructured electricity market. More specifically, I develop and estimate a quadratic cost model, which, unlike many of the cost functions employed in studies of this nature, conforms to all of the properties of a proper cost function. Using 1996 data, I find that these firms are not operating in a cost-minimizing fashion. This finding seems to occur because each is too small in terms of the quantity of electricity distributed. As a result, mergers between these firms could yield substantial savings and help ensure their survival in their present form in a deregulated market

The liberalisation of the European electricity market : an unstructured restructuring process?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boisseleau, F.; Hakvoort, R.

2005-01-01

The European Union (EU) directive 96/92/EC defines common rules for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, paving the way for the liberalization of the electricity markets of EU member states. Member states are obliged to open their national electricity supply markets, meaning that eligible customers can choose their own suppliers. This paper discussed the process by which the countries of the EU have restructured their electricity markets, arguing that the process has focused on legal and organizational issues, rather than specific prescriptions for the economic design of the market. Although the objective of the EU directive was to create a competitive market, restructuring has led to 15 or more fragmented markets, each liberalized to a different degree and shaped following a wide range of different principles. Areas where the EU has failed to provide a coherent market view were discussed. Issues concerning short-term market arrangements, congestion management and long-term investment were examined. Section 1 of the paper focused on policy issues in the liberalization process, while section 2 emphasized the importance of market design. Section 3 addressed the need for market monitoring and the issue of market power. It was concluded that liberalization is only one step in the process that alone cannot deliver the expected benefits of single integrated European-wide market. At present, the European electricity market is hindered by a lack of proper design and sufficient transparency. 32 refs., 3 tabs., 4 figs

R and D investment of electricity-generating firms following industry restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jihwan; Kim, Yeonbae; Flacher, David

2012-01-01

Since electricity market restructuring, questions over adequate levels of R and D investments persisted. Using an unbalanced panel data of 70 electricity-generating firms across 15 Organisations of Economic Co-operation and Development countries from 1990 to 2008, this paper empirically examines the impacts of entry liberalization (allowing third party access, establishing a wholesale market, and deregulating a retail market), vertical unbundling, privatization, and firm size on R and D investments. Entry liberalization is associated with a decline in R and D investment. Establishing a wholesale market exhibits the greatest negative effects on R and D investment. Regulated TPA and retail market deregulation also decrease R and D. The effect of privatization is not independently salient but interacts with a wholesale pool to lower R and D investments. Large firms spend more on R and D investment than small firms. Results indicate that the restructuring of the electricity industry reduces R and D investment, which may be detrimental to the reliability and the efficiency of the electricity system as well as to the creation and maintenance of the innovation capabilities necessary to address demand and environmental concerns. - Highlights: ► Entry liberalization decreases R and D outlays of electricity generating utilities. ► Establishment of a wholesale market leads to a substantial decline in R and D spending. ► Private ownership interacts with entry liberalization to lower R and D investment.

Proceedings of the CERI 2002 electricity conference : getting a grip on power sector restructuring. CD-ROM ed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-01-01

Electric power restructuring in a global context was reviewed at this conference which examined how existing market structures can be improved to benefit all participants. Topics of discussion ranged from issues regarding future development of power generation and transmission, to developing trends, expectations and implications for consumers, power generators and energy service providers. The 7 sessions of the conference were entitled: (1) global lessons from restructuring, what works and what doesn't, (2) competition in electricity markets, (3) restructuring in Canada, (4) suggestions for power sector reform, (5) competition in future generation markets, (6) trading, financing and generation alternatives, and (7) transmission expansion. A total of 7 papers have been indexed separately for inclusion in the database. refs., tabs., figs

Electricity sector restructuring in India: an environmentally beneficial policy?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perkins, Richard

2005-01-01

It has been suggested that reforms to the electricity sector in developing countries encouraging the entry of independent power producers (IPPs) are likely to result in environmental improvements similar to those recently made in a number of developed economies. The present paper evaluates this claim by examining the experience of the Indian power sector. It finds that recent investments by IPPs have reduced the pollution-intensity of electricity generation in the country. Yet they have not brought the significant gains seen in countries such as the UK, nor are they likely to in the foreseeable future. This is largely a product of the nature and context of electricity sector reform in India which is less favourable to environmentally beneficial outcomes. Accordingly, the paper concludes by suggesting that the environmental benefits of restructuring are not automatic, but depend on the existence of an enabling structural, institutional and regulatory framework

Transmission investment and expansion planning in a restructured electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, F.F; Wen, F.S.; Zheng, F.L.

2006-01-01

Transmission planning in a restructured electricity market becomes increasingly complicated. To bridge the gap between economic and engineering considerations, this survey paper suggests a framework to clarify the interactions among various economic and engineering issues by reviewing recent theoretical and practical progress in transmission investment and transmission planning methodology. Thus, the paper makes economic literature more accessible to the engineering community and engineering literature more accessible to the economic community interested in the subject. (author)

Electric industry restructuring, ancillary services, and the potential impact on wind

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kirby, B.; Hirst, E. [Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); Parsons, B.; Porter, K. [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)] [and others

1997-12-31

The new competitive electric power environment raises increased challenges for wind power. The DOE and EPRI wind programs have dealt extensively with the traditional vertically integrated utility planning and operating environment in which the host utility owns the generation (or purchases the power) and provides dispatch and transmission services. Under this traditional environment, 1794 MW of wind power, principally in California, have been successfully integrated into the U.S. electric power system. Another 4200 MW are installed elsewhere in the world. As issues have arisen, such as intermittency and voltage regulation, they have been successfully addressed with accepted power system procedures and practices. For an intermittent, non-dispatchable resource such as wind, new regulatory rules affecting power transmission services, raise questions about which ancillary services wind plants will be able to sell, which they will be required to purchase, and what the economic impacts will be on individual wind projects. This paper begins to look at issues of concern to wind in a restructured electric industry. The paper first briefly looks at the range of unbundled services and comments on their unique significance to wind. To illustrate the concerns that arise with restructuring, the paper then takes a more detailed look at a single service: regulation. Finally, the paper takes a brief look at technologies and strategies that could improve the competitive position of wind.

Industrial and institutional restructuring of the Russian electricity sector: Status and issues

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Engoian, Alda

2006-01-01

The reform of the Russian electricity industry represents one of the largest and most technically complex post-Soviet era industrial restructurings. This paper presents the framework, status, and perspectives for the Russian electricity sector liberalisation. Uncertainties regarding the effective implementation of the reform are specifically examined. Ultimately the critical analysis of the reform questions the feasibility and adequacy of the recommended measures in the specific Russian context. Current theories fail to answer a fundamental issue, namely how to promote investment in an obsolete electrical infrastructure and, more generally, whether a pure free market model is compatible with physical constraints posed by the electricity sector. A careless deregulation of the Russian electricity system could hinder the country's stable and sustainable development, as its economy and the population's service have traditionally been closely linked to the electricity industry

Industrial and institutional restructuring of the Russian electricity sector: status and issues

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Engoian, A.

2006-01-01

The reform of the Russian electricity industry represents one of the largest and most technically complex post-Soviet era industrial restructurings. This paper presents the framework, status, and perspectives for the Russian electricity sector liberalisation. Uncertainties regarding the effective implementation of the reform are specifically examined. Ultimately the critical analysis of the reform questions the feasibility and adequacy of the recommended measures in the specific Russian context. Current theories fail to answer a fundamental issue, namely how to promote investment in an obsolete electrical infrastructure and, more generally, whether a pure free market model is compatible with physical constraints posed by the electricity sector. A careless deregulation of the Russian electricity system could hinder the country's stable and sustainable development, as its economy and the population's service have traditionally been closely linked to the electricity industry. (author)

The prerequisite for competition in the restructured wholesale Saudi electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Muhawesh, Tareq A.; Qamber, Isa S.

2008-01-01

Protection of customers against monopoly is the first and main objective of the Saudi Electricity and Co-generation Regulatory Authority (ECRA). The second important objective, as recommended by the present study, is regulating natural monopoly businesses [Saudi electricity national grid (SENG) and Saudi electricity distribution (SED)] in addition to promoting real competition in competitive businesses [power supply providers (PSPs) and customer service providers (CSPs)]. Another four main objectives of ECRA are to promote the efficient use of energy and natural resources, to ensure a reasonable rate of return for PSPs and CSPs and at the same time to be fair to end-users, to ensure reasonable charges to SENG and SED services to be adequate for them to run the organization in a break-even manner and to maintain the system's security and reliability. The present paper discusses the way to improve and restructure the Saudi electricity market

Broken dreams. Unmet expectations of investors in the Philippine electricity restructuring and privatization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roxas, Fernando; Santiago, Andrea

2010-01-01

Over the last three decades, privatization and restructuring of electricity sectors has been a hot topic. The expectation was that prices would fall due to increased competition and that generators would become more innovative and efficient. However, the enthusiasm for deregulation wavered after events such as the debacle in California, the fall of Enron and the setbacks of Ontario. In the Philippines, comprehensive legislation was passed in 2001 but the implementation has been rather slow and controversial. This paper looked at the allegation of politicizing power rates and found a logical alternative to the perceived conspiracy angle. Based on market data, it is highly probable that depressed market rates was a result of coping mechanisms of new players trying to adjust to the restructured industry. (author)

Broken dreams: Unmet expectations of investors in the Philippine electricity restructuring and privatization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Roxas, Fernando, E-mail: fyanroxas@aim.ed [Asian Institute of Management, 123 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City (Philippines); Santiago, Andrea, E-mail: ma.andrea.santiago@dlsu.edu.p [De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila (Philippines)

2010-11-15

Over the last three decades, privatization and restructuring of electricity sectors has been a hot topic. The expectation was that prices would fall due to increased competition and that generators would become more innovative and efficient. However, the enthusiasm for deregulation wavered after events such as the debacle in California, the fall of Enron and the setbacks of Ontario. In the Philippines, comprehensive legislation was passed in 2001 but the implementation has been rather slow and controversial. This paper looked at the allegation of politicizing power rates and found a logical alternative to the perceived conspiracy angle. Based on market data, it is highly probable that depressed market rates was a result of coping mechanisms of new players trying to adjust to the restructured industry.

Broken dreams. Unmet expectations of investors in the Philippine electricity restructuring and privatization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Roxas, Fernando [Asian Institute of Management, 123 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City (Philippines); Santiago, Andrea [De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila (Philippines)

2010-11-15

Over the last three decades, privatization and restructuring of electricity sectors has been a hot topic. The expectation was that prices would fall due to increased competition and that generators would become more innovative and efficient. However, the enthusiasm for deregulation wavered after events such as the debacle in California, the fall of Enron and the setbacks of Ontario. In the Philippines, comprehensive legislation was passed in 2001 but the implementation has been rather slow and controversial. This paper looked at the allegation of politicizing power rates and found a logical alternative to the perceived conspiracy angle. Based on market data, it is highly probable that depressed market rates was a result of coping mechanisms of new players trying to adjust to the restructured industry. (author)

A review of efforts to restructure Texas' electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarnikau, Jay

2005-01-01

Comparisons suggest that Texas has been relatively successful in its efforts to introduce greater competition and customer choice into its unique electricity market (Center for Advancement of Electricity Markets, 2002). Yet, Texas has defied many of the common prescriptions in designing its market. Texas has yet to establish a nodal congestion management system that directly assigns local congestion costs to entities responsible for creating transmission congestion. A liquid power exchange or spot market is absent. Programs designed to encourage demand side responsiveness had a slow start. Market concentration remains high. Market oversight activities are poorly funded. A generation adequacy mechanism or planning reserve margin requirement remains under debate. Has Texas simply been lucky in averting any real disasters? Or are these market features less important than commonly recognized? This article reviews the restructuring initiative and reports some key lessons learned following the first twenty months under the new wholesale market structure and fifteen months of retail competition

A review of efforts to restructure Texas' electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarnikau, J.

2005-01-01

Comparisons suggest that Texas has been relatively successful in its efforts to introduce greater competition and customer choice into its unique electricity market (Center for Advancement of Electricity Markets, 2002). Yet, Texas has defied many of the common prescriptions in designing its market. Texas has yet to establish a nodal congestion management system that directly assigns local congestion costs to entities responsible for creating transmission congestion. A liquid power exchange or spot market is absent. Programs designed to encourage demand side responsiveness had a slow start. Market concentration remains high. Market oversight activities are poorly funded. A generation adequacy mechanism or planning reserve margin requirement remains under debate. Has Texas simply been lucky in averting any real disasters? Or are these market features less important than commonly recognized? This article reviews the restructuring initiative and reports some key lessons learned following the first twenty months under the new wholesale market structure and fifteen months of retail competition. (author)

Some design lessons from market-based greenhouse gas regulation in the restructured Australian electricity industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MacGill, Iain; Outhred, Hugh; Nolles, Karel

2006-01-01

There is growing worldwide interest in the use of market-based policy instruments for climate change regulation in the electricity sector. These mechanisms would seem to offer some efficiency and flexibility advantages over more traditional regulatory approaches, while being highly compatible with competitive market-based electricity industries. Australia has been an early and enthusiastic adopter of both electricity industry restructuring and market-based environmental instruments. This paper first outlines some of these recent policy developments. In particular, we describe the objectives, design and outcomes to date of electricity industry restructuring, the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, the NSW Greenhouse Benchmarks, the Queensland 13% Gas scheme and Government accredited Green Power. From this, we draw some key design lessons for such market-based instruments. These include the perils of abstraction in scheme design, the vital importance of setting appropriate baselines in 'baseline and credit' schemes, the possibility that such measures may interact in ways that reduce their environmental effectiveness, 'market for lemon' risks with tradable instruments that have measurement, verification or 'additionality' difficulties, and the challenges of creating transparent liquid markets for these mechanisms. The mixed performance of these Australian schemes to date illustrates the need for great care in designing such market-based approaches

Some design lessons from market-based greenhouse gas regulation in the restructured Australian electricity industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

MacGill, Iain [School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052 (Australia)] e-mail: i.macgill@unsw.edu.au; Outhred, Hugh [School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052 (Australia); Nolles, Karel [School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052 (Australia)

2006-01-01

There is growing worldwide interest in the use of market-based policy instruments for climate change regulation in the electricity sector. These mechanisms would seem to offer some efficiency and flexibility advantages over more traditional regulatory approaches, while being highly compatible with competitive market-based electricity industries. Australia has been an early and enthusiastic adopter of both electricity industry restructuring and market-based environmental instruments. This paper first outlines some of these recent policy developments. In particular, we describe the objectives, design and outcomes to date of electricity industry restructuring, the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, the NSW Greenhouse Benchmarks, the Queensland 13% Gas scheme and Government accredited Green Power. From this, we draw some key design lessons for such market-based instruments. These include the perils of abstraction in scheme design, the vital importance of setting appropriate baselines in 'baseline and credit' schemes, the possibility that such measures may interact in ways that reduce their environmental effectiveness, 'market for lemon' risks with tradable instruments that have measurement, verification or 'additionality' difficulties, and the challenges of creating transparent liquid markets for these mechanisms. The mixed performance of these Australian schemes to date illustrates the need for great care in designing such market-based approaches.

Some design lessons from market-based greenhouse gas regulation in the restructured Australian electricity industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iain MacGill; Hugh Outhred; Karel Nolles [University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW (Australia). School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications

2006-01-01

There is growing worldwide interest in the use of market-based policy instruments for climate change regulation in the electricity sector. These mechanisms would seem to offer some efficiency and flexibility advantages over more traditional regulatory approaches, while being highly compatible with competitive market-based electricity industries. Australia has been an early and enthusiastic adopter of both electricity industry restructuring and market-based environmental instruments. This paper first outlines some of these recent policy developments. It then describes the objectives, design and outcomes to date of electricity industry restructuring, the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, the NSW Greenhouse Benchmarks, the Queensland 13% Gas scheme and Government accredited Green Power. From this, some key design lessons are drawn for such market-based instruments. These include the perils of abstraction in scheme design, the vital importance of setting appropriate baselines in 'baseline and credit' schemes, the possibility that such measures may interact in ways that reduce their environmental effectiveness, 'market for lemon' risks with tradable instruments that have measurement, verification or 'additionality' difficulties, and the challenges of creating transparent liquid markets for these mechanisms. The mixed performance of these Australian schemes to date illustrates the need for great care in designing such market-based approaches. 36 refs., 2 figs.

Privatization and re-structuration processes of electric monopolies: the case of developing countries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smida, S.

2002-11-01

In the new context of financial sources contraction from the eighties, the developing countries had to accept and engage a series of reform. Besides the well advanced re-structuration of the industries known as competitive, the public utilities have not been ignored. Privatization and the development of private participation in electric industries are, since the beginning of the nineties, in the centre of this evolution. In order to understand this change, we started with the following question. Is public ownership really inefficient? In other words, is privatization an actual alternative as it is implied by some economic development? Our aim in this thesis is to verify empirically if the ownership and/or private management in electric monopolies are preferable to the public form. The first part of this work deals with the theoretical and conceptual aspects. It primarily deals with operation, regulation and by and large with the traditional electric industries organisation. There is also a quotation of the failure of the first reforms as the contracts of performance ('contrats de plan'). The second part is essentially factual. It deals with the analysis and valuation of electric privatization and re-structuration in some developing countries. It appears from this study, that if privatization remains 'impossible' to avoid, it's widely because of public organisation and management failure. Nevertheless, the idea that private form is higher and more efficient than the public form is not necessarily justified. Indeed, other considerations seem to be more important as the type of regulation and the competitive intensity. (author)

A survey of critical research areas in the energy segment of restructured electric power markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nanduri, Vishnu; Das, Tapas K.

2009-01-01

Availability of a large volume of recent literature on deregulated (a.k.a. restructured) electricity markets underscores the importance of the research needs to ensure proper design and functioning of the markets. Researchers have made significant contributions fueling the evolution of the fundamental market design changes that have taken place since the beginning of the restructuring process. Due to the vast scope, existing survey papers are focused on particular facets of deregulated electricity markets. We adopt a similar approach by focusing on the most important research areas related to the energy market. The contributions of the survey paper lie in the novel approach used in classifying the literature based on critical research areas. Some areas of research such as auction based pricing, bidding strategy formulation, market equilibria, and market power are reviewed in a different light than other existing survey papers. We conclude by providing some future research directions for the energy markets. (author)

The restructuring of the Brazilian electric power sector and the universal access to the electric power service

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Santos, Rosana Rodrigues dos; Mercedes, Sonia Seger P.; Sauer, Ildo Luis

1999-01-01

The central issue of debate was the need to align the energy sector's options and organization with changing global patterns of economic and social development, characterized by the increasing role played by the private sector, greater integration in the world economy, and new economic and social priorities such as efficiency, decentralization, deregulation, and a closer attention to environmental issues. The aim of the work was to overview the restructuring of the Brazilian electric power sector. Tariffs are also commented

Did the expiration of retail price caps affect prices in the restructured Texas electricity market?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang, Linhong; Zarnikau, Jay

2009-01-01

On January 1, 2007, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market became the first restructured market in the US to completely remove caps on the prices which could be charged to residential energy consumers by the retailers associated with the traditional or incumbent utility service providers. Our analysis suggests that the expiration of the price-to-beat (PTB) price caps may have led to a reduction in the average prices charged by competitive retail electric providers (REPs). (author)

Perspectives on industry restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Konow, H. R.

1996-01-01

An industry association perspective on restructuring in the electrical industry was offered, placing the ongoing debate about deregulation and competition in the industry in Ontario into a Canadian and a global context. It was found that the move towards deregulation was a global phenomenon, fuelled by the emergence of increasingly open and highly competitive global markets, heightened consumer expectations, and new technologies and convergence. Examples from the U.K., Norway, Australia, New Zealand and the United States were cited to indicate the spread of this trend. Canadian utilities, among them B.C. Hydro, Nova Scotia Power and the Alberta utilities being prime examples, also have restructured recently into separate generation, transmission, distribution and consumer service units to better react to changing market needs. Alliances with other utilities or competitors in the energy sector to pursue business opportunities outside traditional markets, are also not uncommon. Therefore, it was only a question of time for Ontario Hydro, the largest Canadian electric utility, to come under public pressure to follow the national and global trend. The MacDonald Committee recommendations provide the foundation for radical change for the industry. If and when implemented, they could have a major impact on how the electricity sector in Canada will operate in the years to come. Sound decisions by the Ontario government as to the appropriate regulatory model may also determine the province's ability to compete in the unfolding restructuring of electricity markets throughout North America

United States electric industry : restructuring in review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slocum Hollis, S.

2004-01-01

This paper provides a detailed review of the United States electric power industry. The aim of the review was to clarify and better define current industry procedures and practices in light of significant and recent restructuring. In addition, recent bankruptcies and the power blackout in 2003 have raised concerns over industry practices. Issues concerning Independent System Operators (ISO) and regional transmission organizations were evaluated, with reference to an evolution and implementation of Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) policy, including a cost-benefit analysis. A background of RTO formations was provided with reference to consolidation, selection process and transfer of assets. Standard market design, network access and pricing issues were reviewed, as well as market and reliability concerns. Issues concerning affiliate treatment, shortages and the effect of sale of securities were presented. Various approaches to congestion management were examined, with examples from California and New England. Market monitoring issues, investigations and hearings were also examined, with examples and orders, including details of refunds. Measures to improve reliability were reviewed, including: management systems, benefit margins, requirements, assurance agreements and reserve markets. Issues concerning information access were presented, including: Open Access Same-time Information System (OASIS) requirements; tagging; standard business practices and protocols; and quarterly report practices and protocols. Interconnection policies were reviewed with reference to applicability, service options and pricing. The issue of variations was examined, with case examples concerning cost allocation, contract rights and treatment of specific costs. Jurisdiction issues concerning corporate realignments and power exchanges were presented, as well as specific services and state-federal relations. Issues concerning mergers and merger policy were also discussed, with reference

Restructuring of Turkey's electricity market and the share of hydropower energy: The case of the Eastern Black Sea Basin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uzlu, Ergun; Koemuercue, Murat ihsan; Akpinar, Adem

2011-01-01

This paper presents the historical development of Turkey's electricity power sector, the efforts for introducing competition in the power industry in Turkey, and the concerns regarding restructuring in Turkey. The contribution of the hydropower energy potential in Turkey to the reconstruction of the electricity structure in Turkey is also investigated. Then, among the 25 hydrological basins in Turkey, the Eastern Black Sea Basin located in the northeast of Turkey, which has great advantages from the view point of small hydropower potential or hydropower potential without storage, is chosen as the case study to carry out some investigations concerning its potential and to analyze the contribution of the private sector (the corporate body) in regard to the development of hydro potential in this basin within the scope of the 4628 Electricity Market Law. With this law, concerning the restructuring of the electricity market, private sector investments in this segment have increased. In total, 1524 hydroelectric power projects with 22 360 MW installed capacity has been implemented until January 22nd, 2009 and this figure is continuously rising. (author)

The effects of electric power industry restructuring on the safety of nuclear power plants in the United States

Science.gov (United States)

Butler, Thomas S.

Throughout the United States the electric utility industry is restructuring in response to federal legislation mandating deregulation. The electric utility industry has embarked upon an extraordinary experiment by restructuring in response to deregulation that has been advocated on the premise of improving economic efficiency by encouraging competition in as many sectors of the industry as possible. However, unlike the telephone, trucking, and airline industries, the potential effects of electric deregulation reach far beyond simple energy economics. This dissertation presents the potential safety risks involved with the deregulation of the electric power industry in the United States and abroad. The pressures of a competitive environment on utilities with nuclear power plants in their portfolio to lower operation and maintenance costs could squeeze them to resort to some risky cost-cutting measures. These include deferring maintenance, reducing training, downsizing staff, excessive reductions in refueling down time, and increasing the use of on-line maintenance. The results of this study indicate statistically significant differences at the .01 level between the safety of pressurized water reactor nuclear power plants and boiling water reactor nuclear power plants. Boiling water reactors exhibited significantly more problems than did pressurized water reactors.

Status of power sector restructuring in Lithuania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bachiauskas, A.

1999-01-01

Lithuanian electricity sector comprises joint stock company Lietuvos Energija, which is responsible for supplying the country with electric energy, the Ignalina NPP state enterprise, which generates more then three fourth of the entire electricity of Lithuania, CHPs run By municipalities of Kaunas and Vilnius, and a few power plants, owned by industrial enterprises, as well as private small hydro power plants. Joint stock company Lietuvos Energija is a vertically integrated monopoly, which has inherited drawbacks inherent in planned - administrational economy and is therefore now being restructured into a modern and effective structure capable of operating within market economy conditions. The main goals of restructuring would meet electricity economy requirements: clearly un bundle electricity generation costs from electricity transmission and distribution costs; create internal and external electricity market conditions by gradual transition to wholesale and retail electricity trade; create conditions for third party access; create favourable conditions for competition; provide a possibility to integrate with Baltic electricity market in progress

Transition-cost issues for a restructuring US electricity industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

Utilities regulators can use a variety of approaches to calculate transition costs. We categorized these approaches along three dimensions. The first dimension is the use of administrative vs. market procedures to value the assets in question. Administrative approaches use analytical techniques to estimate transition costs. Market valuation relies on the purchase price of particular assets to determine their market values. The second dimension concerns when the valuation is done, either before or after the restructuring of the electricity industry. The third dimension concerns the level of detail involved in the valuation, what is often called top-down vs. bottom-up valuation. This paper discusses estimation approaches, criteria to assess estimation methods, specific approaches to estimating transition costs, factors that affect transition-cost estimates, strategies to address transition costs, who should pay transition costs, and the integration of cost recovery with competitive markets.

Essays on the investment behavior of independent power producers in the United States electricity industry under regulatory restructuring

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Jingming

2002-09-01

In recent years, there have been efforts at both the federal and state level to introduce greater competition and markets into the US electricity industry through regulatory restructuring. A key to the success of such efforts is the ability of the restructuring to attract investment from non-utility, independent power producers (IPPs). The two essays in this dissertation examine empirically the investment behavior of IPPs under the regulatory restructuring between 1996 and 2000. In both essays, the effects of restructuring on a firm's investment decision are decomposed into the effects that work through the investment cost and that through the expected profit from the investment. The first essay studies the entry behavior of IPPs under the restructuring. The main finding of the essay is that the restructuring has done little to lower the entry barrier faced by IPPs-high fixed cost to entry is still a main factor that hinders IPP investment. The second essay studies IPPs' decisions between investing through building new power plants ("make") and investing through acquiring divested plants ("buy"). It finds that the availability of the "buy" option does not "squeeze" out investment on new capacities. IPPs that chose to "buy" did so because they expected a lower return from "make" and hence would not have switched their investment to new capacities even if the "buy" option were not available. Therefore, divestiture is a viable policy tool for state regulators to attract more IPP investment.

SE debt restructuring plan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Janoska, J.

2003-01-01

Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. (SE) plans to restructure one's own debts in 2003-2005. Debt restructuring plan is following: 2003: Collection of pre-payment on electricity - 60 million Euro (2.5 billion Slovak crowns), consumer unknown. Own promissory notes in total value of 100 million US$ (3.5 billion Slovak crowns) - in process. Sale of claims worth 2.4 billion Slovak crowns (57.21 million Euro) - negotiations in process. 2003/2004: Restructuring of loans payable IV. quarter 2003 and at the beginning of 2004 in value of 200 million Euro (8.3 billion Slovak crowns). Aim of SE is a new credit payable within 7 years, with instalments payable in the last two to three without any state subsidies. 2005: Loans worth 460 million Euro (189 billion Slovak crowns) will still remain. SE want to negotiate them with banks without state support

Electricity and gas : market and price convergence : fundamentals of restructuring and convergence

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heintz, H.; Spragins, R.

2000-07-01

One of the results of the transition from regulation to competition in the Canadian and American natural gas and electricity industries is convergence of the two industries. Convergence is occurring in the areas of corporate structuring activities (mergers and acquisitions), natural gas and electricity prices, products and services, and on a geographic basis. This study examines the restructuring and convergence from the perspective of industry stakeholders, consumers, competitors and regulators. The trend to deregulate to establish competitive markets has been driven by the assumption that lower prices and more choices will result. Deregulation has been made easier by technological developments and innovations in the area of conventional generation, distributed generation, information management and analysis, as well as mass communication channels such as the Internet. These changes have made it possible to measure and monitor energy use in real-time. Technological changes will continue to influence the energy industry. The use of different restructuring rules and regulations in jurisdictions that are implementing change may be one of the primary factors that could limit the extent of convergence. Successful competition by energy service providers in converged retail energy markets will depend on several factors, the first of which is the ability to control the customer interface through retail cycle services such as metering and billing. The second is the successful branding of corporate identities, products and services. These will ensure customer loyalty and facilitate the marketing of new products. Another factor would be the effective management of information regarding natural gas and electricity consumption patterns and the establishment of low cost operations through the use of conventional generation technologies. The final factor for successful competition is the effective use of low cost communication technologies such as the Internet. The transition

Electricity and gas : market and price convergence : fundamentals of restructuring and convergence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heintz, H.; Spragins, R.

2000-01-01

One of the results of the transition from regulation to competition in the Canadian and American natural gas and electricity industries is convergence of the two industries. Convergence is occurring in the areas of corporate structuring activities (mergers and acquisitions), natural gas and electricity prices, products and services, and on a geographic basis. This study examines the restructuring and convergence from the perspective of industry stakeholders, consumers, competitors and regulators. The trend to deregulate to establish competitive markets has been driven by the assumption that lower prices and more choices will result. Deregulation has been made easier by technological developments and innovations in the area of conventional generation, distributed generation, information management and analysis, as well as mass communication channels such as the Internet. These changes have made it possible to measure and monitor energy use in real-time. Technological changes will continue to influence the energy industry. The use of different restructuring rules and regulations in jurisdictions that are implementing change may be one of the primary factors that could limit the extent of convergence. Successful competition by energy service providers in converged retail energy markets will depend on several factors, the first of which is the ability to control the customer interface through retail cycle services such as metering and billing. The second is the successful branding of corporate identities, products and services. These will ensure customer loyalty and facilitate the marketing of new products. Another factor would be the effective management of information regarding natural gas and electricity consumption patterns and the establishment of low cost operations through the use of conventional generation technologies. The final factor for successful competition is the effective use of low cost communication technologies such as the Internet. The transition

Electricity industry restructuring and distribution Grids' Take-Over. A survey of foreign case studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Indigenti, S.

1999-01-01

The paper surveys some case studies drawn from five foreign countries experience in distribution restructuring and property changes. From transaction prices has been derived the indirect distribution grid evaluation by the investors. The resulting values are widespread and cannot be taken as a sound reference for similar future property transfers in Italy. This paper may be looked at as a methodological guides that will likely shed some light on the possible implementations of the recent electricity bill 79/99 named Decreto Bersani [it

Do generation firms in restructured electricity markets have incentives to support social-welfare-improving transmission investments?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sauma, Enzo E.; Oren, Shmuel S.

2009-01-01

This paper examines the incentives that generation firms have in restructured electricity markets for supporting long-term transmission investments. In particular, we study whether generation firms, which arguably play a dominant role in the restructured electricity markets, have the incentives to fund or support incremental social-welfare-improving transmission investments. We examine this question in a two-node network and explore how such incentives are affected by the ownership of financial transmission rights (FTRs) by generation firms. In the analyzed two-node network, we show both (1) that the net exporter generation firm has the correct incentives to increase the transmission capacity incrementally up to a certain level and (2) that, although a policy that allocates FTRs to the net exporter generation firm can be desirable from a social point of view, such a policy would dilute the net-importer-generation-firm's incentives to support transmission expansion. Moreover, if all FTRs were allocated or auctioned off to the net exporter generation firm, then it is possible to increase both consumer surplus and social welfare while keeping the net exporter generation firm revenue neutral. (author)

Development and operation of interconnections in a restructuring context

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

In many countries the electrical network is not fully interconnected and the best technical solution to achieve interconnection has to be found. At the same time the electricity industry is being restructured and interconnecting independent energy markets presents technical challenges. It is therefore timely to consider interconnection development and operation options: examine the benefits of interconnecting electrical networks and the development strategies, review the interconnection design options and the technologies available, identify the operational issues, the security problems of large interconnected systems, the protection issues, consider the impact of the restructuring of the electrical supply industry, assess the political, environmental and social implications of interconnections. reorganized in slovenia from 5-7 april 2004. (author)

Electric sector deregulation and restructuring in Latin America: lessons to be learnt and possible ways forward

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rudnick, H.; Zolezzi, J.

2001-01-01

The pioneering restructuring and deregulation process of the electricity industry, which started in Latin America as early as 1982, is assessed. Chile and Argentina, among others, have been at the forefront of innovation in the creation of electricity markets. The experience gained and the principal difficulties encountered in these 18 years are reviewed, highlighting the weaknesses and successes of the deregulation processes. A review is made of the challenges and prospects for development of the electrical sector in the region, where energy integration across countries flourishes and world energy players have started acquiring regional utilities. Regulations and market structures are being evaluated, and countries are introducing changes, the danger being that the remedies being considered may be worse than the disease. (Author)

Adaptive short-term electricity price forecasting using artificial neural networks in the restructured power markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamin, H.Y.; Shahidehpour, S.M.; Li, Z.

2004-01-01

This paper proposes a comprehensive model for the adaptive short-term electricity price forecasting using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in the restructured power markets. The model consists: price simulation, price forecasting, and performance analysis. The factors impacting the electricity price forecasting, including time factors, load factors, reserve factors, and historical price factor are discussed. We adopted ANN and proposed a new definition for the MAPE using the median to study the relationship between these factors and market price as well as the performance of the electricity price forecasting. The reserve factors are included to enhance the performance of the forecasting process. The proposed model handles the price spikes more efficiently due to considering the median instead of the average. The IEEE 118-bus system and California practical system are used to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model. (author)

Industrial customer response to wholesale prices in the restructured Texas electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarnikau, J.

2007-01-01

This paper estimates the demand responsiveness of the 20 largest industrial energy consumers in the Houston area to wholesale price signals in the restructured Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market. Statistical analysis of their load patterns employing a Symmetric Generalized McFadden cost function model suggests that ERCOT achieved limited success in establishing a market that facilitates demand response from the largest industrial energy consumers in the Houston area to wholesale price signals in its second year of retail competition. The muted price response is at least partially because energy consumers who opt to offer their ''interruptibility'' to the market as an ancillary service are constrained in their ability to respond to wholesale energy prices. (author)

Load As A Reliability Resource in the Restructured Electricity Market

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kueck, J.D.

2002-06-10

Recent electricity price spikes are painful reminders of the value that meaningful demand-side responses could bring to the restructuring US electricity system. Review of the aggregate offers made by suppliers confirms that even a modest increase in demand elasticity could dramatically reduce these extremes in price volatility. There is a strong need for dramatically increased customer participation in these markets to enhance system reliability and reduce price volatility. Indeed, allowing customers to manage their loads in response to system conditions might be thought of as the ultimate reliability resource. Most would agree that meaningful demand-side responses to price are the hallmark of a well-functioning competitive market [1]. Yet, in today's markets for electricity, little or no such response is evident. The reason is simple: customers currently do not experience directly the time-varying costs of their consumption decisions. Consequently, they have no incentive to modify these decisions in ways that might enhance system reliability or improve the efficiency of the markets in which electricity is traded. Increased customer participation is a necessary step in the evolution toward more efficient markets for electricity and ancillary services. This scoping report provides a three-part assessment of the current status of efforts to enhance the ability of customer's load to participate in competitive markets with a specific focus on the role of customer loads in enhancing electricity system reliability. First, this report considers the definitions of electricity-reliability-enhancing ancillary services (Section 2) and a preliminary assessment of the ability of customer's loads to provide these services. Second, is a review a variety of programs in which load has been called on as a system reliability resource (Section 3). These experiences, drawn from both past and current utility and ISO programs, focus on programs triggered by system

A Response to Two Recent Studies that Purport to Calculate Electric Utility Restructuring Benefits Captured by Consumers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spinner, Howard M.

2006-01-01

Recent studies by Global Energy Decisions and Cambridge Energy Research Associates offered high 'headline impact' in finding that wholesale electric competition is fulfilling its promises and restructuring is benefiting consumers to the tune of billions of dollars. But both studies share a fundamental problem tied to the fact that portions of those 'savings' to consumers accrue from losses suffered by the competitive generation sector

The Economic Benefits of Generation Revenue Assessment in Pool-Based Market Model for Restructured Electricity Supply Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ngadiron Zuraidah

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The electricity supply industry had undergo deregulation and restructuring toward becoming a more transparent and competitive electricity market environment. The pool market model is amongst the most preferred electricity market model. Even though it is a safe option to be more competitive and transparent electricity supply industry, there are issues on the welfare of the generators involved. This paper addresses the pricing issue in the pool market by extending the capacity payment mechanism in the single auction power pool. In the proposed model, the approach of minimum capacity payment involving the efficiency of the generators is introduced. A case study is conducted to illustrate the proposed model. An economic analysis is performed to highlight the merits of the proposed model with the pure pool in term of generation revenue.

Nodal price volatility reduction and reliability enhancement of restructured power systems considering demand-price elasticity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goel, L.; Wu, Qiuwei; Wang, Peng

2008-01-01

With the development of restructured power systems, the conventional 'same for all customers' electricity price is getting replaced by nodal prices. Electricity prices will fluctuate with time and nodes. In restructured power systems, electricity demands will interact mutually with prices. Customers may shift some of their electricity consumption from time slots of high electricity prices to those of low electricity prices if there is a commensurate price incentive. The demand side load shift will influence nodal prices in return. This interaction between demand and price can be depicted using demand-price elasticity. This paper proposes an evaluation technique incorporating the impact of the demand-price elasticity on nodal prices, system reliability and nodal reliabilities of restructured power systems. In this technique, demand and price correlations are represented using the demand-price elasticity matrix which consists of self/cross-elasticity coefficients. Nodal prices are determined using optimal power flow (OPF). The OPF and customer damage functions (CDFs) are combined in the proposed reliability evaluation technique to assess the reliability enhancement of restructured power systems considering demand-price elasticity. The IEEE reliability test system (RTS) is simulated to illustrate the developed techniques. The simulation results show that demand-price elasticity reduces the nodal price volatility and improves both the system reliability and nodal reliabilities of restructured power systems. Demand-price elasticity can therefore be utilized as a possible efficient tool to reduce price volatility and to enhance the reliability of restructured power systems. (author)

Measuring market performance in restructured electricity markets: An empirical analysis of the PJM energy market

Science.gov (United States)

Tucker, Russell Jay

2002-09-01

Today the electric industry in the U.S. is transitioning to competitive markets for wholesale electricity. Independent system operators (ISOs) now manage broad regional markets for electrical energy in several areas of the U.S. A recent rulemaking by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) encourages the development of regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and restructured competitive wholesale electricity markets nationwide. To date, the transition to competitive wholesale markets has not been easy. The increased reliance on market forces coupled with unusually high electricity demand for some periods have created conditions amenable to market power abuse in many regions throughout the U.S. In the summer of 1999, hot and humid summer conditions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia pushed peak demand in the PJM Interconnection to record levels. These demand conditions coincided with the introduction of market-based pricing in the wholesale electricity market. Prices for electricity increased on average by 55 percent, and reached the $1,000/MWh range. This study examines the extent to which generator market power raised prices above competitive levels in the PJM Interconnection during the summer of 1999. It simulates hourly market-clearing prices assuming competitive market behavior and compares these prices with observed market prices in computing price markups over the April 1-August 31, 1999 period. The results of the simulation analysis are supported with an examination of actual generator bid data of incumbent generators. Price markups averaged 14.7 percent above expected marginal cost over the 5-month period for all non-transmission-constrained hours. The evidence presented suggests that the June and July monthly markups were strongly influenced by generator market power as price inelastic peak demand approached the electricity generation capacity constraint of the market. While this analysis of the

The restructuring process of the Colombian electricity market; Die Umstrukturierung des kolumbianischen Elektrizitaetsmarktes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perez Aleman, Y.O. [Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Santa Fe de Bogota (Colombia). Fakultaet fuer Ingenieurwesen

1999-06-14

Colombia is one of the countries where a restructuring process of the electricity industry has taken place in the recent years. The reforms introduced since the beginning of the present decade, have resulted in deep changes into this sector. Such a process seeks to create a competitive sector to manage the profound crisis that has pervaded the electricity supply in Colombia since the 80`s. The adopted model contains several of the elements needed to achieve economic efficiency: Unbundling, competition on generation and on the retail market, open access to electricity networks and regulatory mechanisms in whose activities where a natural monopoly takes place. The aim of this article is to show the Colombian experience in implementing and managing structural changes in the electricity market. (orig.) [Deutsch] Kolumbien ist eines der Laender, in denen in den letzten Jahren eine Umstrukturierung der Elektrizitaetswirtschaft stattgefunden hat. Der Umstrukturierungsprozess zielt darauf ab, eine wettbewerbsfaehigere Elektrizitaetswirtschaft in Kolumbien zu schaffen, um der schweren Krise, in der dieser Wirtschaftszweig seit den achtizger Jahren gesteckt hat, entgegenzuwirken. Das ausgewaehlte Model enthaelt fast alle wichtigen Elemente in bezug auf eine hoehere Effizienz in der Elektrizitaetswirtschaft. Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist es, die Erfahrungen in Kolumbien bei der Implementierung und Organisation eines liberalisierten und wettbewerbsfaehigen Elektrizitaetsmarktes zu zeigen. (orig.)

Designing incentive market mechanisms for improving restructured power system reliabilities

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ding, Yi; Østergaard, Jacob; Wu, Qiuwei

2011-01-01

state. The reliability management of producers usually cannot be directly controlled by the system operators in a restructured power system. Producers may have no motivation to improve their reliabilities, which can result in serious system unreliability issues in the new environment. Incentive market...... mechanisms for improving the restructured power system reliabilities have been designed in this paper. In the proposed incentive mechanisms, penalty will be implemented on a producer if the failures of its generator(s) result in the variation of electricity prices. Incentive market mechanisms can motivate......In a restructured power system, the monopoly generation utility is replaced by different electricity producers. There exists extreme price volatility caused by random failures by generation or/and transmission systems. In these cases, producers' profits can be much higher than those in the normal...

Electric Industry Restructuring in Ohio: Residential and Low Income Customer Impacts; TOPICAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eisenberg, J

2001-01-01

This report analyzes the electric utilities in Ohio in order to determine how they are situated for the coming of competition. It begins with the status of the utilities as of 1995, the last year for which detailed data were available, and determines the detailed underlying cost structure behind the rates charged to customers. The study then develops a number of restructuring scenarios to be analyzed. These scenarios cover different approaches to dividing stranded asset costs between customers and stockholders, and between different groups of customers. They also cover wholesale versus retail competition, different regulatory structures for those services still under regulation, and new approaches to stranded asset costs such as securitization--the use of special bonds to reduce costs. Throughout the report the special emphasis is on the impact of restructuring on low-income residential customers. Low-income customers are the most vulnerable to changes in the regulatory structure with the fewest alternative options. The report finds that there are a great deal of above-market cost, potentially stranded assets in Ohio--approximately$8.75 billion in 1995. The annual above-market costs total over$3 billion, of which about 2/3 is recovery of capital related costs and 1/3 is recovery of energy related costs. The distribution of stranded assets in Ohio is very uneven. Some utilities such as Cleveland Electric and Ohio Edison have very high levels of above-market costs. In contrast, Ohio Power has, under some estimates, costs which are actually below market costs. The study looks separately at the near-term or transition period (approximately the next seven to ten years) and the longer term competitive market period. During the transition period the costs of stranded assets are being collected from customers while competitive markets are being developed. In the longer term market period it is assumed that all of the stranded asset costs have been collected and that the

Electricity restructuring in Turkey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oezkyvrak, Oezlem

2005-01-01

Turkey implemented the electricity sector reform by which the Electricity Market Law no. 4628 passed in February 2001. Recently, all segments of the Turkish electricity sector are dominated by a vertically integrated, public-owned monopoly - Tuerkiye Elektrik Kurumu - the Turkish electricity institution. The Turkish electricity reform involves vertical deintegration of generation, transmission and distribution, introduction of competition into generation and retail sale, establishment of an independent regulatory authority and privatization of public generation and distribution entities. This article provides an overview of the Turkish electricity sector reform and defines some problems that may affect the reform success

Power market restructuring in Asia : Russia, China, India, and Japan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hammons, T.J.; Zhong, J.; Mukhopadhyay, S.; Kurihara, I.

2008-01-01

Many countries are now in the process of deregulating their power industries in order to promote growth and competitiveness. This paper discussed power market restructuring activities in Russia, China, India and Japan. Economic convergence points in Russian and Asian power markets were reviewed. The state of Russia and China's power industry after the implementation of recent power restructuring initiatives was discussed. Technical characteristics of the industries were evaluated, and market development plans were outlined. Regional electricity markets in Asia were discussed, as well as issues related to domestic and foreign investment. Institutional reforms were reviewed, and individual outlines of revisions for the power industries of the 4 countries were presented. The study demonstrated that structuring processes vary from country to country. Differences in restructuring patterns were attributed to economic differences; country-specific features established within the electric power industry; and attitudes towards deregulation. It was concluded that the reforms adopted by the countries will lead to the expansion of national electric power systems. 23 refs., 4 tabs., 6 figs

Consequence and impact of electric utility industry restructuring on transient stability and small-signal stability analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vittal, V.

2000-01-01

The electric utility industry is undergoing unprecedented changes in its structure worldwide. With the advent of an open market environment and competition in the industry, and restructuring of the industry into separate generation, transmission, and distribution entities, new issues in power system operation and planning are inevitable. One of the major consequences of this new electric utility environment is the greater emphasis on reliability and secure operation of the power system. This paper examines the impact of restructuring on power system dynamic analysis. It specifically addresses issues related to transient stability analysis and small-signal stability analysis. Four major topics to examine the effect on the nature of studies conducted are considered. These topics are (1) system adequacy and security, (2) system modeling data requirements, (3) system protection and control, and (4) system restoration. The consequences and impact of each of these topics on the nature of the studies conducted are examined and discussed. The emphasis on greater reliability has led to a clearer enunciation of standards, measurements, and guides in some countries. These requirements will result in: (1) more measurements on existing systems, (2) rigorous analysis of transient stability and small-signal stability to determine operating limits and plan systems, (3) greater emphasis on studies to verify coordination and proper performance of protection and controls, and (4) development of a detailed plan for system restoration in the case of wide-spread outages

Aggregate industrial energy consumer response to wholesale prices in the restructured Texas electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarnikau, Jay; Hallett, Ian

2008-01-01

The aggregate response of consumers to wholesale price signals is very limited in the restructured Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market. An overall average own-price elasticity of demand of - 0.000008 for industrial energy consumers served at transmission voltage is estimated using a Symmetric Generalized McFadden cost function model. To date, ERCOT has sought to promote demand response to price signals without reliance on 'stand alone' demand response programs, but with a market structure that is designed to facilitate economic demand response. This very limited responsiveness to wholesale price signals may prove problematic in light of policy decisions to pursue an 'energy only' resource adequacy mechanism for ERCOT. (author)

The Potential Economic Impact of Electricity Restructuring in the State of Oklahoma: Phase II Report; FINAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hadley, SW

2001-01-01

Because of the recent experiences of several states undergoing restructuring (e.g., higher prices, greater volatility, lower reliability), concerns have been raised in states currently considering restructuring as to whether their systems are equally vulnerable. Factors such as local generation costs, transmission constraints, market concentration, and market design can all play a role in the success or failure of the market. These factors along with the mix of generation capacity supplying the state will influence the relative prices paid by consumers. The purpose of this project is to provide a model and process to evaluate the potential price and economic impacts of restructuring the Oklahoma electric industry. The Phase I report concentrated on providing an analysis of the Oklahoma system in the near-term, using only present generation resources and customer demands. This Phase II study analyzed the Oklahoma power market in 2010, incorporating the potential of new generation resources and customer responses. Five key findings of this Phase II were made: (1) Projected expansion in generating capacity exceeds by over 3,000 MW the demands within the state plus the amount that could be exported with the current transmission system. (2) Even with reduced new plant construction, most new plants could lose money (although residential consumers would see lower rates) unless they have sufficient market power to raise their prices without losing significant market share (Figure S-1). (3) If new plants can raise prices to stay profitable, existing low-cost coal and hydro plants will have very high profits. Average prices to customers could be 5% to 25% higher than regulated rates (Figure S-1). If the coal and hydro plants are priced at cost-based rates (through long-term contracts or continued regulation) while all other plants use market-based rates then prices are lower. (4) Customer response to real-time prices can lower the peak capacity requirements by around 9

Public policy responsibilities in a restructured electric industry: An analysis of values, objectives, and approaches

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tonn, B.E.; Schweitzer, M.

1996-03-01

Discussions and decisions in states as diverse as California, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island are focusing on moving the United States electric industry from one dominated by vertically-integrated and highly regulated utility-based electricity monopolies to one characterized by largely divested and independent generation, transmission, and distribution sectors and by vigorous wholesale and retail competition. Numerous issues must be solved for this transition to be successful. Three of the most important are how to deal with stranded investments, how to provide open access to transmission systems, and how to deal with potentially stranded benefits, which is the current term being used to describe environmental and social programs such as demand-side management, low income programs, and renewable energy. This report explores how to meet public policy responsibilities, which are growing more acute, in a proactive fashion in a restructured United States electric industry. The specific goals of this report are to (1) assess trade-offs in the short-term in meeting public policy responsibilities associated with stranded benefits and (2) introduce a series of new ideas that, if enacted, could substantially satisfy important public policy considerations.

Restructuring the Energy System. Report of the Energy Commission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1995-01-01

The commission was instructed to examine the current energy policy programs for restructuring and developing the energy system (i.e. phasing out nuclear power and moving to renewable sources) and to analyze the needs for changes; to propose measures for ensuring an efficient electricity supply under the new conditions of a liberalized electricity market; and to present proposals for a schedule for reorganizing the energy system. The report gives a full picture of the Swedish energy system including supply, consumption, prices, environmental impacts, R and D, and international aspects. The commission concludes that one nuclear power plant can be closed during the 1990's without upsetting the power balances. Phasing out all nuclear plants by year 2010 will create problems with the price levels of electricity supply, and will conflict with the CO 2 reduction objective. The proposals for economic control measures for performing the restructuring include: An environmental bonus (or investment support) for environmentally sound electricity production financed by an electricity tax, a tax on nuclear power increasing with the age of the reactors, a reorganization fund to finance new and environmentally acceptable electricity production. Also, energy research should be allotted greater resources, in particular for new technology for electricity production. The commission points towards the possibilities for reducing energy consumption, and especially electricity consumption. Space heating should gradually move away from electric heating. Examples are given on measures for improving energy efficiency and problems with financing such measures should be studied

Day-ahead price forecasting in restructured power systems using artificial neural networks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vahidinasab, V.; Jadid, S.; Kazemi, A.

2008-01-01

Over the past 15 years most electricity supply companies around the world have been restructured from monopoly utilities to deregulated competitive electricity markets. Market participants in the restructured electricity markets find short-term electricity price forecasting (STPF) crucial in formulating their risk management strategies. They need to know future electricity prices as their profitability depends on them. This research project classifies and compares different techniques of electricity price forecasting in the literature and selects artificial neural networks (ANN) as a suitable method for price forecasting. To perform this task, market knowledge should be used to optimize the selection of input data for an electricity price forecasting tool. Then sensitivity analysis is used in this research to aid in the selection of the optimum inputs of the ANN and fuzzy c-mean (FCM) algorithm is used for daily load pattern clustering. Finally, ANN with a modified Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) learning algorithm are implemented for forecasting prices in Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) market. The forecasting results were compared with the previous works and showed that the results are reasonable and accurate. (author)

Globalization, economy financing model crisis and the institutional re-structuration of the Brazilian electric power system; Globalizacao, crise do padrao de financiamento da economia e reestruturacao institucional do setor eletrico brasileiro

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maciel, Claudio Schuller

1996-12-31

This thesis discusses the crisis in the Brazilian economical financing model and the consequent re-structuration of the Brazilian electric power system, giving special emphasis to: global historical factors; the new economic order; and, the consequences of the financial crisis in the Brazilian electric power system. In addition, it suggests new strategies for the institutional reformulation of the Brazilian electric power system 226 refs., 13 tabs.

Globalization, economy financing model crisis and the institutional re-structuration of the Brazilian electric power system; Globalizacao, crise do padrao de financiamento da economia e reestruturacao institucional do setor eletrico brasileiro

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maciel, Claudio Schuller

1995-12-31

This thesis discusses the crisis in the Brazilian economical financing model and the consequent re-structuration of the Brazilian electric power system, giving special emphasis to: global historical factors; the new economic order; and, the consequences of the financial crisis in the Brazilian electric power system. In addition, it suggests new strategies for the institutional reformulation of the Brazilian electric power system 226 refs., 13 tabs.

Europe-United States: two diverging evolutions of electricity restructuring? a prospective study on the functioning and the regulation of electrical markets on both sides of the Atlantic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Derdevet, M.; Veyrenc, Th.

2008-01-01

On both sides of the Atlantic, the same broad purpose was at the heart of electricity restructuring policies: substituting competition to the monopolistic organisation as a means of increased efficiency, and transforming sets of local markets into large continental-wide integrated markets. The current diversity between European and American systems is thus intriguing. The relative homogeneity of electrical systems in the old continent, which is being reinforced by the gradual though delicate elaboration of shared principles on the general organisation of the electricity industry at the European level, compares to a genuine diversity on the American side, where each State remains responsible for conducting its own restructuring policy, even if similar rules on wholesale markets are acknowledged and implemented at a federal level. Yet Europe and the United States face the same kind of issues regarding the future of the energy industry: which status for grid operators, how to respond to growing concerns on security of supply, what to do to mitigate the sharp increase in energy prices? Evidence thereof are the similar attempts by some States to retain direct price control methods, rather than to bank on the virtues of competition to prompt investments in generation and lead prices to drop. It currently appears that the answers to these shared challenges are not converging. On behalf of a comparatively strong freedom of action relatively to the initial competitive paradigm, the array of polio/ responses available in the United States seems broader than in Europe, where the approach recommended by the European Commission consists of further deepening the initial model without altering it. The future will show whether that trend is lasting, or if two structurally different models can emerge from such differences. (authors)

Financing investments in renewable energy: The role of policy design and restructuring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wiser, R.; Pickle, S. [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States). Environmental Energy Technologies Div.

1997-03-01

The costs of electric power projects utilizing renewable energy technologies are highly sensitive to financing terms. Consequently, as the electricity industry is restructured and new renewables policies are created, it is important for policymakers to consider the impacts of renewables policy design on project financing. This report describes the power plant financing process and provides insights to policymakers on the important nexus between renewables policy design and finance. A cash-flow model is used to estimate the impact of various financing variables on renewable energy costs. Past and current renewable energy policies are then evaluated to demonstrate the influence of policy design on the financing process and on financing costs. The possible impacts of electricity restructuring on power plant financing are discussed and key design issues are identified for three specific renewable energy programs being considered in the restructuring process: (1) surcharge-funded policies; (2) renewables portfolio standards; and (3) green marketing programs. Finally, several policies that are intended to directly reduce financing costs and barriers are analyzed. The authors find that one of the key reasons that renewables policies are not more effective is that project development and financing processes are frequently ignored or misunderstood when designing and implementing renewable energy incentives. A policy that is carefully designed can reduce renewable energy costs dramatically by providing revenue certainty that will, in turn, reduce financing risk premiums.

Restructuring Graduate Engineering Education: The M.Eng. Program at Cornell.

Science.gov (United States)

Cady, K. Bingham; And Others

1988-01-01

Discusses the restructuring of the graduate program to accommodate emerging fields in engineering. Notes half of the graduate degrees Cornell grants each year are M.Eng. degrees. Offers 12 specialties: aerospace, agriculture, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and nuclear engineering; computer science, engineering physics; geological…

Restructuring Restructuring: Postmodernity and the Prospects for Educational Change.

Science.gov (United States)

Hargreaves, Andy

Change by school restructuring has followed quickly on the heels of school reform that sought to mandate improvement upon teachers by bureaucratic control and compliance. It did not take long for problems of the reform paradigm to surface as teacher improvement could not be mandated. A complete restructuring of teaching and learning organization…

Restructuring the Electricity Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Boom, Anette; Buehler, Stefan

We study the role of vertical structure in determining generating capacities and retail prices in the electricity industry. Allowing for uncertain demand, we compare three market configurations: (i) integrated monopoly, (ii) integrated duopoly with wholesale trade, and (iii) separated duopoly wit...

Theoretical Grounds of Enterprise Restructuring

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Odintsova Nadiya G.

2013-11-01

Full Text Available One of the most popular means of financial recovery of enterprises in the world and domestic theory and practice is re-structuring. The article considers the essence of enterprise re-structuring, conducts analysis of existing approaches to understanding the re-organisation, re-formation, re-structuring and re-engineering notions and makes conclusions with respect to the nature of their interconnection. It analyses interpretation of the re-structuring category, approaches of scientists to revelation of the essence of the enterprise re-structuring notion. To achieve the goal the article conducts assessment of the existing approaches to interpretation of the content of the enterprise re-structuring process. It also conducts further analysis of interconnection of the re-formation, re-structuring, re-organisation and re-engineering notions with consideration of scientific interpretations, which would allow identification of the roles of each of the notions for identifying their influence and interconnection in correlation with the direction of economic activity of enterprises.

Nuclear energy technology innovation and restructuring electric power industry for sustainable development in Korea in 21st century - issues and strategies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, B.W.; Chae, K.N.

2001-01-01

After TMI and Chernobyl accidents, concerns on nuclear safety and radiation health risk from radioactive wastes become the target issues for anti-nuclear. Nevertheless, nuclear power is a substantial contributor to the world electricity production, supplying more than 16 % of global electricity. The objectives of Korean nuclear energy technology innovation are to improve safety, economic competitiveness, energy security and the effectiveness of radioactive waste management in harmony with environment. Meeting such objectives, public concerns on safety and health risks would be cleared. Innovative nuclear energy system will certainly enhance socio-political acceptance and enable wider application of nuclear energy for sustainable development in Korea in the 21st Century. In parallel to such technology innovations, the effective first phase restructuring of electric power industry is in progress to enhance management efficiency and customer services. The power generation division of the former state-run utility, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) was separated and divided into six companies - five thermal power and one hydro and nuclear power generation companies - in last April. After the reorganization of KEPCO and the break-up of monopoly, the new electric power industry will be driven by market force. (author)

Power system restructuring and deregulation: trading, performance and information technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Loi Lei Lai

2001-09-01

Representatives from several countries have contributed to a book addressing the deregulation and restructuring of the electric power industry. Articles covered include guidance on asset management, transmission balancing and meter management systems, tools for studying competitive power markets, environmental impacts, costs and benefits, and the new strategies and technology available for power generation, transmission and distribution. The book should be of interest to power systems engineers, system operators, managers, planners and policy makers in the electric power business

A Primer on Electric Utilities, Deregulation, and Restructuring of U.S. Electricity Markets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Warwick, William M.

2002-06-03

This primer is offered as an introduction to utility restructuring to better prepare readers for ongoing changes in public utilities and associated energy markets. It is written for use by individuals with responsibility for the management of facilities that use energy, including energy managers, procurement staff, and managers with responsibility for facility operations and budgets. The primer was prepared by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory under sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Energy?s Federal Energy Management Program. The impetus for this primer originally came from the Government Services Administration who supported its initial development.

Overview of the electricity and gas markets in the United States

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Speyer, J.M.

1998-01-01

The driving forces behind electricity and gas restructuring in the United States are primarily economic. Restructuring legislation regarding the electric power industry has been enacted in fourteen states, and similar legislation is under consideration in most other states. Currently, only three states do not have a significant restructuring plan. With regard to natural gas, market restructuring of the entire gas market is underway in five states, and studies or limited utility retail unbundling pilot programs are underway in seventeen others. It was predicted that restructuring will spread nationwide because once competition begins, it is hard to draw boundaries around it. Mergers are part of the restructuring process, providing firms with a scale that would allow them to undertake strategic initiatives. Convergence, on the other hand, is a response to the 'commoditization' of electricity and gas. As a development in the opposite direction, suppliers of electricity and gas are now attempting to 'decommoditize' their products by brand differentiation and other 'value added' services as a means of developing and retaining customer loyalty. 3 tabs., 2 figs

Overview of the electricity and gas markets in the United States

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Speyer, J.M. [Putnam, Hayes and Bartlett Inc., Washington, DC (United States)

1998-09-01

The driving forces behind electricity and gas restructuring in the United States are primarily economic. Restructuring legislation regarding the electric power industry has been enacted in fourteen states, and similar legislation is under consideration in most other states. Currently, only three states do not have a significant restructuring plan. With regard to natural gas, market restructuring of the entire gas market is underway in five states, and studies or limited utility retail unbundling pilot programs are underway in seventeen others. It was predicted that restructuring will spread nationwide because once competition begins, it is hard to draw boundaries around it. Mergers are part of the restructuring process, providing firms with a scale that would allow them to undertake strategic initiatives. Convergence, on the other hand, is a response to the `commoditization` of electricity and gas. As a development in the opposite direction, suppliers of electricity and gas are now attempting to `decommoditize` their products by brand differentiation and other `value added` services as a means of developing and retaining customer loyalty. 3 tabs., 2 figs.

On the functional vs. lexical nature of restructuring heads: evidence for a fine-grained classification of restructuring modals

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Irene Balza

2012-05-01

Full Text Available This paper examines in detail the thematic and syntactic properties of a set of (non-restructuring structures in Germanic, Romance and Basque. Based on the comparison of these structures, I propose a fine-grained classification of (non-restructuring constructions that include Functional Restructuring, Semi-Lexical Restructuring, Lexical Restructuring and Non-Restructuring constructions. The four types involve complements of different underlying structures (VPs, vPs or even as large as NegP/TPs. The results of the analysis argue against Cinque’s (2005 hypothesis that all restructuring verbs are exclusively functional, and contradicts Wurmbrand’s (1999 claim that, within the mixed class of restructuring verbs, modals must be raising verbs.

Corporate Restructuring and Bondholder Wealth

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Renneboog, L.D.R.; Szilagyi, P.G.

2006-01-01

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of existing research on how corporate restructuring affects the wealth of creditors. Restructuring is defined as any transaction that affects the firm’s underlying capital structure. Thus, it reaches well beyond asset restructuring and includes transactions

Corporate Restructuring and Bondholder Wealth

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Renneboog, L.D.R.; Szilagyi, P.G.

2006-01-01

This paper provides an overview of existing research on how corporate restructuring affects the wealth of creditors.Restructuring is defined as any transaction that affects the firm's underlying capital structure.Thus, it reaches well beyond asset restructuring and includes transactions such as

Comparisons of auction mechanisms in a multiple unit setting: A consideration for restructuring electric power markets

Science.gov (United States)

Bernard, John Charles

The objective of this study was to compare the performance of five single sided auctions that could be used in restructured electric power markets across different market sizes in a multiple unit setting. Auction selection would profoundly influence an industry over $200 billion in size in the United States, and the consequences of implementing an inappropriate mechanism would be great. Experimental methods were selected to analyze the auctions. Two rounds of experiments were conducted, the first testing the sealed offer last accepted offer (LAO) and first rejected offer (FRO), and the clock English (ENG) and sealed offer English (SOE) in markets of sizes two and six. The FRO, SOE, and ENG used the same pricing rule. Second round testing was on the LAO, FRO, and the nonuniform price multiple unit Vickrey (MUV) in markets of sizes two, four, and six. Experiments lasted 23 and 75 periods for rounds 1 and 2 respectively. Analysis of variance and contrast analysis were used to examine the data. The four performance measures used were price, efficiency, profits per unit, and supply revelation. Five basic principles were also assessed: no sales at losses, all low cost capacity should be offered and sold, no high cost capacity should sell, and the market should clear. It was expected group size and auction type would affect performance. For all performance measures, group size was a significant variable, with smaller groups showing poorer performance. Auction type was significant only for the efficiency performance measure, where clock auctions outperformed the others. Clock auctions also proved superior for the first four principles. The FRO performed poorly in almost all situations, and should not be a preferred mechanism in any market. The ENG was highly efficient, but expensive for the buyer. The SOE appeared superior to the FRO and ENG. The clock improves efficiency over the FRO while less information kept prices under the ENG. The MUV was superior in revealing costs

A Review of Recent RTO Benefit-Cost Studies: Toward MoreComprehensive Assessments of FERC Electricity RestructuringPolicies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eto, Joseph H.; Lesieutre, Bernard C.

2005-12-01

During the past three years, government and private organizations have issued more than a dozen studies of the benefits and costs of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). Most of these studies have focused on benefits that can be readily estimated using traditional production-cost simulation techniques, which compare the cost of centralized dispatch under an RTO to dispatch in the absence of an RTO, and on costs associated with RTO start-up and operation. Taken as a whole, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from these studies because they have not examined potentially much larger benefits (and costs) resulting from the impacts of RTOs on reliability management, generation and transmission investment and operation, and wholesale electricity market operation. This report: (1) Describes the history of benefit-cost analysis of FERC electricity restructuring policies; (2)Reviews current practice by analyzing 11 RTO benefit-cost studies that were published between 2002 and 2004 and makes recommendations to improve the documentation of data and methods and the presentation of findings in future studies that focus primarily on estimating short-run economic impacts; and (3) Reviews important impacts of FERC policies that have been overlooked or incompletely treated by recent RTO benefit-cost studies and the challenges to crafting more comprehensive assessments of these impacts based on actual performance, including impacts on reliability management, generation and transmission investment and operation, and wholesale electricity market operation.

Canada's first competitive electricity market: the Alberta experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McMaster, D.

1997-01-01

The restructuring of the electric power industry as experienced in the province of Alberta was discussed. Alberta's electric industry structure today is comprised of a power pool and open access transmission. The forces for change, the evolution of the new structure, the new Electric Utilities Act that defined restructuring, features of the restructured industry, the organization and functions of the Alberta Power Pool and the Transmission Administrator, the day-to-day functioning of the Power Pool, the price setting mechanism, access to the transmission system, the legislated financial hedges, the timeline for the retirement of the existing generation system, and anticipated future developments were described

Empirical observations of bidding patterns in Australia's National Electricity Market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu Xinmin; Grozev, George; Batten, David

2005-01-01

For more than a decade, electricity industries have been undergoing reform worldwide. However, there are various, sometimes contradictory, conclusions about the performance of these restructured electricity markets. Market performance depends largely on how each market participant responds to the market design -- including market rules, market operational procedures, and information revelation. In this paper, we identify and examine the strategies adopted by generators in Australia's National Electricity Market, based on publicly available data for the period from May 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003. We try to understand and answer some basic questions like how generators respond collectively or individually to changes in market conditions (e.g. load changes) and why they behave in this way. The statistics calculated from the data show that wide variations in the frequency of strategic bidding and rebidding exist; that generators more frequently use capacity offers as a strategic tool than price offers; that large generating units are more likely to use capacity strategies to control market prices; and that generators are capable of responding to changes in market conditions

Empirical observations of bidding patterns in Australia's National Electricity Market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xinmin Hu; Grozev, G.; Batten, D.

2005-01-01

For more than a decade, electricity industries have been undergoing reform worldwide. However, there are various, sometimes contradictory, conclusions about the performance of these restructured electricity markets. Market performance depends largely on how each market participant responds to the market design - including market rules, market operational procedures, and information revelation. In this paper, we identify and examine the strategies adopted by generators in Australia's National Electricity Market, based on publicly available data for the period from May 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003. We try to understand and answer some basic questions like how generators respond collectively or individually to changes in market conditions (e.g. load changes) and why they behave in this way. The statistics calculated from the data show that wide variations in the frequency of strategic bidding and rebidding exist; that generators more frequently use capacity offers as a strategic tool than price offers; that large generating units are more likely to use capacity strategies to control market prices; and that generators are capable of responding to changes in market conditions. (author)

Sharing China's Bank Restructuring Bill

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Guonan Ma

2006-01-01

This paper addresses the questions related to the cost of China's bank restructuring and how it has been financed. We first propose a framework for recognizing losses. Then, we examine the recent major moves by the Chinese Government to repair the country's bank balance sheets. Finally, we explore the implications of the Chinese Government's methods of funding bank restructuring. We find that the Chinese Government has been decisive in confronting the costly task of bank restructuring. So far, Chinese taxpayers have paid most of the bill for bank restructuring.

A case study review of technical and technology issues for transition of a utility load management program to provide system reliability resources in restructured electricity markets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Weller, G.H.

2001-07-15

Utility load management programs--including direct load control and interruptible load programs--were employed by utilities in the past as system reliability resources. With electricity industry restructuring, the context for these programs has changed; the market that was once controlled by vertically integrated utilities has become competitive, raising the question: can existing load management programs be modified so that they can effectively participate in competitive energy markets? In the short run, modified and/or improved operation of load management programs may be the most effective form of demand-side response available to the electricity system today. However, in light of recent technological advances in metering, communication, and load control, utility load management programs must be carefully reviewed in order to determine appropriate investments to support this transition. This report investigates the feasibility of and options for modifying an existing utility load management system so that it might provide reliability services (i.e. ancillary services) in the competitive markets that have resulted from electricity industry restructuring. The report is a case study of Southern California Edison's (SCE) load management programs. SCE was chosen because it operates one of the largest load management programs in the country and it operates them within a competitive wholesale electricity market. The report describes a wide range of existing and soon-to-be-available communication, control, and metering technologies that could be used to facilitate the evolution of SCE's load management programs and systems to provision of reliability services. The fundamental finding of this report is that, with modifications, SCE's load management infrastructure could be transitioned to provide critical ancillary services in competitive electricity markets, employing currently or soon-to-be available load control technologies.

Innovative Business Cases for Energy Storage In a Restructured Electricity Marketplace, A Study for the DOE Energy Storage Systems Program

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

IANNUCCI, JOE; EYER, JIM; BUTLER, PAUL C.

2003-02-01

This report describes the second phase of a project entitled ''Innovative Business Cases for Energy Storage in a Restructured Electricity Marketplace''. During part one of the effort, nine ''Stretch Scenarios'' were identified. They represented innovative and potentially significant uses of electric energy storage. Based on their potential to significantly impact the overall energy marketplace, the five most compelling scenarios were identified. From these scenarios, five specific ''Storage Market Opportunities'' (SMOs) were chosen for an in-depth evaluation in this phase. The authors conclude that some combination of the Power Cost Volatility and the T&D Benefits SMOs would be the most compelling for further investigation. Specifically, a combination of benefits (energy, capacity, power quality and reliability enhancement) achievable using energy storage systems for high value T&D applications, in regions with high power cost volatility, makes storage very competitive for about 24 GW and 120 GWh during the years of 2001 and 2010.

Alberta Advisory Council on Electricity report to the Alberta Minister of Energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-06-01

This report presents the deliberations of the Alberta Advisory Council on Electricity regarding the restructuring of the electric power industry in the province of Alberta. Strategic issues affecting restructuring over the long term were considered with particular attention to small consumers. The long term vision (Vision 2012) for electric power restructuring is to promote efficient and competitive markets attracting investment and innovation that will result in fair and equitable prices for consumers. It was noted that while the restructuring system is currently in place, progress has not been even across the system. It is expected that it will take several years before a restructured electricity industry is fully functioning. Recommendations were presented to establish a plan to address issues regarding restructuring within power generation, transmission, distribution and export/import policies. The issue of market power, competitiveness and consumer education was also discussed. It was also noted that there are many external forces that impact the electricity system, many of which come from outside Alberta. These include fluctuations in gas prices, electricity demand, changes in the United States, regulatory decisions in other jurisdictions and unexpected business events. It was emphasized that a strong, liquid and competitive wholesale market is vital to achieving Vision 2012. Key factors for a competitive wholesale market include adequate generation, transmission capability and export/import capacity. The report presents the following 3 scenarios: business as usual, managed transition, and freedom 2012. A review of restructuring in several other jurisdictions around the world was also provided. 1 tab., 1 fig

ENTERPRISE RESTRUCTURING AIM AND TYPES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. P. Baranenko

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Enterprise restructuring is aimed at adapting it to market conditions and improving its competitiveness through selection of most effective model of using material, technical, technological, organizational, commercial, economical, financial, tax-related and other resources with due account of the demand. Restructuring classification signs and types as well as restructuring aims specific for industrial enterprises are provided for.

Contributions of the restructuring of the electric power industry to the August 14, 2003 blackout

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Casazza, J.; Delea, F.; Loehr, G.

2005-01-01

A review of the roles of industry and government in the 2003 blackout was presented. This white paper was prepared by a group of engineers with high level experience in the electric power industry who are concerned that deregulation of the industry has led to a significant decrease in reliability. It was noted that post-blackout reviews have focused on technical failures instead of examining the responsibilities and failures of the National Electric Reliability Council (NERC). Deficiencies in the analytical capabilities of control centres were discussed, as well as issues concerning communication protocols and training. Deregulation and the concomitant restructuring of the electric power industry has led to a shift from long term optimization, inter-system coordination and reliability towards dependence on immediate profits. In addition, there have been significant reductions in personnel at electric power organizations and companies, as well as increasing complexity in operations. Increased complexity has resulted in a dilution of management responsibility, as well as over-reliance on markets to solve scientifically complex problems. There have also been cutbacks in training and research. The functional separation of generation and transmission within companies has contributed to the diffusion of best technical knowledge. Many private utilities have divested their generation resources in response to regulatory pressures. The entrance of merchant power plants in the power system has led to the establishment of new market areas that are inconsistent with the boundaries of responsible operating entities. It was concluded that all these changes have created a more complicated and compartmentalized industry structure. Decisions are now made by a large number of entities, most of which are competitors and each of which has more interest in profit than in bulk power system reliability. Procedural rules established between and among the various parties are no longer

24 CFR 401.401 - Consolidated Restructuring Plans.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... PROGRAM (MARK-TO-MARKET) Restructuring Plan § 401.401 Consolidated Restructuring Plans. A PAE may request HUD to approve a Consolidated Restructuring Plan that presents an overall strategy for more than one... resources, HUD will not approve any Consolidated Restructuring Plans that have a detrimental effect on...

Electricity system expansion studies to consider uncertainties and interactions in restructured markets

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Shan

This dissertation concerns power system expansion planning under different market mechanisms. The thesis follows a three paper format, in which each paper emphasizes a different perspective. The first paper investigates the impact of market uncertainties on a long term centralized generation expansion planning problem. The problem is modeled as a two-stage stochastic program with uncertain fuel prices and demands, which are represented as probabilistic scenario paths in a multi-period tree. Two measurements, expected cost (EC) and Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), are used to minimize, respectively, the total expected cost among scenarios and the risk of incurring high costs in unfavorable scenarios. We sample paths from the scenario tree to reduce the problem scale and determine the sufficient number of scenarios by computing confidence intervals on the objective values. The second paper studies an integrated electricity supply system including generation, transmission and fuel transportation with a restructured wholesale electricity market. This integrated system expansion problem is modeled as a bi-level program in which a centralized system expansion decision is made in the upper level and the operational decisions of multiple market participants are made in the lower level. The difficulty of solving a bi-level programming problem to global optimality is discussed and three problem relaxations obtained by reformulation are explored. The third paper solves a more realistic market-based generation and transmission expansion problem. It focuses on interactions among a centralized transmission expansion decision and decentralized generation expansion decisions. It allows each generator to make its own strategic investment and operational decisions both in response to a transmission expansion decision and in anticipation of a market price settled by an Independent System Operator (ISO) market clearing problem. The model poses a complicated tri-level structure

Coasts under stress: restructuring and social-ecological health

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Ommer, Rosemary E

2007-01-01

... the human impact of restructuring and social-ecological health 9 The Restructuring of Health Care on Both Coasts since the 1980 s 183 The Statistical Face of Restructuring and Human Health 210 The Human Voice of Social-Ecological Restructuring: Jobs, Incomes, Livelihoods, Ways of Life, and Human Health 241vi Contents 10 11 Restructuring, Nutrition,...

Restructuring in Ontario : electricity sector reform

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pospisil, S.

2004-01-01

Ontario's electricity reform strategy was outlined along with challenge facing Ontario's electricity supply and demand with particular focus on the issue of replacing coal-fired generation. According to reports by the Independent Electricity Market Operator, short-term reserve margins were higher in 2004 than they were in 2003 due to the return to service of some nuclear generating units and planned capacity additions. Ontario's long-term supply and demand situation was also examined. It was noted that lenders hesitate to finance the expansion of generation companies selling into the spot market. Many lenders are requiring that half of the project's output be sold in advance on contract. Other challenges include Ontario's aging generation infrastructure and rising energy prices. The presentation included graphs that compared electricity costs for residential and small business customers across various provinces and states. The main supply and conservation challenges revolve around the large investments required by 2020 to replace coal plants, retire nuclear plants and projected load growth. Ontario's current generation capacity is 154 TWh and the mix is represented by 40 per cent nuclear, 25 per cent coal, 25 per cent hydro, 8 per cent natural gas, 1 per cent oil, and 1 per cent biomass and other renewable energy sources. This paper also addressed the issue of coal generation and air pollution and emphasized the importance of looking at the broad externalities associated with air emissions. tabs., figs

Clean Restructuring: Design Elements for Low-Carbon Wholesale Markets and Beyond. A 21st Century Power Partnership Thought Leadership Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shah, Monisha [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Valenzuela, Jose Maria [World Wildlife Fund, Mexico DF (Mexico); Mora, Hector Alejandro Beltran [Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico, Mexico DF (United States); Moller Porst, Kim [Danish Energy Agency, Copenhagen (Denmark); Hasselager, Anders [Danish Energy Agency, Copenhagen (Denmark); Friis-Jensen, Sandra [Danish Energy Agency, Copenhagen (Denmark); Vingaard, Mette [Danish Energy Agency, Copenhagen (Denmark); Wigand, Fabian [Ecofys, London (England); Tiedemann, Silvana [Ecofys, London (England); Bird, Lori [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Zinaman, Owen [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Logan, Jeffrey [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

2016-05-01

Countries around the world are in various stages of reforming and restructuring their power systems to better meet development needs and decarbonization commitments. Changes in technology, business models, societal needs, and environmental goals are increasing pressure on countries to consider improvements to their power systems. This report addresses key issues associated with clean restructuring--the transition from traditional, vertically integrated utilities to competitive wholesale markets that rely increasingly on variable renewable electricity sources, demand response, and other clean energy options. The report also includes case studies from Mexico, Denmark, and Germany to provide real-world examples of clean restructuring from different perspectives.

Long-Term Planning in Restructured Power Systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Botterud, Audun

2003-01-01

This thesis describes the development of three decision support models for long-term investment planning in restructured power systems. The model concepts address the changing conditions for the electric power industry, with the introduction of more competitive markets, higher uncertainty and less centralised planning. Under these circumstances there is an emerging need for new planning models, also for analyses of the power system in a long-term perspective. The thesis focuses particularly on how dynamic and stochastic modelling can contribute to the improvement of decision making in a restructured power industry. We argue that the use of such modelling approaches has become more important after the introduction of competitive power markets, due to the participants' increased exposure to price fluctuations and economic risk. Our models can be applied by individual participants in the power system to evaluate investment projects for new power generation capacity. The models can also serve as a decision support tool on a regulatory level, providing analyses of the long-term performance of the power system under different regulations and market designs. In Chapter 1, we give a brief introduction to the ongoing development towards restructuring and liberalisation of the electrical power system. A discussion of the operation and organisation of restructured power systems is also provided. In Chapter 2, we look more specifically at different modelling approaches for expansion planning in electrical power systems. We also discuss how the contributions in this thesis compare to previous work in the field of decision support models for long-term planning in both regulated and competitive power systems. In Chapter 3, we develop a power market simulation model based on system dynamics. The advantages and limitations of using descriptive system dynamics models for long-term planning purposes in this context are also discussed. Chapter 4 is devoted to a novel optimisation

Designing competitive electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chao, H.P.; Huntington, H.

1998-01-01

This volume of papers, originally presented at Stanford in March 1997 in a conference sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute, examines several questions about the restructuring and deregulation of electricity markets. Its stated goal is to present guiding principles for evaluating proposals to restructure the US electric power industry. While a collection of essays is perhaps not the best place to lay out guiding principles, the volume does contain a great deal of learning about restructuring. The first essay is a reprint of Paul Joskow's excellent article in the ''Journal of Economic Perspectives''. An essay by William Hogan on the debate between zonal and locational pricing is next. Paul Kleindorfer lists the various governance schemes which other countries that have restructured have used to govern system operation, access to the market for power, and transmission ownership and pricing. One difficulty with the book, as well as the debate in the US, is that it fails to draw adequately upon the international experience. Shmuel Oren lays out the potential areas over which an ISO could have authority. The chapter by Stephen Rassenti and Vernon Smith that bilateral trading should never be allowed, implying that a mandatory pool should be established. A reduction in regulation may increase the incentives for technological innovation. Martin Baughman suggests a number of ways by which costs of transmitting and storing electricity may be reduced. Robert Wilson returns to the volume with a chapter on institutional design. To end the volume, Hung-Po Chao and Stephen Peck present an extension of their earlier work in the ''Journal of Regulatory Economics'' showing how markets for transmission rights would work in a transmission grid of three points

Management restructuring: toward a leaner organization.

Science.gov (United States)

Doerge, J; Hagenow, N

1995-12-01

The drive to create integrated delivery networks has given even further momentum to management restructuring. Through centralization of decision making within networks, speed and flexibility are needed to make the difficult modifications required to achieve standardization and general overhead savings. Two hospitals, Carondelet St. Mary's and Carondelet St. Joseph's merged under a single administrative team and one Vice President of Patient Care Services. Outcomes of this restructuring were monetary savings, but also learning how to plan and carry out major management restructuring. The values, the process and the outcomes one year post implementation, and the keys to success in the management restructuring effort are the subjects of this article.

Price-based optimal control of electrical power systems

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Jokic, A.

2007-01-01

During the past decade, electrical power systems have been going through some major restructuring processes. From monopolistic, highly regulated and one utility controlled operation, a system is being restructured to include many parties competing for energy production and consumption, and for

Restructuring and energy efficiency improvement of the Bulgarian energy economy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moumdjian, G.

1993-01-01

The structure of the national energy economy of Bulgaria implies characteristic features that specify low efficiency as regards power production, ecology and economics. Even the qualitative assessments show that these indices stand far away from the standards established in developed countries like Denmark, Finland, Sweden, etc. The best starting position for harmful energy efficiency improvement as well as emission reduction must be based on the restructuring of energy economy. The strategy of restructuring and development of energy economy covers the whole integrated national energy flow system 'resources - end user'. The preliminary study shows that energy efficiency can be increased by 25-30% within a period of 6-10 years using the least-cost investment strategy (including the research and development activities expenses). The study covers the existing structure of energy sector. Scenarios are being elaborated for its development and restructuring in respect to: heat production and transfer; electricity generation and transmission; energy consumption and conservation in residential buildings, public buildings and commercial sector; energy consumption in transport sector and agriculture. The approach for identification of the real potential opportunities in relation to the above stated areas is based on mathematical statistics and stochastic differential equations, multicriterial assessments, approach of self organisation systems and demand-side management. (author)

Cost restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schmidt, J.A.

1991-01-01

This paper reports on the cost restructuring of the petroleum industry. This current decade is likely to be one of the most challenging for the petroleum industry. Though petroleum remains among the world's biggest businesses, news of consolidations, restructuring, and layoffs permeates the oil patch from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Isles. The recessionary economy has accelerated these changes, particularly in the upstream sector. Today, even the best-managed companies are transforming their cost structures, and companies that fail to do likewise probably won't survive as independent companies. Indeed, significant consolidation took place during the 1980s. More consolidations can be expected in this decade for companies that do not adapt to the economic realities of the mature business

Insider Privatisation and Restructuring Incentives

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Schröder, Philipp

2003-01-01

In the literature on privatisation and restructuring it is a generally held belief that manager owned firms will be restructured more rigorously than worker owned companies. This gives the clear recommendation that property rights and control rights should be allocated to managers in the process...

Tinker, Tory, Wobbler, why? The political economy of electricity restructuring in Ontario, 1995--2003

Science.gov (United States)

Martin, Charles Francis James

The Ontario Tories' 42-year hegemony in government (1943-1985) was wrought through clever policies which often utilized Crown institutions to promote prosperity or to oblige or mollify vying interests. Ousted in 1985, though, they used their time in opposition to revise the Tory doctrine. In the 1995 election, the Tories emerged a tougher, more truculent group quite unlike their predecessors. Campaigning on their Common Sense Revolution (CSR) platform, they promised to eliminate red tape and vowed to obliterate all ostensible economic barriers which were impeding commerce in the province. In the CSR, the Tories identified Ontario Hydro (OH), the province's lauded publicly-owned power monopoly, as a troublesome and inefficient Crown entity which required fundamental reform. Portions of OH, they hinted, would likely be sold. Once elected, the Tories worked hurriedly to demolish OH and destroy public power in Ontario. For nearly 100 years, OH proved a pivotal component within the province's political economy for its provision of affordable, reliable power and its function as a policy tool to incite and direct development. A Tory government fought to instigate public power in the early 1900s and, in the late 1900s, a Tory government was fighting vigorously to rescind it. Why would they now renounce Crown power? It is the intent of this thesis to elucidate the Tory government's involvement in the transformation of Ontario's electricity industry from 1995 to 2003. Distinguishing electricity as a special, strategic staple, this thesis uses a pro-state, pro-staples industry political economy approach to discern how and why the Tory government sought to restructure the electricity sector. Essentially, it posits that the onslaught of neoliberalism, the emergence of novel generating technology, and the faltering of OH's nuclear wing all had a huge part to play in provoking the Tory government to initiate its reforms. Their reforms, though, proved too hasty, haughty, and

Electricity industry restructuring revisited: the case of Korea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Byoung-Hoon; Ahn, Hyeon-Hyo

2006-01-01

In 2004, the Korean Government suspended its electricity market reform based on the two-thirds majority recommendation of a six-member joint study team. This suspension effectively interrupts the basic plan adopted in 1998 by the previous administration to divest and privatize Korea Electric Power Corporation's (KEPCO's) generation segment in 2000-2002, implement transmission open access and wholesale competition by 2008, and introduce retail competition thereafter. This policy-decision followed the controversial debate on electricity market reform in Korea. Reform proponents claim that electricity can be treated as ordinary goods exchangeable in the competitive market, and any problems caused by the transition to the market system are manageable. By contrast, reform opponents argue that effective competition of the power industry is not yet feasible due to the idiosyncratic nature of electricity (e.g., low-price elasticity of demand and not being storable at low cost) as well as the country's isolated electricity network. In suspending the electricity reform, the current administration accepted the final conclusion of the joint study team in the Tripartite Commission on the ground that the alleged benefits of reform are theoretical and uncertain, while the real costs and risks are substantial. (author)

A look forward to the competitive landscape of Ontario's electricity supply

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carr, J.

1998-01-01

The government of Ontario is a shareholder in Ontario Hydro and is responsible for ensuring that the public receives electricity service at the lowest, most prudent price. The current monopoly arrangement provides Ontario with a revenue stream that is predictable and amenable to control. However, the emerging restructuring of Ontario's electricity supply system will be strongly dependent on the direction determined by government policy. Other factors that will have significant influence on developments will be the restructuring initiatives outside the province, and the attractiveness of the electricity sector to investors. In November 1997, Ontario released a white paper by the Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, entitled 'Direction for change'. This document is a preliminary statement of potential policy regarding electricity restructuring in Ontario. Some of the key elements of the White Paper were: (1) the creation of a competitive market in the year 2000 for both wholesale and retail customers, (2) separating monopoly operations from competitive business activities throughout the electricity sector, (3) expanding the role on the Ontario Energy Board to give it regulatory power over the electricity sector, and (4) introducing measures to ensure environmental protection. Three other relevant reports were also released in December 1997: (1) Report of the Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Nuclear Affairs, (2) Ontario Energy Board Advisory Report on Legislative Change Requirements for Natural Gas Deregulation, and (3) Report of the Toronto Transition Team. The government policy indicated by these various reports appear to represent a careful balance of many conflicting interests and obligations. According to expert observers, the emerging policy appears to have the necessary technical, financial and political support to ensure a successful competitive electricity supply system in Ontario. 4 refs

Restructuring of SE, Plc - from a functionally managed company to a process managed commercial-production company

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ravasz, V.

2004-01-01

The purpose of this presentation is to inform the participants about present changes currently occurred within Slovenske elektrarne, a. s. (SE, Plc). Changes are related to the liberalisation of the electricity market and expected accession of Slovakia to EU. To support its competitiveness, the SE, Plc became a customer-oriented company, prepared to the access of strategic investor. The paper includes the basic information about centralisation and project of Restructuring of SE, Plc., which has started in December 2003. The aim of Restructuring is the change from functionally managed company to a process managed commercial-production company

State electricity profiles, March 1999

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

Due to the role electricity plays in the Nation`s economic and social well-being, interested parties have been following the electric power industry`s transition by keeping abreast of the restructuring and deregulation events that are taking place almost daily. Much of the attention centers around the States and how they are restructuring the business of electricity supply within their respective jurisdictions. This report is designed to profile each State and the District of Columbia regarding not only their current restructuring activities, but also their electricity generation and concomitant statistics from 1986 through 1996. Included are data on a number of subject areas including generating capability, generation, revenues, fuel use, capacity factor for nuclear plants, retail sales, and pollutant emissions. Although the Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes this type of information, there is a lack of a uniform overview for each individual State. This report is intended to help fill that gap and also to serve as a framework for more detailed studies. In addition to basic statistics in tables and graphs, a textual section is provided for each State, discussing some of the points relative to electricity production that are noteworthy in, or unique to, that particular State. Also, each State is ranked according to the place it holds, as compared to the rest of the states, in various relevant areas, such as its average price of electricity per kilowatthour, its population, and its emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants. The final chapter covers the Nation as a whole. 451 figs., 520 tabs.

Environmental consequences of electricity sector reforms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wohlgemuth, N.

1999-01-01

Worldwide, the electricity industry is in the process of undergoing fundamental transitions. The reform process typically involves one or more of the following changes: commercialisation, privatisation, unbundling/restructuring and introduction of competition. The environmental impacts of these changes pull in different directions. There is concern that restructured electricity markets may not always incorporate adequately the environmental impacts of electricity resource development and consumption decisions. However, the electricity sector reform process also offers an opportunity to promote positive environmental changes: because the sector is already in flux, it may be easier to address environmental issues. The paper gives an overview of power sector reform in six countries where reforms have already been implemented, and concludes that reform measures will have to be accompanied by competitively neutral regulations in order to stimulate investment in environmentally sound technologies, including renewable and energy efficient technologies. (author)

Elspot: Nord Pool Spot Integration in MASCEM Electricity Market Simulator

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Fernandes, Ricardo; Santos, Gabriel; Praca, Isabel

2014-01-01

The energy sector in industrialized countries has been restructured in the last years, with the purpose of decreasing electricity prices through the increase in competition, and facilitating the integration of distributed energy resources. However, the restructuring process increased the complexi...

SACLAY: Restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1991-01-01

In a major restructuring exercise at the French Saclay Laboratory, particle physics, astrophysics and nuclear physics, together with their respective technical support services, have been merged into a single department, to be known as DAPNIA - Department of Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Associated Instrumentation

SACLAY: Restructuring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anon.

1991-12-15

In a major restructuring exercise at the French Saclay Laboratory, particle physics, astrophysics and nuclear physics, together with their respective technical support services, have been merged into a single department, to be known as DAPNIA - Department of Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Associated Instrumentation.

Essays on empirical analysis of multi-unit auctions: Impacts of financial transmission rights on the restructured electricity industry

Science.gov (United States)

Zang, Hailing

This dissertation uses recently developed empirical methodologies for the study of multi-unit auctions to test the impacts of Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) on the competitiveness of restructured electricity markets. FTRs are a special type of financial option that hedge against volatility in the cost of transporting electricity over the grid. Policy makers seek to use the prices of FTRs as market signals to incentivize efficient investment and utilization of transmission capacity. However, prices will not send the correct signals if market participants strategically use FTRs. This dissertation uses data from the Texas electricity market to test whether the prices of FTRs are efficient to achieve such goals. The auctions studied are multi-unit, uniform-price, sealed-bid auctions. The first part of the dissertation studies the auctions on the spot market of the wholesale electricity industry. I derive structural empirical models to test theoretical predictions as to whether bidders fully internalize the effect of FTRs on profits into their bidding decisions. I find that bidders are learning as to how to optimally bid above marginal cost for their inframarginal capacities. The bidders also learn to bid to include FTRs into their profit maximization problem during the course of the first year. But starting from the second year, they deviated from optimal bidding that includes FTRs in the profit maximization problems. Counterfactual analysis show that the primary effect of FTRs on market outcomes is changing the level of prices rather than production efficiency. Finally, I find that in most months, the current allocations of FTRs are statistically equivalent to the optimal allocations. The second part of the dissertation studies the bidding behavior in the FTR auctions. I find that FTRs' strategic impact on the FTR purchasing behavior is significant for large bidders---firms exercising market power in the FTR auctions. Second, trader forecasts future FTR credit

The effects of corporate restructuring on hospital policymaking.

Science.gov (United States)

Alexander, J A; Morlock, L L; Gifford, B D

1988-01-01

Hospital corporate restructuring is the segmentation of assets or functions of the hospital into separate corporations. While these functions are almost always legally separated from the hospital, their impact on hospital policymaking may be far more direct. This study examines the effects of corporate restructuring by community hospitals on the structure, composition, and activity of hospital governing boards. In general, we expect that the policymaking function of the hospital will change to adapt to the multicorporate structure implemented under corporate restructuring, as well as the overlapping boards and diversified business responsibilities of the new corporate entity. Specifically, we hypothesize that the hospital board under corporate restructuring will conform more to the "corporate" model found in the business/industrial sector and less to the "philanthropic" model common to most community hospitals to date. Analysis of survey data from 1,037 hospitals undergoing corporate restructuring from 1979-1985 and a comparison group of 1,883 noncorporately restructured hospitals suggests general support for this hypothesis. Implications for health care governance and research are discussed. PMID:3384671

The effects of corporate restructuring on hospital policymaking.

Science.gov (United States)

Alexander, J A; Morlock, L L; Gifford, B D

1988-06-01

Hospital corporate restructuring is the segmentation of assets or functions of the hospital into separate corporations. While these functions are almost always legally separated from the hospital, their impact on hospital policymaking may be far more direct. This study examines the effects of corporate restructuring by community hospitals on the structure, composition, and activity of hospital governing boards. In general, we expect that the policymaking function of the hospital will change to adapt to the multicorporate structure implemented under corporate restructuring, as well as the overlapping boards and diversified business responsibilities of the new corporate entity. Specifically, we hypothesize that the hospital board under corporate restructuring will conform more to the "corporate" model found in the business/industrial sector and less to the "philanthropic" model common to most community hospitals to date. Analysis of survey data from 1,037 hospitals undergoing corporate restructuring from 1979-1985 and a comparison group of 1,883 noncorporately restructured hospitals suggests general support for this hypothesis. Implications for health care governance and research are discussed.

Highlights of Electric Power Industry in China

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2001-01-01

@@Reform and Development of Electric Power Management Before 1978, China's electric power industry,managed by the Central Government, was a vertically monopoly sector. Along with China's reformation of economy structure started in 1978, electric power industry has step on its road of restructuring and deregulation. Up to now administration of China's electric power industry underwent following reciprocative changes:

Liberalization of power generation sector in the Croatian electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Viskovic, Alfredo

2005-01-01

The electricity market liberalization and the restructuring of power utilities eventually leads to the establishment of a single electricity market in Europe, which is especially important for efficiency gains in electricity generation coupled with increased security of supply, economic competitiveness and fulfillment of environmental requirements. The European electricity market Directives as well as the Energy Community Treaty for South East Europe (legislative Menu) have remarkable impact on the restructuring of the Croatian power sector and the development of electricity generation. The Croatian model of restructuring includes legal un bundling (in the ownership of one holding company - Hrvatska Elektroprivreda (HEP)). The operation of HEP Group and its subsidiaries in the conditions of partially opened electricity market in an important element that shapes the interactions of competitive activities and regulated activities in the environment influenced by exogenous factors a thirteen percent electricity are controlled by the Energy Market Operator (MO), the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and the Energy Regulatory Agency (CERA). The introduction of eligible procedures and newly created operative procedures for power system operation, are creating completely new conditions for competition in the power generation sector, where almost all power plants are owned by HEP. New generating capacities in Croatia can be built through tendering and licensing procedures carried out by the Regulator. Electricity prices are still regulated by the Government (below the cost reflective level), there is a small share of industrial consumers and the annual electricity production is 12 TWh, with relatively large share of hydro plants. All these have implications on the development of the power generation sector in Croatia as well as on electricity market operation. The subject matter of this paper is an impact of power system restructuring and electricity market opening on the

Annual report on contractor work force restructuring, fiscal year 1997

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

This report summarizes work force restructuring and community transition activities at all sites. It outlines work force restructuring activity for FY 1997, changing separation patterns, cost savings and separation costs, program assessment, activities to mitigate restructuring impacts, community transition activities, status of displaced workers, lessons learned, and emerging issues in worker and community transition. Work force restructuring and community transition activities for defense nuclear sites are summarized, as are work force restructuring activities at non-defense sites.

Current status and analysis of renewable promotional policies in Indian restructured power sector - A review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, Randhir; Sood, Yog Raj

2011-01-01

Restructuring has changed the traditional mission and mandates of power utilities in complex ways, and had large impacts on environmental, social, and political conditions for any particular country. At the same time, new regulatory approaches are being found for reducing environmental impacts in restructured power sectors. India has a vast supply of renewable energy resources, and it has one of the largest programs in the world for deploying renewable energy based products and systems. So this paper attempts to review the various policies and measures undertaken by Indian government for promotion of renewable energy. The aim of this paper is also to review the current policy mechanisms, especially investment- or generation-based price-driven and capacity-driven mechanisms, ranging from investment incentives for the development of renewable energy projects, feed-in tariffs, production tax incentives, tradable green certificates, and their effects upon the prospects of encouraging as well as expanding the development of renewable energy in Indian restructured power sector. This will make renewable more attractive in the Indian future electricity market. (author)

Trademark Values in Corporate Restructuring

OpenAIRE

Torres, Fernando

2007-01-01

In corporate restructuring under Chapter 11, an asset valuation is a central task for both legal and financial reasons. In the area of intangible assets, however, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) do not reflect internally-generated assets such as brands, trademarks, and other intellectual property. In practice, arbitrary rules of thumb are used to fill this gap, and closure, liquidation, financing, and restructuring decisions are made on this basis. This paper reports the ...

The role of distributed generation (DG) in a restructured utility environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Feibus, H.

1999-01-01

A major consequence of the restructuring of the electric utility industry is disintegration, by which the traditional integrated utility is spinning off its generation business and becoming a power distribution company, or distco. This company will be the remaining entity of the traditional electric utility that continues to be regulated. The world in which the distco functions is becoming a very different place. The distco will be called upon to deliver not only power, but a range of ancillary services, defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including spinning reserves, voltage regulation, reactive power, energy imbalance and network stability, some of which may be obtained from the independent system operator, and some of which may be provided by the distco. In this environment the distco must maintain system reliability and provide service to the customer at the least cost. Meanwhile, restructuring is spawning a new generation of unregulated energy service companies that threaten to win the most attractive customers from the distco. Fortunately there is a new emerging generation of technologies, distributed resources, that provide options to the distco to help retain prime customers, by improving reliability and lowering costs. Specifically, distributed generation and storage systems if dispersed into the distribution system can provide these benefits, if generators with the right characteristics are selected, and the integration into the distribution system is done skillfully. The Electric Power Research Institute has estimated that new distributed generation may account for 30% of new generation. This presentation will include the characteristics of several distributed resources and identify potential benefits that can be obtained through the proper integration of distributed generation and storage systems

Deregulation and restructuring of the electricity sector in Spain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Francia, L.

2000-01-01

This economic analysis of the Electric Power industry and market in Spain shows how the electricity deregulation and liberalization in Spain have given rise to an electricity industry which not only complies in spirit and letter with the E.U. Directive on the internal energy market, but which in fact goes much further. (A.L.B.)

Ten Australian ICU nurses' perceptions of organisational restructuring.

Science.gov (United States)

Wynne, Rochelle

2004-02-01

The Australian healthcare system underwent radical reform in the 1990s as economic rationalist policies were embraced. As a result, there was significant organisational restructuring within hospitals. Traditional indicators, such as nursing absenteeism and attrition, increase during times of organisational change. Despite this, nurses' views of healthcare reform are under-represented in the literature and little is known about the impact of organisational restructuring on perceived performance. This study investigated the perceived impact of organisational restructuring on a group of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' workplace performance. It employed a qualitative approach to collect data from a purposive sample of clinical nurses. The primary method of data collection was semi-structured interviews. Content analysis generated three categories of data. Participants identified constant pressure, inadequate communication and organisational components of restructuring within the hospital as issues that had a significant impact on their workplace performance. They perceived organisational restructuring was poorly communicated, and this resulted in an environment of constant pressure. Organisational components of restructuring included the subcategories of specialised service provision and an alternative administrative structure that had both positive and negative ramifications for performance. To date, there has been little investigation of nurses' perceptions of organisational restructure or the impact this type of change has in the clinical domain. Participants in this study believed reorganisation was detrimental to quality care delivery in intensive care, as a result of fiscal constraint, inadequate communication and pressure that influenced their workplace performance.

7 CFR 766.112 - Additional security for restructured loans.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Additional security for restructured loans. 766.112..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING-SPECIAL Loan Servicing Programs § 766.112 Additional security for restructured loans. (a) If the borrower is delinquent prior to restructuring, the...

Current issues in Canadian electricity deregulation and competition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Roman, A.J. [Calgary Univ., Calgary, AB (Canada). Canadian Inst. of Resources Law

1998-03-30

The deregulation of the electricity industry in Canada was the main focus of this paper. In most developed countries, industries formerly dominated by a monopoly service provider have already been significantly restructured through the introduction of competition. In Canada, such restructuring has taken place only in the airline, railway, natural gas and telephone industry. In most Canadian provinces, except Alberta, electricity generation, transmission and distribution is still owned and operated by provincial and municipal governments. This report examines the present situation in electricity deregulation in Alberta, provides a summary of analysis of London Economics Inc.`s proposals and Bill 27, and presents the author`s own conclusions. A broader perspective and context is provided by references to other regulations of other industries throughout the report.

Assessing The Impact Of Railway Restructuring In Nigeria | Ibe ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The study presents railway restructuring as a solution option to railway problems in Nigeria. It aims at ascertaining the efficiency of the critical input factors of Nigerian Railway corporation (NRC) while comparing it with that of the restructured developed and best practices railways to establish the basis for restructuring.

Electrical energy market management in deregulated power system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abady, A. F.; Niknam, T.

2003-01-01

For many decades, vertically integrated electric utilities monopolized the way they control, sell and distribute electricity to customers in their service territories. In this monopoly, each utility managed three main components of the system: generation, transmission and distribution. Analogous to perceived competitions in airline, communication and natural gas industries which demonstrated that vertically integrated monopolies could not provide services as efficiently as competitive firms, the electric power industry plans to improve its efficiency by providing a more reliable energy at least cost to customers. A competition is guaranteed by establishing a restructured environment in which customers could choose to buy from different suppliers and change suppliers as they wish in order to pay market base rates. This paper is dealing with progressive approach of restructuring in power and introduce ISO, its functions and model of electrical energy markets

The effects of union mergers and internal restructuring:

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Navrbjerg, Steen Erik; Larsen, Trine Pernille

2016-01-01

Trade union mergers and restructuring are often seen as strategy for union revitalisation and renewal and have been ongoing in the majority of European trade unions. This paper explores how recent union mergers and internal restructuring has affected unions service provision, union democracy...... and interest representation. This is analysed drawing on longitudinal data from two Danish shop steward surveys conducted in 1998 and 2010, comparing shop stewards in merged and non-merged unions respectively. The main results are that although it could be expected that union mergers and internal restructuring......, where union size and less so the union’s recent merger and restructuring history appears to affect shop stewards’ relations with their unions....

Trends in prices to commercial energy consumers in the competitive Texas electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarnikau, Jay; Fox, Marilyn; Smolen, Paul

2007-01-01

To date, the price of electricity to commercial or business energy consumers has generally increased at greater rates in the areas of Texas where retail competition has been introduced than in areas that do not enjoy competition. Trends in commercial competitive prices have largely mirrored trends in residential prices. Market restructuring has tended to increase the sensitivity of retail electricity prices to changes in the price of natural gas, the marginal fuel used for generation in Texas. Consequently, the rapid increases in the commodity price of natural gas following restructuring led to increases in competitive electric rates which exceeded the increases in areas not exposed to restructuring, where the fuel component of electric rates tend to reflect a weighted average of the utilities' fuel costs. There is some evidence that pricing behavior by competitive retailers changed when the retailers affiliated with the incumbent utilities were permitted some pricing flexibility, resulting in a reduction in prices. (author)

Study of the Socratic method during cognitive restructuring.

Science.gov (United States)

Froján-Parga, María Xesús; Calero-Elvira, Ana; Montaño-Fidalgo, Montserrat

2011-01-01

Cognitive restructuring, in particular in the form of the Socratic method, is widely used by clinicians. However, little research has been published with respect to underlying processes, which has hindered well-accepted explanations of its effectiveness. The aim of this study is to present a new method of analysis of the Socratic method during cognitive restructuring based on the observation of the therapist's verbal behaviour. Using recordings from clinical sessions, 18 sequences were selected in which the Socratic method was applied by six cognitive-behavioural therapists working at a private clinical centre in Madrid. The recordings involved eight patients requiring therapy for various psychological problems. Observations were coded using a category system designed by the authors and that classifies the therapist's verbal behaviour into seven hypothesized functions based on basic behavioural operations. We used the Observer XT software to code the observed sequences. The results are summarized through a preliminary model which considers three different phases of the Socratic method and some functions of the therapist's verbal behaviour in each of these phases: discriminative and reinforcement functions in the starting phase, informative and motivational functions in the course of the debate, and instructional and reinforcement functions in the final phase. We discuss the long-term potential clinical benefits of the current proposal.  Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From promise to crisis : lessons for Atlantic Canada from Ontario's electricity liberalisation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adams, T.

2000-01-01

This report synthesized some lessons learned from Ontario's electric power restructuring and showed how they can be applied to reform the Atlantic Canada's electricity sector. Since the opening of Ontario electricity markets to competition, numerous problems have threatened the potential of the power sector to deliver reasonably priced, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity to consumers in Ontario. The original vision of power restructuring in Ontario called for the break-up of Ontario Hydro, the privatisation of major components of the power system, major regulatory improvements, more stringent environmental rules, the creation of an independent agency responsible for power system reliability, and the opening of electricity markets to competition. This original vision has failed for many reasons, including failure to establish a firm date for the opening of the electricity market, a lack of financial accountability, continued subsidies to industrial customers, local distribution rate shock, lack of investment, politicizing transmission tariffs, aggressive marketers exploiting consumer uncertainty and ill-advised deregulation of fossil emissions. It was emphasized that Atlantic Canada could benefit from any eventual electricity restructuring by avoiding these mistakes made in Ontario. This report also described the contents of an 8 point program that was recommended by the author. 21 refs

Electricity Bill [Part 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Parkinson, C.; Hogg, N.; Salmond, A.

1988-01-01

The paper presents the first part of the Parliamentary debate on the second reading of the Electricity Bill, House of Commons, London 1988. The Bill sets out the government's proposals for the restructuring and privatisation of the electricity supply industry throughout Great Britain. Customers and suppliers, choice for the consumer, competition promotion, security of supply, nuclear power stations, and cost, are all discussed. (U.K.)

Do all types of restructuring threaten employees' well-being? An exploratory study.

Science.gov (United States)

Widerszal-Bazyl, Maria; Mockałło, Zofia

2015-01-01

Most research on the negative impact of restructuring on employees' health considers restructuring involving personnel reduction. The aim of this study was to explore the assumption that the type of restructuring, business expansion versus restructuring not involving expansion (only reductions and/or change of ownership), influences its psychological responses: appraisal of the change, psychosocial working conditions and well-being after the change. The study was carried out among 857 employees that experienced restructuring in 2009 and/or 2010 and 538 employees from companies not restructured at that time. The main variables, i.e., assessment of change in terms of personal benefits and losses, psychosocial job characteristics and well-being were measured using a questionnaire developed in "The psychological health and well-being in restructuring: key effects and mechanisms" project (PSYRES). It was found that the employees who experienced business expansion in comparison to those who experienced exclusively change of ownership had a higher appraisal of change, while those who experienced restructuring not involving business expansion did not differ from those who experienced change of ownership. As far as psychosocial working conditions are concerned, those employees who experienced exclusively business expansion did not differ from those in the not restructured companies (except for quantitative demands that were higher), while most psychosocial working conditions of the employees who experienced restructuring not involving expansion were poorer than in the not restructured companies. Also, well-being measures of the employees who experienced exclusively business expansion did not differ from those in the not restructured companies (except for innovative behavior that was even higher), while well-being measure of those who experienced restructuring not involving expansion was poorer than of those in the not restructured companies. Restructuring involving

Efficient pricing and investment in electricity markets with intermittent resources

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chao, Hung-po

2011-01-01

Facing growing technological and environmental challenges, the electricity industry needs effective pricing mechanism to promote efficient risk management and investment decisions. In a restructured electricity market with competitive wholesale prices and traditionally regulated retail rates, however, there are technical and institutional barriers that prevent dynamic pricing with price responsive demand. In regions with limited energy storage capacity, intermittent renewable resources present special challenges. This could adversely affect the effectiveness of public policies causing inefficient investments in energy technologies. In this paper, we present an updated economic model of pricing and investment in restructured electricity market and use the model in a simulation study for an initial assessment of renewable energy strategy and alternative pricing mechanisms. A key objective of the study is to shed light on the policy issues so that effective decisions can be made to improve efficiency. - Highlights: → Renewable resources present special challenges in regions with limited energy storage capacity. → This paper presents an updated economic model of pricing and investment in restructured electricity market. → A simulation study assesses renewable energy strategy and alternative pricing mechanisms. → The study results inform policy decisions to improve efficient investments in energy technologies.

Restructuring: A School-Based Plan of Action.

Science.gov (United States)

Rothberg, Robert A.; Bozeman, William C.

The processes by which school leaders can institutionalize staff and organizational development, with a focus on initiating school restructuring through team development, are described. Three features are necessary for implementing school restructuring through team development: a deliberate plan for staff involvement, a positive work environment,…

Reduction of Test Anxiety Through Cognitive Restructuring

Science.gov (United States)

Goldfried, Marvin R.; And Others

1978-01-01

On the basis of questionnaire measures of test anxiety, only those in the rational restructuring condition reported a significant decrease in subjective anxiety when placed in an analogue test-taking situation. Participants in the restructuring condition also reported greater generalized anxiety reduction in social-evaluative situations. (Author)

New electricity act brings in private sector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1995-01-01

Opening up the State's electricity industry, previously the domain of the former Queensland Electricity Commission (QEC), is part of an overall restructuring of the industry under the new Queensland Electricity Act. Under this Act, the QEC was split into generating and transmission and supply corporations. The Act provides for the regulation of the electricity industry and the regulation of the use of electricity and safety in relation to the supply and use of electricity.(Author). 6 photos

Restructuring of LDCs and retail marketing by producers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heath, D.

1998-01-01

The restructuring of local distribution companies (LDCs) and retail marketing producers and the challenges facing market participants were discussed. In Canada, LDC operations are regulated by provincial utilities commissions. This presentation focused on Ontario because it has the largest and most active retail gas market in Canada where some significant LDC restructuring initiatives are taking place. The current state of retail gas pricing in Ontario was also reviewed. Consumers Gas or Union Gas are the two utilities that serve most of the 2.2 million natural gas customers in Ontario. Both utilities have fully integrated supply and marketing businesses which include the sale and delivery of natural gas, related products and services. Suncor's recent entry into the retail natural gas market has been successful. Suncor currently has the third largest number of retail customers in Ontario and a significant share of that market. LDCs will become delivery companies who focus on providing reliable and safe distribution of natural gas to all customers and will provide open access to all gas marketers on a non-discriminatory basis. This will result in more sophisticated marketing to retail customers, retail customer contracts will change to fixed term, fixed price agreements, and there will be strong brand identification. Additional opportunities will be created as a result of deregulation of the electricity industry

The capital structure of banks and practice of bank restructuring : eight case studies on current bank restructurings in Europe ; final report

OpenAIRE

Dübel, Hans-Joachim

2013-01-01

This study presents an empirical analysis of capital and liability management in eight cases of bank restructurings and resolutions from eight different European countries. It can be read as a companion piece to an earlier study by the author covering the specific bank restructuring programs of Greece, Spain and Cyprus during 2012/13. The study portrays for each case the timelines between the initial credit event and the (last) restructuring. It proceeds to discuss the capital and liabilit...

Electric power industry deregulation in the United States: impacts on U.S. and Canadian markets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hall, G.R. [Putnam, Hayes and Bartlett, Inc., Cambridge, MA (United States)

1996-10-01

An overview of the restructuring and deregulation of the United States electric power industry and the implications for the North American natural gas industry was presented. Electric power restructuring and its effect on wholesale and retail competition was discussed. It was suggested that although in the short term electric power deregulation impacts negatively on the natural gas industry, the long term impacts are favourable. The short term impact on the natural gas industry will mean increased competition and downward pressure on gas prices. In contrast, the long term impact could mean increased reliance on gas for electric power generation and convergence of the electric power and natural gas industries.

Price-based optimal control of electrical power systems

OpenAIRE

Jokic, A.

2007-01-01

During the past decade, electrical power systems have been going through some major restructuring processes. From monopolistic, highly regulated and one utility controlled operation, a system is being restructured to include many parties competing for energy production and consumption, and for provision of many of the ancillary services necessary for system operation. With the emergence of competitive markets as central operational mechanisms, the prime operational objective has shifted from ...

The association between patient safety culture and burnout and sense of coherence: A cross-sectional study in restructured and not restructured intensive care units.

Science.gov (United States)

Vifladt, Anne; Simonsen, Bjoerg O; Lydersen, Stian; Farup, Per G

2016-10-01

To study the associations between registered nurses' (RNs) perception of the patient safety culture (safety culture) and burnout and sense of coherence, and to compare the burnout and sense of coherence in restructured and not restructured intensive care units (ICUs). Cross-sectional study. RNs employed at seven ICUs in six hospitals at a Norwegian Hospital Trust. One to four years before the study, three hospitals merged their general and medical ICUs into one general mixed ICU. The safety culture, burnout and sense of coherence were measured with the questionnaires Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, Bergen Burnout Indicator and Sense of Coherence. Participant characteristics and working in restructured and not restructured ICUs were registered. In total, 143/289(49.5%) RNs participated. A positive safety culture was statistically significantly associated with a low score for burnout and a strong sense of coherence. No statistically significant differences were found in burnout and sense of coherence between RNs in the restructured and not restructured ICUs. In this study, a positive safety culture was associated with absence of burnout and high ability to cope with stressful situations. Burnout and sense of coherence were independent of the restructuring process. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Restructuring still rampant in U.S

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1992-01-01

This paper reports that restructuring and response to recession is far from over in the petroleum industry. Unocal Corp, disclosed a major reorganization of its operating business units, part of a company wide restructuring program first unveiled in April. In addition: Mobil Corp, made an $800 million cut to $4 billion in its 1992 capital and exploration budget. Amoco Corp, the it plans to take about $800 million in after tax charges against second quarter earnings mainly to cover the costs of writeoffs, restructuring, and workforce reductions, all part of a realignment of business operations. The company expects before tax savings of more than $600 million/year due to sweeping elimination of operating costs. The full effect of the savings will be felt by yearend 1993, with much of the savings being effected by yearend 1992

Restructuring of the corporate sector of national economy: content and mechanism of realization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. I. Gusakov

2016-08-01

It has been suggested to distinguish three directions of the restructuring: inner corporate restructuring; restructuring of relations; economics conditions restructuring. Inner corporate restructuring includes property forms changes, entity structure changes, capital structure changes, form of incorporation changes, management bodies changes, management changes, staff politics changes, reorganization, liquidation, privatization, corporatization. Restructuring of relations includes sales market changes, conversion of enterprises, diversification, contractor’s changes, property assignation, lease, concession, franchising, debt’s restructuring, changes of credit politics, technical supplement, using alternative power sources, standardization etc. Economics conditions restructuring includes regulation and legislation changes, tax regulation changes, currency market changes, changes in credit policies, changers in stock market. Accordingly, every restructuring direction includes many mechanisms of its possible fulfillment. The author has distinguished twenty six mechanisms all the restructuring and they are presented in the table form.The corporate management models’ use in correlation to corporate restructuring models has been described in the article. The author has come to the conclusion that pragmatic model of the corporate restructuring is more preferable in comparison with world recognized valuable model because of the peculiarities of the post-social economy in Ukraine.

RESTRUCTURING INDONESIAN RAILWAY – INTEGRATION OR SEPARATION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Utut Widyanto

2013-05-01

The study found that the separation model is still the best approach for restructuring Indonesian railway but if looking at the Indonesian railway current condition with its problem of backlog assets it would be better that the separation approach is used in the development of railway in other islands. Keywords: Restructuration, separation, funds, operator.

Science Lab Restructuring of a Public School Elementary and High School

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elisiane da Costa Moro

2016-02-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the process of restructuring the science lab of a state school in Caxias do Sul, whose main objective was to create a space where teachers could develop practical and experimental activities with their students. The restructuring of the science lab this school, was only possible through the project "More and Better Students and Teachers in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technologies" Initiation Program in Science and Mathematics, Engineering, Creative Technologies and Letters - PICMEL sponsored jointly by the University of Caxias do Sul, the SEDUC-RS, FAPERGS and CAPES. The project was developed at school by a teacher of physics and three high school students. Through the restructuring of the science lab, practical activities were developed and workshops where students had the opportunity to be more active in the process of teaching and learning. With the development of such activities was observed that the students were more willing to learn Science and Mathematics and could relate scientific knowledge to their daily lives, giving greater meaning to their learning.

Coarsening by network restructuring in model nanoporous gold

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kolluri, Kedarnath; Demkowicz, Michael J.

2011-01-01

Using atomistic modeling, we show that restructuring of the network of interconnected ligaments causes coarsening in a model of nanoporous gold. The restructuring arises from the collapse of some ligaments onto neighboring ones and is enabled by localized plasticity at ligaments and nodes. This mechanism may explain the occurrence of enclosed voids and reduction in volume in nanoporous metals during their synthesis. An expression is developed for the critical ligament radius below which coarsening by network restructuring may occur spontaneously, setting a lower limit to the ligament dimensions of nanofoams.

77 FR 14979 - Transportation Conformity Rule Restructuring Amendments

Science.gov (United States)

2012-03-14

... Transportation Conformity Rule Restructuring Amendments AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: EPA is amending the transportation conformity rule to finalize provisions that were proposed on August 13, 2010. These amendments restructure several sections of the transportation conformity...

Electric power bidding model for practical utility system

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Prabavathi

2018-03-01

Full Text Available A competitive open market environment has been created due to the restructuring in the electricity market. In the new competitive market, mostly a centrally operated pool with a power exchange has been introduced to meet the offers from the competing suppliers with the bids of the customers. In such an open access environment, the formation of bidding strategy is one of the most challenging and important tasks for electricity participants to maximize their profit. To build bidding strategies for power suppliers and consumers in the restructured electricity market, a new mathematical framework is proposed in this paper. It is assumed that each participant submits several blocks of real power quantities along with their bidding prices. The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested on Indian Utility-62 bus system and IEEE-118 bus system. Keywords: Bidding strategy, Day ahead electricity market, Market clearing price, Market clearing volume, Block bid, Intermediate value theorem

Restructuring of microparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lameiras, F.S.; Santos, A.M.M. dos

1992-01-01

Experimental grain sizes distribution of sintered (U,Gd)O 2 pellets were analysed according to the model of Lameiras for microparticles restructuring. This model, which includes the grain growth and Ostwald ripening phenomena, assumes that the microparticles restructuring is governed by two fundamental principles: minimization of the interface energy and uniformization of its distribution in space. It is also, assumed that the interface energy is stored in the grain boundaries, triple lines and quadruple points. The minimization of the interface energy can be done through three ways independent of each other: diminishing of the number of microparticles, alteration of the size distribution and alteration of the form distribution. The uniformization of the spatial distribution of the interface energy can be done through two ways also independent of each other: tendency to an uniform spatial distribution of microparticles and tendency to an uniform distribution of the interface energy per microparticle. The model accords well with these experimental data. (author)

Is the restructuring of Alberta's power market on the right track? Evaluating Alberta's first two years of deregulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wellenius, K.; Adamson, S.

2003-07-01

The performance of Alberta's restructured electricity market was evaluated since its move to wholesale competition in January 2001. This paper presents the following eight conclusions that the authors arrived at following the evaluation: (1) To meet growing demand, the electricity prices in Alberta would have increased regardless of the type of environment (regulated or not). Capacity investment was required, and it was believed that moving to competition was the best way to attract investors. (2) Success in attracting private investment was attained as a result of Alberta's open market. It has restored reliability of supply and moderated prices. (3) Price comparisons must take into account what the prices would have been if the market had remained regulated. Due to unique generation costs and regulatory environments, comparisons with other regulated jurisdictions is inappropriate. (4) Convergence with other energy rates that would have been seen under regulation is being noted with respect to Alberta's market prices. (5) Under deregulation, prices increase according to the need for new investment and fall after the investment is made. Alberta has been on a path toward continued reduction in wholesale prices since 2001. (6) The non-price benefits of restructuring include improved generation efficiency, captured residual value from regulated assets, and shifting investment risk of new capacity additions from consumers to generators. (7) Downward pressure on prices was noted as a result of deregulation, as expected. (8) Significant value for consumers was captured through Alberta's restructuring process. 7 tabs., 7 figs

Restructuring Teachers' Work

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lisa Kirtman

2002-05-01

Full Text Available Despite repeated attempts to reform schools, teachers' work has remained surprisingly stable. The purpose of this study was to investigate implementation of a state-funded restructuring initiative that intended broad changes in teachers' professional roles. Sponsors of the founding legislation reasoned that changes in teachers' roles would contribute to higher student achievement. This study examined the question of whether and how this program of comprehensive whole-school change promoted changes in teachers' roles in school governance, collegial relations, and the classroom. Further, the study traced the relationship of these changes to one another, and weighed the likelihood that they had the capacity to affect core educational practices. Theoretically, this study is situated in the available literature on teachers' collegial relations; participation in shared decision making; and classroom roles, relationships and practice. Three elementary schools served as the sites for intensive qualitative data collection completed over a two-year period. The schools differed in geographic location (two urban, one rural, but all enrolled a racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse population of students, and more than half of the students in each school qualified for free or reduced price lunch. The study resulted in multiple types and sources of data on teachers' professional roles, including: observations in classrooms, collegial interactions, and governance situations; interviews with teachers (including teacher leaders, parents, administrators, and students; and documents pertaining to the restructuring plans and process. Findings show that changes in the three areas were achieved unevenly in the three schools. All three schools introduced changes in classroom practice and roles, ranging from the adoption of multi-age classrooms to more modest innovations in curriculum or instruction. In only one case were changes in professional roles outside

Measuring efficiency and productivity change (PTF) in the Peruvian electricity distribution companies after reforms

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perez-Reyes, Raul [Organismo Supervisor de la Inversion en Energia y Mineria, Osinergmin (Peru); Tovar, Beatriz [Infrastructure and Transport Research Group (EIT), Department of Applied Economics, University of Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain)

2009-06-15

This paper analyzes the evolution of productivity of the electricity distribution companies in Peru, to assess whether reforms have improved the efficiency in this sector. The paper also identifies potential sources of productivity changes, based on market restructuring the electricity sector and changes in property. To do this, we rely on a set of data for 14 distribution companies, for the period 1996-2006. Our analysis suggests that improvements in the efficiency and productivity of electricity distribution in Peru have occurred, and that there is a relationship between the restructuring of distribution sector and the enhancement of productivity. (author)

Measuring efficiency and productivity change (PTF) in the Peruvian electricity distribution companies after reforms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perez-Reyes, Raul; Tovar, Beatriz

2009-01-01

This paper analyzes the evolution of productivity of the electricity distribution companies in Peru, to assess whether reforms have improved the efficiency in this sector. The paper also identifies potential sources of productivity changes, based on market restructuring the electricity sector and changes in property. To do this, we rely on a set of data for 14 distribution companies, for the period 1996-2006. Our analysis suggests that improvements in the efficiency and productivity of electricity distribution in Peru have occurred, and that there is a relationship between the restructuring of distribution sector and the enhancement of productivity. (author)

Expectations for renewable energy under market restructuring: the U.S. experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heiman, M.K.

2006-01-01

The 1992 Energy Policy Act encouraged states to open up electricity provision to market competition. Many analysts predicted that renewable energy would take off in the deregulated market where consumers could choose their power provider and utilities would no longer be enticed to build large central power plants under guaranteed rates of return. This article outlines the flaws with that expectation. Absent a strong federal commitment, the states continue to lead with support for renewable energy. However the base from which to expand is so low, and the level of support so tenuous, that renewable energy will continue to play only a minor role in meeting U.S. energy demands with current policy in place. Furthermore, the evidence does not support the expectation that market restructuring, in and of itself, leads to a stronger state commitment to renewable energy. The failure of renewable energy to become a major component of the U.S. energy mix is not due to any intrinsic problem with the technology employed, nor with the cost of generation. Rather weak penetration may be attributed to broader forces exacerbated by market restructuring and overcome only through strong and reliable federal intervention in support of renewable energy

Enabling Communications in Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Systems: Electricity Markets Ontology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gabriel SANTOS

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Electricity markets worldwide are complex and dynamic environments with very particular characteristics, resulting from their restructuring and evolution into regional and continental scales, along with the constant changes brought by the increasing necessity for an adequate integration of renewable energy sources. The rising complexity and unpredictability in electricity markets has increased the need for the intervenient entities in foreseeing market behaviour. Several modelling tools directed to the study of restructured wholesale electricity markets have emerged. However, they have a common limitation: the lack of interoperability between the various systems to allow the exchange of information and knowledge, to test different market models and to allow market players from different systems to interact in common market environments. This paper proposes the Electricity Markets Ontology, which integrates the essential necessary concepts related with electricity markets, while enabling an easier cooperation and adequate communication between related systems. Additionally, it can be extended and complemented according to the needs of other simulators and real systems in this area

Canadian R and M restructuring to pay dividends

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1992-01-01

This paper reports on massive rationalization under way in Canada's refining/marketing sector that will yield increased utilization rates, improved efficiencies, and a boost in profits. At the same time, independent marketers in Canada will bear the brunt of a shrinking market, which is occurring at a time when sharply higher environmental spending will further squeeze them. Those are the main points of an analysis by Wood Gundy Inc., Toronto. Canada's refining/marketing sector has begun a major restructuring that after about 18 months will result in a significantly smaller industry, Wood Gundy the. All major integrated companies in the country have disclosed restructuring plans that will result in closure of perhaps three or more refineries and more than 2,700 service stations. Underlying the restructuring is industry's recognition that an 11% decline in produce demand during 1990-91, stemming from restructuring of the Canadian economy and progress in energy conservation, is permanent

A Restructuring of the HS Package for the MIDAS Computer Code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, K. R.; Kim, D. H.; Cho, S. W.

2005-01-01

As one of the processes for a localized severe accident analysis code, KAERI is developing a severe accident code MIDAS, based on MELCOR. The existing data saving method uses pointer variables for a fix-sized storage management, and it deteriorates the readability, maintainability and portability of the code. But new features in FORTRAN90 such as a dynamic allocation have been used for the restructuring. The restructuring of the data saving and transferring method of the existing code makes it easy to understand the code. Before an entire restructuring of the code, a restructuring template for a simple package was developed and tested. The target for the restructuring was the HS package which is responsible for calculation the heat conduction within an intact, solid structure and energy transfer across its boundary surfaces into control volumes. The verification was done through comparing the results before and after the restructuring

A restructuring of the FL package for the MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, K. R.; Kim, D. H.; Cho, S. W.

2005-01-01

The developmental need for a localized severe accident analysis code is on the rise, and KAERI is developing a severe accident code MIDAS, based on MELCOR. The existing data saving method uses pointer variables for a fix-sized storage management, and it deteriorates the readability, maintainability and portability of the code. But new features in FORTRAN90 such as a dynamic allocation have been used for the restructuring. The restructuring of the data saving and transferring method of the existing code makes it easy to understand the code. Before an entire restructuring of the code, a restructuring template for a simple package was developed and tested. The target for the restructuring was the FL package which is responsible for modeling the thermal-hydraulic behavior of a liquid water, water vapor, and gases in MELCOR with the CVH package. The verification was done through comparing the results before and after the restructuring

Assertion Training and Cognitive Restructuring With College Women.

Science.gov (United States)

Terrill, Marilyn J.

The process of assertive behavior change of college women who received assertion training (AT) and cognitive restructuring was examined to assess the relative effects of different durations of exposure to cognitive restructuring. Undergraduate and graduate women students (N=27) at a state university volunteered and were screened for AT groups.…

Dynamics of productivity change in the Australian electricity industry: Assessing the impacts of electricity reform

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aghdam, Reza Fathollahzadeh, E-mail: reza_f_a@yahoo.com [Department of Finance and Economics, College of Industrial Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, PO Box 257, Dhahran 31261 (Saudi Arabia)

2011-06-15

The Australian electricity industry has undergone a significant reform, since the mid-1990s. Key changes comprised functional unbundling, market restructuring, regulatory reform, public corporatisation and privatisation. Technological development has been another indisputable constituent of these changes, in the wake of ICT revolution. The principle rationale behind these changes has been that they would improve productivity of the industry and social well-being of people. This paper examines the dynamics of productivity changes in the Australian electricity industry and conducts several hypotheses-testings to identify whether industry's efficiency measures are truly improved as a result of the reform-driven changes. Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index approach and ANOVA are used for this purpose. The results reveal that the productivity gains in the industry have been largely driven by technological improvements and, to a lesser extent, by reform-induced comparative efficiency gains. On average at national level and for the entire industry, there are efficiency gains that, to large extents, can be attributed to functional unbundling and public corporatisation and, to a lesser extent, to market restructuring and privatisation. The results, however, reveal that the reform-driven changes have made insignificant contribution to comparative efficiency, at the level of thermal generation. - Highlights: > Dynamics of productivity changes in Australian electricity industry are examined. > Several hypotheses are also tested against reform-driven changes. > Technology impact is proved to be far larger than reform-induced impacts. > Unbundling and corporatisation had larger impacts than market restructuring and privatisation. > At thermal generation level, no reform-induced impact is encountered.

Dynamics of productivity change in the Australian electricity industry: Assessing the impacts of electricity reform

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aghdam, Reza Fathollahzadeh

2011-01-01

The Australian electricity industry has undergone a significant reform, since the mid-1990s. Key changes comprised functional unbundling, market restructuring, regulatory reform, public corporatisation and privatisation. Technological development has been another indisputable constituent of these changes, in the wake of ICT revolution. The principle rationale behind these changes has been that they would improve productivity of the industry and social well-being of people. This paper examines the dynamics of productivity changes in the Australian electricity industry and conducts several hypotheses-testings to identify whether industry's efficiency measures are truly improved as a result of the reform-driven changes. Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index approach and ANOVA are used for this purpose. The results reveal that the productivity gains in the industry have been largely driven by technological improvements and, to a lesser extent, by reform-induced comparative efficiency gains. On average at national level and for the entire industry, there are efficiency gains that, to large extents, can be attributed to functional unbundling and public corporatisation and, to a lesser extent, to market restructuring and privatisation. The results, however, reveal that the reform-driven changes have made insignificant contribution to comparative efficiency, at the level of thermal generation. - Highlights: → Dynamics of productivity changes in Australian electricity industry are examined. → Several hypotheses are also tested against reform-driven changes. → Technology impact is proved to be far larger than reform-induced impacts. → Unbundling and corporatisation had larger impacts than market restructuring and privatisation. → At thermal generation level, no reform-induced impact is encountered.

Institutional Theory in College Restructuring: Myth or Reality?

Science.gov (United States)

Bealing, William, Jr.; Riordan, Diane; Riordan, Michael

2011-01-01

In response to external pressure for change, the subject university engaged in major restructuring activities during the mid to late 1990's. As predicted by organizational theory, faculty reacted to the restructuring in order to define the conditions and methods of their work and to legitimate their professional autonomy. Although this university…

Economic demand response model in liberalised electricity markets with respect to flexibility of consumers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sharifi, Reza; Anvari-Moghaddam, Amjad; Fathi, S. Hamid

2017-01-01

Before restructuring in the electricity industry, the primary decision-makers of the electricity market were deemed to be power generation and transmission companies, market regulation boards, and power industry regulators. In this traditional structure, consumers were interested in receiving...... electricity at flat rates while paying no attention to the problems of this industry. This attitude was the source of many problems, sometimes leading to collapse of power systems and widespread blackouts. Restructuring of the electricity industry however provided a multitude of solutions to these problems....... The most important solution can be demand response (DR) programs. This paper proposes an economic DR model for residential consumers in liberalized electricity markets to change their consumption pattern from times of high energy prices to other times to maximize their utility functions. This economic...

RESTRUCTURING OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. I. Podderegina

2009-01-01

Full Text Available The paper presents main principles for execution of current and strategic restructuring of national enterprises while using experience of countries with developed market economy. The principles contribute to higher efficiency in internal industrial relations at national industrial enterprises.

Elaboration and acceptability of restructured hams added with jabuticaba skin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Paula de Carvalho ALVES

Full Text Available Abstract Jabuticaba skin flour (JSF, rich in antioxidants and fibre, was used in order to develop four restructured hams in different combinations with meat: 0% control – without the addition of JSF, with the addition of 0.5% JSF, 1.0% JSF and 1.5% JSF, meeting, therefore, the growing demand for meat products with functional appeal. Physicochemical characterizations and sensory analysis were performed, evaluating the impact of information on possible health benefits and the effect on storage. Restructured hams with JSF had higher contents of phenolic compounds; greater weight loss; a darker shade; texture profile with smaller parameters of stiffness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, flexibility and chewiness (except the restructured ham with 0.5% JSF. Phenolic compounds, pH values, colour and TBARs did not differ with storage time, but were statistically different among JSF concentrations. Panellists preferred the restructured ham without JSF, however, the analysis of variance for overall aspect did not show a significant difference between the restructured ham “control” and those added with 0.5% and 1.0% JSF, after informing the panellists that they would possibly bring health benefits. It is concluded that it is possible to prepare and store restructured hams with JSF, at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% with good acceptance.

Restructuring Electricity Markets when Demand is Uncertain

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Boom, Anette; Buehler, Stefan

2006-01-01

We examine the effects of reorganizing electricity markets on capacity investments, retail prices and welfare when demand is uncertain. We study the following market configurations: (i) integrated monopoly, (ii) integrated duopoly with wholesale trade, and (iii) separated duopoly with wholesale...... trade. Assuming that wholesale prices can react to changes in retail prices (but not vice versa), we find that generators install sufficient capacity to serve retail demand in each market configuration, thus avoiding blackouts. Furthermore, aggregate capacity levels and retail prices...

Thai restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayes, David

1999-01-01

In preparation for its forthcoming privatization, the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) has announced its plans for restructuring and these are discussed. PTT is involved in exploration and production of natural gas for both the home and overseas markets, oil refining, oil marketing and sales, and petrochemicals. Statistical data on the company's activities are given. PTT operates about 1600 service stations in Thailand but present thinking is that greater profit will accrue from these sites through sales of 'non-oil products'. (UK)

Restructuring local distribution services: Possibilities and limitations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Duann, D.J.

1994-08-01

The restructuring of local distribution services is now the focus of the natural gas industry. It is the last major step in the ``reconstitution`` of the natural gas industry and a critical clement in realizing the full benefits of regulatory and market reforms that already have taken place in the wellhead and interstate markets. It could also be the most important regulatory initiative for most end-use customers because they are affected directly by the costs and reliability of distribution services. Several factors contribute to the current emphasis on distribution service restructuring. They include the unbundling and restructuring of upstream markets, a realization of the limitations of supply-side options (such as gas procurement oversight), and the increased diversity and volatility of gas demand facing local distribution companies. Local distribution service is not one but a series of activities that start with commodity gas procurement and extend to transportation, load balancing, storage, and metering and billing of services provided. There are also considerable differences in the economies of scale and scope associated with these various activities. Thus, a mixture of supply arrangements (such as a competitive market or a monopoly) is required for the most efficient delivery of local distribution services. A distinction must be made between the supply of commodity gas and the provision of a bundled distribution service. This distinction and identification of the best supply arrangements for various distribution service components are the most critical factors in developing appropriate restructuring policies. For most state public utility commissions the criteria for service restructuring should include pursuing the economies of scale and scope in gas distribution, differentiating and matching gas service reliability and quality with customer requirements, and controlling costs associated with the search, negotiation, and contracting of gas services.

Independent power and cogeneration in Ontario's new competitive electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barnstable, A.G.

1999-01-01

The factors influencing the initial market pricing in the early years of Ontario's new electricity market were discussed with particular insight on the potential for near term development of independent power and cogeneration. The major factors influencing prices include: (1) no increase in retail prices, (2) financial restructuring of Ontario Hydro, (3) the Market Power Mitigation Agreement, (4) tighter power plant emissions standards, and (5) an electricity supply and demand balance. Generation competition is not expected to influence market pricing in the early years of the new electricity market. Prices will instead reflect the restructuring decisions of the Ontario government. The decision to have Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPGI) as a single generator for Ontario Hydro's generation assets will ensure that average spot market pricing in the early market years will be close to a 3.8 c/kWh revenue cap

The capital structure of banks and practice of bank restructuring

OpenAIRE

Dübel, Achim

2013-01-01

This study presents an empirical analysis of capital and liability management in eight cases of bank restructurings and resolutions from eight different European countries. It can be read as a companion piece to an earlier study by the author covering the specific bank restructuring programs of Greece, Spain and Cyprus during 2012/13. The study portrays for each case the timelines between the initial credit event and the (last) restructuring. It proceeds to discuss the capital and liability m...

Province of Nova Scotia Electricity Marketplace Governance Committee First Interim Report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2002-12-01

This report summarizes the group discussions of the Electricity Marketplace Governance Committee's (EMGC) over the past 6 months regarding the implementation of new rules for power competition in Nova Scotia's electricity market. Emphasis has been placed on external influences, defining the size and form of the short-term competitive portion of the Nova Scotia market, and a detailed consideration of the current transmission system and the changes needed to achieve a sustainable, world class energy sector that would enhance the quality of life for Nova Scotians. The report provides recommendations regarding how competition can be encouraged. The main drivers for electricity restructuring have been energy efficiency, risk-allocation, reliability, environmental impact, and consumer protection. The external influences on the Nova Scotia electricity market include: (1) economics of electricity restructuring, (2) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, (3) New Brunswick and electricity restructuring, and (4) Nova Scotia and the energy strategy. This report described the market scope and basic market model with reference to bilateral contract market, fully competitive wholesale pool market, and a single buyer market. The transmission issues discussed in this report included the importance of transmission, transmission tariff options, transmission services offered, design issues, and congestion management policies. The EMGC was directed to examine market design issues to accommodate an Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). As such, this report identifies some transmission issues that must be resolved to implement tariffs, and conditions of access to the transmission system and its impact on open access market design. The final report is expected to be available in March 2003

Restructured site characterization program at Yucca Mountain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dyer, J.R.; Vawter, R.G.

1995-01-01

During 1994 and the early part of 1995, the US Department of Energy's Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office (YMSCO) and its parent organization, the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) underwent a significant restructuring. Senior Department officials provided the leadership to reorient the management, technical, programmatic, and public interaction approach to the US High Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Program. The restructuring involved reorganizing the federal staff, conducting meaningful strategic planning, improving the management system, rationalizing contractor responsibilities, focusing upon major products, and increasing stakeholder involvement. The restructured program has prioritized technical and scientific activities toward meeting major regulatory milestones in a timely and cost-effective manner. This approach has raised concern among elements of technical, scientific, and oversight bodies that suitability and licensing decisions could be made without obtaining sufficient technical information for this first-of-its-kind endeavor. Other organizations, such as congressional committees, industrial groups, and rate payers believe characterization goals can be met in a timely manner and within the limitation of available funds. To balance these contrasting views in its decision making process, OCRWM management has made a special effort to communicate its strategy to oversight bodies, the scientific community and other stakeholders and to use external independent peer review as a key means of demonstrating scientific credibility. Site characterization of Yucca Mountain in Nevada is one of the key elements of the restructured program

Educators' Perception of Administrative Leadership throughout School Restructuring

Science.gov (United States)

Johnson, LeJuan

2012-01-01

Leaders in schools today have a crucial responsibility to employ school reform and restructure initiatives for the betterment of the student. This study sought educators' perceptions of administrative leadership throughout school restructuring. The survey design assisted in connecting educators, levels of administrator's leadership, and…

Raw-appearing Restructured fish models made with Sodium alginate or Microbial transglutaminase and effect of chilled storage

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Helena Moreno

2013-03-01

Full Text Available Restructuring by adding Sodium Alginate or Microbial Transglutaminase (MTGase using cold gelation technology make it possible to obtain many different raw products from minced and/or chopped fish muscle that are suitable for being used as the basis of new restructured products with different physicochemical properties and even different compositions. Special consideration must be given to their shelf-life and the changes that may take place during chilling, both in visual appearance and physicochemical properties. After chilled storage, the restructured models made with different muscular particle size and composition at low temperature (5 °C, it was observed that microbial growth limited the shelf-life to 7-14 days. Mechanical properties increased (p 0.05 was detected during storage.

NEDO report (April, 1995). Restructuring California's electric services industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1995-04-01

Recognizing nationwide changes in the electric utilities industry, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). The purpose is to foster competition and a basis on market mechanisms as the preferred means to develop and deliver energy services. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hoped to better understand this change while emphasizing efforts to maintain safe, reliable, and reasonably priced electric service. According to the report in February, 1993, CPUC was considering reform of its regulatory program in view of technological change, competitive pressures and emerging market forces. Further, new electric service providers have entered the industry, intensifying competition and producing the opportunity and pressure for consumer choice. Consequently, CPUC are asking the industry to adopt strategic measures to deal with the regulation such as reduced costs and development of efficient innovative services. Hearings have been repeated for the revision of the law; however, the confusion will continue for the time being. Some kind of revision will be concluded within 1995; however, no deregulation will be implemented for the power industry probably until 1996. (NEDO)

Modular load flow for restructured power systems

CERN Document Server

Hariharan, M V; Gupta, Pragati P

2016-01-01

In the subject of power systems, authors felt that a re-look is necessary at some conventional methods of analysis. In this book, the authors have subjected the time-honoured load flow to a close scrutiny. Authors have discovered and discussed a new load flow procedure – Modular Load Flow. Modular Load Flow explores use of power – a scalar – as source for electrical circuits which are conventionally analysed by means of phasors – the ac voltages or currents. The method embeds Kirchhoff’s circuit laws as topological property into its scalar equations and results in a unique wonderland where phase angles do not exist! Generators are shown to have their own worlds which can be superimposed to obtain the state of the composite power system. The treatment is useful in restructured power systems where stakeholders and the system operators may desire to know individual generator contributions in line flows and line losses for commercial reasons. Solution in Modular Load Flow consists of explicit expression...

THE ROLE OF LOGISTICS IN ENTERPRISE RESTRUCTURING IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. A. Sabadash

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Formation of a market management mechanism in the Russian economy objectively requires strengthening the role of logistics in general and in the restructuring of the automotive industry in Russia in particular. In the article the main reasons that caused such an interest in the analysis is the automotive industry.Methodology. The methodological basis of this article are comparative, economic and statistical analysis methods.The purpose of this article is to reveal the key theoretical and practical issues of the role of logistics in the restructuring of the automotive industry companies, taking into account global transformations occurring in the world economy. This has allowed to specify the main issues associated with the use of logistics in the restructuring of the automotive industry in Russia.Conclusions. The following conclusions were obtained: research in the field of restructuring of the automotive industry enterprises are considered in the most general terms as "any changes to the strategic nature of the enterprise"; The second approach – the authors in their definitions focus on the restructuring of its individual aspects – goals, directions and forms of restructuring.

Electricity prices in a competitive market: a preliminary analysis of the deregulated Thai electricity industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pipattanasomporn, M.; Ongsakul, W.; Pacudan, R.; Lefevre, T.

2000-01-01

The electricity industry throughout the world is currently undergoing a significant transition towards restructuring and deregulation. Following this new legislation, Thailand has initiated an institutional and structural reform with a belief that this could be the best way forward for the Thai electricity supply industry (ESI) to improve efficiency, lower electricity prices, and tackle financial debts. This paper presents an analysis of the extent to which prices for generation services in a competitive market may differ from regulated electricity prices, if competitive prices are based on marginal costs and regulated prices are based on average costs, by using Thailand as a case study. (Author)

Using restructured electricity supply industries to understand oligopoly industry outcomes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wolak, Frank A.

2010-01-01

This paper argues that many determinants of generic oligopoly market outcomes can be studied in bid-based wholesale electricity markets under much weaker assumptions than in other oligopoly industries because of their rich data, regulatory history, and clearly specified market rules. These methods are compared to those used in existing studies of oligopolistic industries where the best data available are market-clearing prices and quantities and demand and cost shifters. The extent to which the methods used in bid-based wholesale electricity markets generalize conventional methods is explained in detail and major applications of these techniques are summarized. Lessons from the study of wholesale electricity markets for the monitoring and design of other oligopolistic markets are also discussed. (author)

The role of commercial banks in enterprise restructuring in Central and Eastern Europe

OpenAIRE

Long, Millard; Rutkowska, Izabela

1995-01-01

Many countries in Eastern Europe assigned banks the responsibility for restructuring enterprises. Such restructuring had five components: 1) triage of enterprises into three classes -- viable, viable with debt relief, and nonviable; 2) work with management of overindebted firms on a restructuring plan before granting debt relief; 3) trigger the bankruptcy liquidation process on nonviable firms; 4) fund new investments needed as part of physical restructuring; and 5) provide corporate governan...

Organizational change, restructuring and downsizing: The experience of employees in the electric utility industry

Science.gov (United States)

Korns, Michael T.

This research examines the experience of employees working in the electric utility industry during a time when it was undergoing significant transformation. It was undertaken to examine this phenomenon in the context of how the history and nature of the industry's environment, and specifically regulatory effect of regulation, led to an organizational form characterized by stability, structure and inertial resistance to change. A case study approach was used to examine the effect of deregulation on an organization in the industry, and specifically how their actions impacted employees working there. A phenomenological approach was used to explore employee perceptions of the organizational culture and employment relationship there both prior to and after implementation of a reorganization and downsizing that resulted in the first significant employee layoffs in the history of the organization. Data gathering consisted of conducting semi-structured interviews with current and former employees of the company who experienced the phenomena. Analysis of the data show that employees in this organization perceived an unusually strong psychological contract for stable employment and the expectation that it would continue, despite the prevalence of corporate downsizing and restructuring at the time. This psychological contract and the importance of career employment was found to be particularly significant for women who were hired during a period of time when gender and pregnancy discrimination was prevalent. Findings demonstrate that, given the historical stability and strong inertial resistance in the organization, company leadership did not effectively communicate the need, or prepare employees sufficiently for the significance of the changes or the effect they had on the organization. Findings also revealed that employees perceived the methods used to select individuals for layoff and exit from the company violated principles of organizational justice for distributional

Energy Prices and Internal Costs in Croatian Energy System Restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Potocnik, V. , Magdic, M.

1995-01-01

After social and political changes in 1990, energy prices in Croatia have been getting closer to the West European averages, faster than in the most European countries in transition. The energy prices for industry are almost at the West European level, while the energy prices of electricity and natural gas for households and those of the gasoline are well behind. If the population purchasing power parity (PPP) is taken into account, these relations change. While the internalization of external energy costs is under way in the developed world, it has not practically started yet in Croatia. The Croatian energy system restructuring shall require gradual adjustment of energy prices, together with multistage internalization of external energy costs. (author). 6 refs., 3 tabs., 2 figs

Electricity Bill [second reading

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hooper, G.; Williams, C.C.P.; Ezra, D.

1989-01-01

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department of Energy introduced the second reading of the Electricity Bill which provides for the restructuring and privatisation of the electricity supply industry throughout Great Britain. Three features at the heart of the Government's proposals are mentioned - first that the proposals will promote competition in electricity generation and supply of electricity so there will be a downward pressure on costs and prices, second is a new deal for customers and third is the security of electricity supply which will be ensured by the diversity of suppliers. The benefits of the scheme are outlined and then specific details of the Bill are considered. The debate which followed lasted six hours and is reported verbatim. The issues raised included environmental effects, efficiency, energy conservation, research and development and investment. (UK)

The role of cognitive flexibility in cognitive restructuring skill acquisition among older adults.

Science.gov (United States)

Johnco, C; Wuthrich, V M; Rapee, R M

2013-08-01

Cognitive flexibility is one aspect of executive functioning that encompasses the ability to produce diverse ideas, consider response alternatives, and modify behaviors to manage changing circumstances. These processes are likely to be important for implementing cognitive restructuring. The present study investigated the impact of cognitive flexibility on older adults' ability to learn cognitive restructuring. Neuropsychological measures of cognitive flexibility were administered to 40 normal community-dwelling older adult volunteers and their ability to implement cognitive restructuring was coded and analyzed. Results indicated that the majority of participants showed good cognitive restructuring skill acquisition with brief training. The multiple regression analysis suggested that those with poorer cognitive flexibility on neuropsychological testing demonstrated poorer quality cognitive restructuring. In particular, perseverative thinking styles appear to negatively impact the ability to learn cognitive restructuring. Further research is needed to clarify whether older adults with poor cognitive flexibility can improve their cognitive restructuring skills with repetition over treatment or whether alternative skills should be considered. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A literature survey on asset management in electrical power [transmission and distribution] system

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Khuntia, S.R.; Rueda Torres, José L.; Bouwman, S.; van der Meijden, M.A.M.M.

2016-01-01

Asset management is one of the key components in a transforming electric power industry. Electric power industry is undergoing significant changes because of technical, socio-economical and environmental developments. Also, because of restructuring and deregulation, the focus has been on

Using restructured electricity markets in the hydrogen transition: The PJM case

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Felder, F.A.; Hajos, A. [Rutgers State University, New Brunswick, NJ (United States)

2006-10-15

We examine a hydrogen transition strategy of using excess electric generation capacity in the U.S. midatlantic states during off-peak hours to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. Four different generation technologies are evaluated: combined-cycle natural gas, nuclear power, clean coal, and pulverized coal. We construct hydrogen-electricity price curves for each technology and evaluate the resulting air emissions of key pollutants. Substantial capital investments may be avoided by leveraging off generation assets that would otherwise be built to produce electricity. We also account for the interaction between the production of hydrogen and wholesale electricity prices and demand. Results show that off-peak electrolysis is a plausible but not dominant strategy for hydrogen production; however, there may be a substantial real option value in using the electric power system to transition to a hydrogen economy that may exceed the direct cost savings of producing hydrogen by less expensive methods.

Business restructuring and the strategic role of 'IT'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lindsay, E.

1998-01-01

Westcoast Energy has recently undergone a major restructuring as a result of industry deregulation. As a result of the restructuring in 1997, Westcoast, producers, shippers and customers renegotiated gathering and business processes and devised a new tolling methodology known as the Negotiated Toll Settlement. This paper describes the new structure of Westcoast, the lines of business the company is engaged in, the nature of the Negotiated Toll Settlement with emphasis on the important role that information technology (IT) played in the company's business restructuring strategies. In discussing the impact of restructuring and the Negotiated Toll Settlement on information technology, attention is drawn to the enormity of the cultural change faced by employees largely unfamiliar with change. It discusses the new skills and competencies required and the complexity introduced by the need for timeliness. The difficulties of having the delivery team in Vancouver and system support and customers in Calgary and the massive changes that had to be made to refocus attention on customer and operational concerns are outlined. Among the lessons learned, cultural change was identified as perhaps the most difficult stumbling block, followed by the need for communication, quality assurance, risk assessment and project management methodologies, and recognition of the direct relationship between business and system changes. figs

How to sell electricity from eastern Canada to New England

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jessome, D.

2003-01-01

This presentation provided an overview of the natural gas market in the Maritimes. It described market restructuring, market seams and future opportunities. The resource activities of Emera Energy Inc. are based in electricity, midstream and downstream power development, and energy services. The Northeast supply mix includes natural gas pipelines and electric power generation. This presentation included a graph of electricity market demand in the Northeast which outlined generation capacity as well as peak demand for Canada's eastern provinces and the New England states. A history of natural gas exploration and development in Nova Scotia was also included. In December 1999, Nova Scotia received natural gas for the first time when the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline (M and NP) delivered the first production of natural gas from the Sable Offshore Energy Project. Natural gas is now a bigger part of the province's economy than the fishery. Sable Offshore Energy Tier 2 is underway, as is phase 3 of the M and NP project in the United States to connect to the Boston Hubline. EnCana's Deep Panuke project is currently on hold. Nova Scotia is also considering electricity restructuring for 2005. Recommendations have been made for open transmission access for all market participants, and for transmission tariffs to be compatible with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The government of New Brunswick also introduced a new Electricity Act to restructure NB Power to open electricity markets by 2003, and to be in compliance with FERC Order 888. The market in the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) was opened to wholesale access in 1999. The New Standard Market Design in the NEPOOL is expected to begin in March 2003 to reflect wholesale power costs more accurately. Trade challenges between Canada and the United States were highlighted with reference to transmission access and capacity. 12 figs

Banking Restructuring Techniques in the Economical Crisis Context

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vasile Dedu

2009-11-01

Full Text Available Banking restructuring regained leading place in commercial banking activities following ongoing crisis. Many debtors are facing serious trouble in normal debt repayment due to increasing number and volume of non performing loans in banks’ portfolios. In order to deal with these issues and to secure existing exposures banks use restructuring techniques like payment rescheduling, debt-equity swap and write-offs to ease debtors debts and to help viable businesses to successfully survive recession.

Restructuring Teachers' Work-Lives and Knowledge in England and Spain

Science.gov (United States)

Muller, Jorg; Norrie, Caroline; Hernandez, Fernando; Goodson, Ivor

2010-01-01

This article explores the restructuring of education in England and Spain. Against a presumably homogeneous global streamlining of educational systems according to competition-driven goals, the comparison of teachers' work-lives and professional knowledge evidences a variety of experiences under-represented in discourses on global restructuring.…

Transient contribution of left posterior parietal cortex to cognitive restructuring.

Science.gov (United States)

Sutoh, Chihiro; Matsuzawa, Daisuke; Hirano, Yoshiyuki; Yamada, Makiko; Nagaoka, Sawako; Chakraborty, Sudesna; Ishii, Daisuke; Matsuda, Shingo; Tomizawa, Haruna; Ito, Hiroshi; Tsuji, Hiroshi; Obata, Takayuki; Shimizu, Eiji

2015-03-17

Cognitive restructuring is a fundamental method within cognitive behavioural therapy of changing dysfunctional beliefs into flexible beliefs and learning to react appropriately to the reality of an anxiety-causing situation. To clarify the neural mechanisms of cognitive restructuring, we designed a unique task that replicated psychotherapy during a brain scan. The brain activities of healthy male participants were analysed using functional magnetic resonance imaging. During the brain scan, participants underwent Socratic questioning aimed at cognitive restructuring regarding the necessity of handwashing after using the restroom. The behavioural result indicated that the Socratic questioning effectively decreased the participants' degree of belief (DOB) that they must wash their hands. Alterations in the DOB showed a positive correlation with activity in the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) while the subject thought about and rated own belief. The involvement of the left PPC not only in planning and decision-making but also in conceptualization may play a pivotal role in cognitive restructuring.

Tradable allowances in a restructuring electric industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tschirhart, J.

1999-01-01

The SO 2 tradable allowance program has been introduced into an electric industry undergoing dramatic changes. Entry of nonutilities into the industry and the emergence of stranded costs are two major changes that are shown to have an impact on the market for allowances and the industry's incentives to switch to cleaner fuels. The degree of impact depends on the extent to which consumers bypass traditional utilities and buy from entrants, and on public utility commission policies regarding the recovery of stranded costs. In turn, the amount of stranded costs depends on fuel switching. The results follow from simulations of a two-utility model that illustrate the qualitative effects of changing policies

Price-elastic demand in deregulated electricity markets

OpenAIRE

Siddiqui, Afzal S.

2003-01-01

The degree to which any deregulated market functions efficiently often depends on the ability of market agents to respond quickly to fluctuating conditions. Many restructured electricity markets, however, experience high prices caused by supply shortages and little demand-side response. We examine the implications for market operations when a risk-averse retailer's end-use consumers are allowed to perceive real-time variations in the electricity spot price. Using a market-equilibrium mo...

Global electricity transformation: The critical need for integrated market design and risk management research

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hung-po Chao

2006-01-01

The past three decades transformed the electricity industry. The essential goals of liberalization have been to lower costs, improve reliability, and stimulate investment and innovations through establishment of competitive electricity markets, while also relying on market mechanisms to provide creative solutions to environmental and security problems. In many instances, these goals have been achieved, but the occurrence of some spectacular market failures have brought into question the whole restructuring effort. This paper reviews recent experiences with market reform and concludes that a significant cause of failure has been the rush to unbundle vertically integrated utilities without sufficient consideration of alternative ways to manage the risk of electricity market restructuring. In particular, there is a critical need for integrated market design and risk management research to improve the process of market transformation by taking a more evolutionary approach to discover a 'Third Way' above vertical integration and full unbundling. Such research can offer a crucial feedback link to the restructuring process by identifying important lessons to be learned from past experience and developing new analytical tools to help introduce more successful market designs for the future. (author)

The Simulation Study of a Restructured Residential Low-Voltage Distribution System Microgrid

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. Ramesh

2016-12-01

Full Text Available A primary and necessary focus in creating a greener environment is the conversion of existing power-generation sources to renewable power sources in the near future. Another important focus is to develop sustainable household power generation to a low-voltage electricity grid with a power purchase and selling facility. To help with achieving the above vision, the objective of this work is to critically analyze the existing low-voltage distribution system and make suggestions for restructuring it to the low-voltage interconnected microgrid (MG. The test was carried out in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB 100kVA transformer feeder which was connected to supply around 100 houses with electricity. The performance analysis of the proposed system was examined through different case studies, represented as a normal operating condition of the existing distribution system and a reconstructed and interconnected MG to the TNEB grid. The project was designed and analyzed using PSCAD software. The results discussed in the project are helpful in examining the effects of multiple distributed energy resources on distributed generation. In future, knowledge of these effects may be helpful for rural area electrification.

Canadian electricity trends and issues : an energy market assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-05-01

This report examines the supply and demand of electricity in Canada and provides a province by province analysis of trade, regulatory developments and electricity prices. The Canadian electricity market is regionally diverse, as evidenced by the variety of fuels used for power generation and the differences in market structure, regulation and pricing. Hydro accounts for 61 per cent of Canadian electricity generation. Other sources include coal (18 per cent), nuclear (13 per cent), natural gas (4 per cent) and oil and renewables (4 per cent). Most new power generation projects in Canada are expected to be gas-fired leading to a convergence between natural gas and electricity markets. Most provincial electricity markets are being adequately supplied, even with rising power demands. Alberta restructured its electricity market over a five year period culminating in full retail access on 1 January 2001. While power supply has been relatively tight in Alberta, new generation capacity is expected to become available over the next few years. Ontario plans to implement full retail access in May 2002. Most other provinces are implementing wholesale access. Canadian residential electricity prices are among the lowest of the industrialized countries, and tend to be lowest in hydro-rich provinces. Most hydro-rich provinces have surplus energy available for domestic and international trade. Some provinces are undergoing basic changes with respect to the restructuring of their markets through the unbundling of power generation, transmission and distribution services. 53 figs

JURIDICAL AND FISCAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE RESTRUCTURING OF

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

DRAGOS (COMAN DORICA

2015-08-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this paper is the study of the juridical and fiscal aspects regarding the restructuring of the economical entities. Based on analyzing of the different materials on legislative advancements at national level and on European directives, rules and recommendations and other reference works, this study accomplished a synthesis of the main juridical aspects regarding the economical restructuring in Romania and in the European Union. The study emphasizes the importance of the knowledge of the fiscal aspects in order to draft a fiscal strategy ,which needs to be developed prior to any formal offers or detailed studying of the target company, and which reveals the characteristics, the stages and the effects of the fusion operation of an economic entity. The results of the study points out the main juridical and fiscal aspects regarding the restructuring of the trading companies, as well as the main components of a fusion operation.

Electricity theft: a comparative analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, T.B.

2004-01-01

Electricity theft can be in the form of fraud (meter tampering), stealing (illegal connections), billing irregularities, and unpaid bills. Estimates of the extent of electricity theft in a sample of 102 countries for 1980 and 2000 are undertaken. The evidence shows that theft is increasing in most regions of the world. The financial impacts of theft are reduced income from the sale of electricity and the necessity to charge more to consumers. Electricity theft is closely related to governance indicators, with higher levels of theft in countries without effective accountability, political instability, low government effectiveness and high levels of corruption. Electricity theft can be reduced by applying technical solutions such as tamper-proof meters, managerial methods such as inspection and monitoring, and in some cases restructuring power systems ownership and regulation

The Mexico`s energy sector: Restructure and challenges; Sector de la energia en Mexico: Reestructuracion y retos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carrillo Soberon, Francisco [Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas (SME), Mexico, D. F. (Mexico)

1997-12-31

In our country, the electric energy sector restructure is deeply permeated by the idea that the efficiency, the reduction of costs, the competitiveness and the modernization in general will only be feasible in the context of incorporation to the logistics of the functioning of the market rules. A historic revision is made of the elements that made possible the deterioration of a nationalized enterprise as it is today the enterprise Luz y Fuerza del Centro. The legal, regulatory, and organizational changes in this enterprise are discussed; the social sense of the electric industry and the limits of the private interests and the restructure as a democratic experience are also analyzed [Espanol] En nuestro pais, la reestructuracion del sector de la energia esta profundamente permeada por la idea de que la eficiencia, la reduccion de costos, la competitividad y en general la modernizacion, solo seran factibles en contextos de incorporacion a la logica de funcionamiento de las reglas del mercado. Se hace una revision historica de los elementos que hicieron posible el deterioro de una empresa nacionalizada como lo es hoy la empresa Luz y Fuerza del Centro. Se analizan los cambios legales, regulatorios y organizativos en esta empresa; el sentido social de la industria electrica y los limites de los intereses privados y la reestructuracion como una experiencia democratica

Wrestling the Devil in the Details: An Early Look at Restructuring in California

Science.gov (United States)

Scott, Caitlin

2006-01-01

To learn more about district and school decision making for No Child Left Behind (NCLB) restructuring, the Center on Education Policy (CEP) turned to California, a state with a substantial number of schools in restructuring and several state and regional supports for making decisions about restructuring. In the summer and fall of 2005, CEP…

Expanding the Evaluation Department Role in a Restructuring District: A Technical Assistance Model.

Science.gov (United States)

Borton, William M.

Although San Diego City Schools is entering its fourth year of restructuring efforts, many schools are still reluctant to assume the autonomy offered to them. If school restructuring is stalling, it is because district offices have not yet restructured, research on what is known about implementing changes has been ignored, and no clear methodology…

The impact of restructuring on employee well-being: a systematic review of longitudinal studies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Jong, T. de; Wiezer, N.; Weerd, M. de; Nielsen, K.; Mattila-Holappa, P.; Mockałłod, Z.

2016-01-01

This is a review of published longitudinal empirical research on the impact of restructuring on employee well-being. We investigated whether restructuring accompanied by staff reductions impacts differently on worker well-being than restructuring without staff reductions, and the differences between

The sector restructuring and the consequences on the planning and the marketing studies of the electric power distributors; A reestruturacao setorial e os reflexos sobre o planejamento e os estudos de mercado das distribuidoras de energia eletrica

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matsudo, Eduardo

2001-05-15

After the restructuring of the Brazilian power sector during the 1990's a new set of rules and players (regulators, traders, etc.) was introduced. This situation resulted in significantly impacting the distribution companies in terms of market risks and commercial opportunities. Electric power market assessments that provide fundamental information to the system and tariff planning groups can also be used to support the distribution companies in analyzing various questions within the new rules that have been created. These questions include such items as: how much energy should be contracted in the future in the wholesale market?; how much opportunity is available in offering commercial services to the customer?. This work describes the main changes that have occurred due to the restructuring, such as: the privatization process, a wholesale market implementation, rules for energy trading, and planning and regulatory process. The main challenges for distribution companies as a result of these changes are identified, especially focusing on energy trading in retail and wholesale markets. The process of electric power market assessments is presented and describing the accepted methodology used for demand forecasting for distribution companies. Information required by distribution companies in order to deal with the market challenges are specified - e.g. energy trading, market risks and customer relationship. It is concluded there is a need to obtain detailed information about consumers and to develop market forecast for specific time frame. It must take into consideration all the issues around the retail market - the study needs to analyze the basic factors that impact customer consumption. In order to improve the electric market assessment, it has been useful to apply specific models. After reviewing the existing tools for electric power market assessments (analysis and forecast), it has been found that the models that combined methods of end use analysis with

The sector restructuring and the consequences on the planning and the marketing studies of the electric power distributors; A reestruturacao setorial e os reflexos sobre o planejamento e os estudos de mercado das distribuidoras de energia eletrica

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matsudo, Eduardo

2001-05-15

After the restructuring of the Brazilian power sector during the 1990's a new set of rules and players (regulators, traders, etc.) was introduced. This situation resulted in significantly impacting the distribution companies in terms of market risks and commercial opportunities. Electric power market assessments that provide fundamental information to the system and tariff planning groups can also be used to support the distribution companies in analyzing various questions within the new rules that have been created. These questions include such items as: how much energy should be contracted in the future in the wholesale market?; how much opportunity is available in offering commercial services to the customer?. This work describes the main changes that have occurred due to the restructuring, such as: the privatization process, a wholesale market implementation, rules for energy trading, and planning and regulatory process. The main challenges for distribution companies as a result of these changes are identified, especially focusing on energy trading in retail and wholesale markets. The process of electric power market assessments is presented and describing the accepted methodology used for demand forecasting for distribution companies. Information required by distribution companies in order to deal with the market challenges are specified - e.g. energy trading, market risks and customer relationship. It is concluded there is a need to obtain detailed information about consumers and to develop market forecast for specific time frame. It must take into consideration all the issues around the retail market - the study needs to analyze the basic factors that impact customer consumption. In order to improve the electric market assessment, it has been useful to apply specific models. After reviewing the existing tools for electric power market assessments (analysis and forecast), it has been found that the models that combined methods of end use analysis with

Greengrid Electric

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Argue, D.

1998-01-01

This presentation focused on what customers want from a competitive electricity market and what motivates customers to choose a renewable energy product and service. Greengrid Electric, a subsidiary of Enershare Technology Corp., intends to provide the green electricity that they believe customers have wanted for some time. Enershare and Greengrid have been active participants in the electricity restructuring process in Ontario, and have provided input to the Market Design Committee. Once licensed as a retailer, Greengrid intends to be the major provider of green electricity in Ontario. The company will supply a 100 per cent renewable energy product to their wholesale and retail customers. The company is confident that there is a significant niche market in Ontario for selling a green product that has a blend of wind, small hydro (run-of-river or existing dam), solar, and for energy produced from capturing methane gas from municipal landfill sites. Company officials are confident that customers will be willing to pay a premium price for energy if their purchases will lead to environmental improvement

2003/54/EC Directive - A new impetus for the development of competitive electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lungu, Ion; Manicu, Maria; Caraca, Lusine

2004-01-01

The political and economical transformation, followed by institutional changes occurring all over the world has led to the creation of new relationships in the electricity sector, a segment playing a vital role in the economical and social development of a country. Thus, the energy sector planning and the strict control of the state used as a means to ensure the energy security have been largely rejected. In most countries, the state has given up its price control practice on activities that were deemed competitive, subsidies have been significantly reduced or eliminated, and barriers hindering the energy trading have been eased or removed. The process of removing state intervention from the electricity markets is in full progress and is achieved through deep structural reforms covering two directions: privatisation of large state-owned companies, on one hand and, on the other hand, restructuring the industrial branches that are network-dependent. These branches are mainly restructured through separation of monopolistic activities from competitive activities, concurrently with the invalidation and/or amendment of the legislation referring to the granting of energy efficiency incentives in the sector. The paper addresses the following items: - Energy markets regulatory framework within EU; - Internal electricity market regulation in the context of the 2003/54 EC Directive; Romania engaged itself in this effort to restructuring its electricity sector. The process started in 1998 and aimed at ensuring the supply of electricity and heat under conditions of quality, fair prices and mitigated environmental impact

Calcium Alginate and Salt/Phosphate as Binding Agents in Restructured Lamb

OpenAIRE

Setyawardani, Triana; Raharjo, Sri; sudarmadji, purnama

2001-01-01

A study on  restructurization of lamb meat using several binding agents were conducted. Objectives of the study were evaluate  effectivity of Ca–alginate, salt and phosphate as binding agent and their effect on physical properties of the restructured meat stored at -20⁰C for up to 12 weeks. Three binding agents were added to the restructured products, which include NaCl 0.3 %/ NTPP 0.3 %; alginate 0.5 %/Ca-lactate 0.5%; NaCl 0.3 % / NTPP 0.5 %/alginate 0.5% and no binding agent as a control. ...

Gas fair and electricity : Speaker presentations of the 6. annual North American natural gas and electricity conference and trade fair

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1997-01-01

Future prospects of North American natural gas and electric utilities following deregulation, competition and restructuring have been the principal topics of the 22 papers presented at the 6. North American Natural Gas and Electricity Conference and Trade Fair. Progress in some of the major pipeline projects that will bring Canadian gas to US markets, other pipeline issues, energy financing and the impact of technology in this new era of competition also received attention. figs

Locational marginal prices with SVC in Indian electricity market

African Journals Online (AJOL)

user

In a deregulated environment, the number of bilateral transactions has grown rapidly. ... The impact of Static Var Compensator (SVC) devices have been ... The need for restructuring the electricity sector was felt in late 80s, firstly, due to limited ...

Co-evolution of electric and telecommunications networks

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rivkin, S.R.

1998-05-01

There are potentially significant societal benefits in co-evolution between electricity and telecommunications in the areas of common infrastructure, accelerated deployment of distributed energy, tighter integration of information flow for energy management and distribution, and improved customer care. With due regard for natural processes that are more potent than any regulation and more real than any ideology, the gains from co-evolution would far outweigh the attenuated and speculative savings from restructuring of electricity that is too simplistic.

De-regulated electric power markets and operating nuclear power plants: the case of British energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hewlett, James G.

2005-01-01

One issue addressed in almost all electric power restructuring/de-regulation plans in both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) was the recovery of operating nuclear power plant's spent fuel disposal costs and the expenditures to decommission the units when they are retired. Prior to restructuring, in theory at least, in both countries, electricity consumers were paying for the back end costs from operating nuclear power plants. Moreover, in virtually all cases in the US, states included special provisions to insure that consumers would continue to do so after power markets were de-regulated. When power markets in the UK were initially restructured/de-regulated and nuclear power privatized, the shareholders of British Energy (BE) were initially responsible for these costs. However, after electricity prices fell and BE collapsed, the British government shifted many of the costs to future taxpayers, as much as a century forward. If this was not done, the book value of BE's equity would have been about -3.5 billion pounds. That is, BE's liabilities would have been about -3.5 billion pounds greater than their assets. It is difficult to see how BE could remain viable under such circumstances

Financial methods in competitive electricity markets

Science.gov (United States)

Deng, Shijie

The restructuring of electric power industry has become a global trend. As reforms to the electricity supply industry spread rapidly across countries and states, many political and economical issues arise as a result of people debating over which approach to adopt in restructuring the vertically integrated electricity industry. This dissertation addresses issues of transmission pricing, electricity spot price modeling, as well as risk management and asset valuation in a competitive electricity industry. A major concern in the restructuring of the electricity industries is the design of a transmission pricing scheme that will ensure open-access to the transmission networks. I propose a priority-pricing scheme for zonal access to the electric power grid that is uniform across all buses in each zone. The Independent System Operator (ISO) charges bulk power traders a per unit ex ante transmission access fee based on the expected option value of the generated power with respect to the random zonal spot prices. The zonal access fee depends on the injection zone and a self-selected strike price determining the scheduling priority of the transaction. Inter zonal transactions are charged (or credited) with an additional ex post congestion fee that equals the zonal spot price difference. The unit access fee entitles a bulk power trader to either physical injection of one unit of energy or a compensation payment that equals to the difference between the realized zonal spot price and the selected strike price. The ISO manages congestion so as to minimize net compensation payments and thus, curtailment probabilities corresponding to a particular strike price may vary by bus. The rest of the dissertation deals with the issues of modeling electricity spot prices, pricing electricity financial instruments and the corresponding risk management applications. Modeling the spot prices of electricity is important for the market participants who need to understand the risk factors in

Restructuring of uranium industry in Romania

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Comsa, O; Meglea, C; Paraschiva, V.; Popescu, C.; Gheorghe, A.; Meglea, S.

2001-01-01

A project is described which aims at evaluation of uranium industry and assessment of the technical options for lowering production costs for uranium ore and, implicitly, for nuclear fuel. The main objective is defining the optimal technical and organisational solutions leading to a functional restructuring of this activity, as well as, to implementing modern techniques, technologies and procedures, and, at the same time to lowering the economical and environmental costs. This project is performed in co-operation with IAEA in the frame of TC-ROM/3/003, 'Restructuring the Uranium Mining Industry' project. The following results of carrying out this project are expected: refurbishment of processes and technological procedures, re-dimensioning uranium industry in accordance with the dimensions of nuclear power programme, reducing the environmental impact and lowering the uranium cost

Consumer cost effectiveness of CO2 mitigation policies in restructured electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moore, Jared; Apt, Jay

2014-01-01

We examine the cost of carbon dioxide mitigation to consumers in restructured USA markets under two policy instruments, a carbon price and a renewable portfolio standard (RPS). To estimate the effect of policies on market clearing prices, we constructed hourly economic dispatch models of the generators in PJM and in ERCOT. We find that the cost effectiveness of policies for consumers is strongly dependent on the price of natural gas and on the characteristics of the generators in the dispatch stack. If gas prices are low (∼$4/MMBTU), a technology-agnostic, rational consumer seeking to minimize costs would prefer a carbon price over an RPS in both regions. Expensive gas (∼$7/MMBTU) requires a high carbon price to induce fuel switching and this leads to wealth transfers from consumers to low carbon producers. The RPS may be more cost effective for consumers because the added energy supply lowers market clearing prices and reduces CO 2 emissions. We find that both policies have consequences in capacity markets and that the RPS can be more cost effective than a carbon price under certain circumstances: continued excess supply of capacity, retention of nuclear generators, and high natural gas prices. (letter)

Observations of ionospheric electric fields above atmospheric weather systems

Science.gov (United States)

Farrell, W. M.; Aggson, T. L.; Rodgers, E. B.; Hanson, W. B.

1994-01-01

We report on the observations of a number of quasi-dc electric field events associated with large-scale atmospheric weather formations. The observations were made by the electric field experiment onboard the San Marco D satellite, operational in an equatorial orbit from May to December 1988. Several theoretical studies suggest that electric fields generated by thunderstorms are present at high altitudes in the ionosphere. In spite of such favorable predictions, weather-related events are not often observed since they are relatively weak. We shall report here on a set of likely E field candidates for atmospheric-ionospheric causality, these being observed over the Indonesian Basin, northern South America, and the west coast of Africa; all known sites of atmospheric activity. As we shall demonstrate, individual events often be traced to specific active weather features. For example, a number of events were associated with spacecraft passages near Hurricane Joan in mid-October 1988. As a statistical set, the events appear to coincide with the most active regions of atmospheric weather.

Is the restructuring of Alberta's power market on the right track? Evaluating Alberta's first two years of deregulation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wellenius, K.; Adamson, S. [Tabors Caramanis and Associates, Cambridge, MA (United States)

2003-07-01

The performance of Alberta's restructured electricity market was evaluated since its move to wholesale competition in January 2001. This paper presents the following eight conclusions that the authors arrived at following the evaluation: (1) To meet growing demand, the electricity prices in Alberta would have increased regardless of the type of environment (regulated or not). Capacity investment was required, and it was believed that moving to competition was the best way to attract investors. (2) Success in attracting private investment was attained as a result of Alberta's open market. It has restored reliability of supply and moderated prices. (3) Price comparisons must take into account what the prices would have been if the market had remained regulated. Due to unique generation costs and regulatory environments, comparisons with other regulated jurisdictions is inappropriate. (4) Convergence with other energy rates that would have been seen under regulation is being noted with respect to Alberta's market prices. (5) Under deregulation, prices increase according to the need for new investment and fall after the investment is made. Alberta has been on a path toward continued reduction in wholesale prices since 2001. (6) The non-price benefits of restructuring include improved generation efficiency, captured residual value from regulated assets, and shifting investment risk of new capacity additions from consumers to generators. (7) Downward pressure on prices was noted as a result of deregulation, as expected. (8) Significant value for consumers was captured through Alberta's restructuring process. 7 tabs., 7 figs.

Clean Restructuring: Design Elements for Low Carbon Wholesale Markets and Beyond

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

None, None

2016-05-01

Countries around the world are in various stages of power system reform and restructuring to more effectively meet development goals and decarbonization commitments. Changes in social dynamics, technology, business models, and environmental goals are increasing pressure for countries to consider improvements to their power systems. This brochure overviews the 21st Century Power Partnerships thought leadership report that explores the clean restructuring pathway in depth, envisions an end state, and articulates three main areas of consideration for decision makers embarking on a clean restructuring process. The report also details case studies from Germany, Denmark, and Mexico.

Lexical restructuring in the absence of literacy.

Science.gov (United States)

Venturaa, Paulo; Kolinsky, Régine; Fernandesa, Sandra; Queridoa, Luís; Morais, José

2007-11-01

Vocabulary growth was suggested to prompt the implementation of increasingly finer-grained lexical representations of spoken words in children (e.g., [Metsala, J. L., & Walley, A. C. (1998). Spoken vocabulary growth and the segmental restructuring of lexical representations: precursors to phonemic awareness and early reading ability. In J. L. Metsala & L. C. Ehri (Eds.), Word recognition in beginning literacy (pp. 89-120). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.]). Although literacy was not explicitly mentioned in this lexical restructuring hypothesis, the process of learning to read and spell might also have a significant impact on the specification of lexical representations (e.g., [Carroll, J. M., & Snowling, M. J. (2001). The effects of global similarity between stimuli on children's judgments of rime and alliteration. Applied Psycholinguistics, 22, 327-342.]; [Goswami, U. (2000). Phonological representations, reading development and dyslexia: Towards a cross-linguistic theoretical framework. Dyslexia, 6, 133-151.]). This is what we checked in the present study. We manipulated word frequency and neighborhood density in a gating task (Experiment 1) and a word-identification-in-noise task (Experiment 2) presented to Portuguese literate and illiterate adults. Ex-illiterates were also tested in Experiment 2 in order to disentangle the effects of vocabulary size and literacy. There was an interaction between word frequency and neighborhood density, which was similar in the three groups. These did not differ even for the words that are supposed to undergo lexical restructuring the latest (low frequency words from sparse neighborhoods). Thus, segmental lexical representations seem to develop independently of literacy. While segmental restructuring is not affected by literacy, it constrains the development of phoneme awareness as shown by the fact that, in Experiment 3, neighborhood density modulated the phoneme deletion performance of both illiterates and ex-illiterates.

12 CFR 617.7415 - How does a qualified lender decide to restructure a loan?

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... restructure a loan? 617.7415 Section 617.7415 Banks and Banking FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION FARM CREDIT SYSTEM BORROWER RIGHTS Distressed Loan Restructuring; State Agricultural Loan Mediation Programs § 617.7415 How... the cost to the lender of restructuring the loan is equal to or less than the cost of foreclosure...

Industrial structure and privatisation of the Slovenian electricity industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hrovatin, N.

1999-01-01

The paper first analyses the existing structure of the Slovenian electricity industry and gives recommendations for its restructuring so as to conform to efficiency criteria and to comply with European Union provisions on the internal European electricity market. Then the paper outlines the necessity for privatisation and draws some conclusions on it such as determination of market values companies, the proportion for sale, privatisation methods and the general public's participation [it

Energy efficiency and energy service companies in restructured markets: international experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Limaye, Dilip R.

1999-01-01

There has been considerable recent activity related to restructuring of the energy supply industries. Restructuring usually involves introducing competition into some elements of the ESI (energy supply industries). In some countries the privatization of the government-owned utility businesses is another key element of industry restructuring. The introduction of competition and privatization in the energy market is likely to realign the roles of the industry players (generators, transmission businesses) distribution 'wires' businesses, and retail suppliers) relative to customers. A key challenge faced by policy-makers is to define the appropriate roles and activities of the public and private sector to assure that economically justifiable levels of sustainable energy services are offered in the marketplace. This paper reviews the mechanisms adopted to implement energy efficiency services in a number of countries that have restructured their energy markets, and develops a framework for assessing, comparing and discussing potential new mechanisms. The paper identifies two types of EE mechanisms. (The author)

Environmental protection implications of the electric power restructuring in Ghana

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Turkson, J.K. [UNEP Collaborating Centre on Energy and Environment, Roskilde (Denmark); Amadu, M.B. [Kumasi Inst. of Technology, Energy and Environment, Kumasi (Ghana)

1999-09-01

The electric utility industries in most African countries are confronted by the twin-problem of deficient capacity and lack of adequate financial resources to undertake capacity expansion of their respective systems. The critical aspects of power sector reform taking place in many countries are the shift away from state-owned monopoly model towards private sector participation and some competition in the industry. Hydropower plants dominate power system in most countries in the region. Ghana, which is the focus of this study, has such characteristics. The hydrology of the river on which the two dams (Akosombo and Kpong hydropower plants) are built is increasingly becoming uncertain, and besides, the power output from the two plants is insufficient to meet the increasing electricity demand of the country. The alternative is to build thermal power plants to complement the two hydropower plants. The purposes of the study are: (i) to assess the environmental (more specifically air pollution) implications of changing fuel mix in power generation in Ghana within the context of the ongoing reform of the power sector and (ii) to assess the capacity of the environment protection agencies to regulate, monitor and enforce regulations in the emerging electricity industry. The study uses a spreadsheet-based simulation model to determine the potential levels of certain air pollutants - CO{sub 2}, SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} - that would result from changes in fuel mix for electricity generation. Using different capacity expansion options proposed for The Volta River Authority (VRA) between 1997-2013, the levels of these air pollutants are estimated. The study further describes other potential environmental impacts of changes in fuel mix in power generation. (au)

Changes in patient safety culture after restructuring of intensive care units: Two cross-sectional studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Vifladt, Anne; Simonsen, Bjoerg O; Lydersen, Stian; Farup, Per G

2016-02-01

Compare changes in registered nurses' perception of the patient safety culture in restructured and not restructured intensive care units during a four-year period. Two cross-sectional surveys were performed, in 2008/2009 (time 1) and 2012/2013 (time 2). During a period of 0-3 years after time 1, three of six hospitals merged their general and medical intensive care units (restructured). The other hospitals maintained their structure of the intensive care units (not restructured). Intensive care units in hospitals at one Norwegian hospital trust. The safety culture was measured with Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. At times 1 and 2, 217/302 (72%) and 145/289 (50%) registered nurses participated. Restructuring was negatively associated with change in the safety culture, in particular, the dimensions of the safety culture within the unit level. The dimensions most vulnerable for restructuring were manager expectations and actions promoting safety, teamwork within hospital units and staffing. In this study, the restructuring of intensive care units was associated with a negative impact on the safety culture. When restructuring, the management should be particularly aware of changes in the safety culture dimensions manager expectations and actions promoting safety, teamwork within hospital units and staffing. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Implications and effectiveness of information management while restructuring an organisation

OpenAIRE

2008-01-01

This research paper undertakes to outline factors of Information Management that organisations should consider when attempting a restructuring process. Conversely, valuable information and knowledge are often mislaid, overlooked or discarded to the eventual detriment of an organisation during the processes of downsizing, rightsizing, restructuring, reorganisation, reengineering, transformation or change. In the global economy organisations are always striving to keep ahead of competition and ...

Automatic control design procedures for restructurable aircraft control

Science.gov (United States)

Looze, D. P.; Krolewski, S.; Weiss, J.; Barrett, N.; Eterno, J.

1985-01-01

A simple, reliable automatic redesign procedure for restructurable control is discussed. This procedure is based on Linear Quadratic (LQ) design methodologies. It employs a robust control system design for the unfailed aircraft to minimize the effects of failed surfaces and to extend the time available for restructuring the Flight Control System. The procedure uses the LQ design parameters for the unfailed system as a basis for choosing the design parameters of the failed system. This philosophy alloys the engineering trade-offs that were present in the nominal design to the inherited by the restructurable design. In particular, it alloys bandwidth limitations and performance trade-offs to be incorporated in the redesigned system. The procedure also has several other desirable features. It effectively redistributes authority among the available control effectors to maximize the system performance subject to actuator limitations and constraints. It provides a graceful performance degradation as the amount of control authority lessens. When given the parameters of the unfailed aircraft, the automatic redesign procedure reproduces the nominal control system design.

Services under siege--the restructuring imperative.

Science.gov (United States)

Roach, S S

1991-01-01

Recent job losses in the U.S. service sector do not reflect a temporary recession. Those jobs are gone, the result of a massive restructuring of the sector that is just getting under way. The explanation for the restructuring is quite simple. Until recently, services have been shielded by regulation and confronted by few foreign competitors. They have allowed their white-collar payrolls to become bloated, their investment in information technology to outstrip the paybacks, and their productivity to stagnate. Now competition is heating up and exposing these inefficiencies. Just as intense competition forced the restructuring of Smokestack America in the 1980s, deregulation and foreign direct investment are shaking out service companies that cannot confront their shortcomings. The need for sweeping change in the service sector may come as a great shock to Americans who saw services as the means to continued economic prosperity. But there is a painful irony at work: job creation, the very thing proponents use to demonstrate the U.S. service sector's strength, is in fact a symptom of the sector's chronic neglect of economic efficiency. It is precisely that neglect that makes the service sector vulnerable as the race for market share intensifies and new players shift the terms of competition. Services must respond to the new competitive environment, but not by indiscriminate cost cutting. Instead, they should balance financial discipline with a comprehensive and immediate reexamination of strategy.

Surface restructuring behavior of various types of poly(dimethylsiloxane) in water detected by SFG.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Chunyan; Wang, Jie; Chen, Zhan

2004-11-09

Surface structures of several different poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) materials, tetraethoxysilane-cured hydroxy-terminated PDMS (TEOS-PDMS), platinum-cured vinyl-terminated PDMS (Pt-PDMS), platinum-cured vinyl-terminated poly(diphenylsiloxane)-co-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDPS-co-PDMS), and PDMS-co-polystyrene (PDMS-co-PS) copolymer in air and water have been investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. The SFG spectra collected from all PDMS surfaces in both air and water are dominated by methyl group stretches, indicating that all the surfaces are mainly covered by methyl groups. Other than surface-dominating methyl groups, some -Si-CH2-CH2- moieties on the Pt-PDMS surface have also been detected in air, which are present at cross-linking points. Information about the average orientation angle and angle distribution of the methyl groups on the PDMS surface has been evaluated. Surface restructuring of the methyl groups has been observed for all PDMS surfaces in water. Upon contacting water, the methyl groups on all PDMS surfaces tilt more toward the surface. The detailed restructuring behaviors of several PDMS surfaces in water and the effects of molecular weight on restructuring behaviors have been investigated. For comparison, in addition to air and water, surface structures of PDMS materials mentioned above in a nonpolar solvent, FC-75, have also been studied. By comparing the different response of phenyl groups to water on both PDPS-co-PDMS and PS-co-PDMS surfaces, we have demonstrated how the restructuring behaviors of surface phenyl groups are affected by the structural flexibility of the molecular chains where they are attached.

Ontario electricity outlook : smaller reserve margins and higher prices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alexander, C.; Kalevar, P.

2002-01-01

Privatization of Hydro One has been delayed, but this will not postpone the scheduled launch of restructuring the electricity markets in Ontario on May 1, 2002. The main concern of Ontario consumers is whether they will undergo an energy crisis such as the one experienced in California. A report released in February 2002 stated that electricity bills will be higher under the new electricity regime. It appears that electricity supply reserve margins will be tighter than originally thought, raising price volatility in the summer and fall. The authors claim that the chance for an energy crisis are low because of the added generating capacity. However, regardless of whether consumers sign a fixed term price contract with retailers, it is likely that electricity bills will be higher in 2002 and 2003. The Independent Electricity Market Operator (IMO) is assuring the public that the power generation resources currently available are sufficient to meet expected demand. However, in June through July, it is possible that reserves will fall short. It is also evident that charges for distribution, transmission and other services will be higher under the restructured system. Electricity bills are likely to be about 5 to 15 per cent higher in 2003 than they were before March 1, 2002. Higher prices might not last indefinitely. Initially, they will be used to pay off the debt, but competition and opportunities for profit should allow for greater efficiencies and innovation in Ontario's electricity system and prices could potentially fall lower than pre-deregulation prices. 1 tab., 3 figs

Banking the Furnace: Restructuring of the Steel Industry in Eight Countries.

Science.gov (United States)

Bain, Trevor

A study examined how the cross-national differences in the social contract among managers, unions, and government influenced adjustment strategies in steel. The restructuring process in eight major steel-producing countries was studied to determine who bore the costs of restructuring--employers, employees, or government--and which industrial…

International company restructuring and the effects on high-skilled employees in lead companies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Nana Wesley

2016-01-01

insulated from international restructuring processes. However, effects on wage and working conditions vary dependent on the motivation for restructuring, and as companies learn to take advantage of pools of skilled employees abroad. Continued international restructuring appear to challenge the insulation......International company restructuring involving knowledge intensive jobs causes increasing concern about the effect on the globalization of high-skilled employees. Drawing on case studies in four Danish-based companies, this article argues that high-skilled employees in lead companies are rarely...... of high-skilled workers over time. Further, the article shows that knowledge intensive Companies increasingly apply relational global value chain governance with multidirectional consequences for wage and working conditions among the high-skilled employees....

A Restructuring of the CAV and FDI Package for the MIDAS Computer Code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, D. H.; Cho, S. W.

2006-01-01

As one of the processes for a localized severe accident analysis code, KAERI is developing a severe accident code MIDAS. The MIDAS code is being developed based on MELCOR. The existing data saving method of MELCOR uses pointer variables for a fix-sized storage management, and it deteriorates the readability, maintainability and portability of the code. As a most important process for a localized severe accident analysis code, it is needed convenient method for data handling. So, it has been used the new features in FORTRAN90 such as a dynamic allocation for the restructuring. The restructuring of the data saving and transferring method of the existing code makes it easy to understand the code. Before an entire restructuring of the code, a restructuring template for a simple package was developed and tested. The target for the restructuring in this paper was the CAV and FDI packages. The CAV(cavity) package is responsible for modeling the attack on the basement concrete by hot core materials. The FDI(Fuel Dispersal Interactions) package is responsible for modeling both low and high pressure molten fuel ejection from the RPV into the reactor cavity, control volumes and surfaces. The verification was done through comparing the results before and after the restructuring

Power Struggle: Changing Momentum in the Restructured American Electric Utility System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hirsh, Richard F.

2004-01-01

Since the 1970's, producing and distributing electricity were considered as a natural monopoly. They were subjected to state regulation meant to defend the consumers' interest but which in reality enhanced the power of utility managers. The changes that happened since questioned the managers' control over the system. Following the technological stasis that occurred in the production of electricity, the oil crisis, and the awakening of the environmental movement, the Government adopted the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act in 1978, favoring the coming of cogeneration technologies benefiting the small producers. Market economy tended to replace natural monopoly. Deregulation became a valuable option and was stimulated by the 1992 Energy Policy Act. However, the electrical crisis in California and the recent blackout over part of the continent slowed down the pace of the change

Empirical studies of regulatory restructuring and incentives

Science.gov (United States)

Knittel, Christopher Roland

This dissertation examines the actions of firms when faced with regulatory restructuring. Chapter I examines the equilibrium pricing behavior of local exchange telephone companies under a variety of market structures. In particular, the pricing behavior of three services are analyzed: residential local service, business local service, and intraLATA toll service. Beginning in 1984, a variety of market structure changes have taken place in the local telecommunications industry. I analyze differences in the method of price-setting regulation and the restrictions on entry. Specifically, the relative pricing behavior under rate of return and price cap regulation is analyzed, as well as the impact of entry in the local exchange and intraLATA toll service markets. In doing so, I estimate an empirical model that accounts for the stickiness of rates in regulated industries that is based on firm and regulator decision processes in the presence of adjustment costs. I find that, faced with competitive pressures that reduce rates in one service, incumbent firm rates increase in other services, thereby reducing the benefits from competition. In addition, the findings suggest that price cap regulation leads to higher rates relative to rate-of-return regulation. Chapter 2 analyzes the pricing and investment behavior of electricity firms. Electricity and natural gas markets have traditionally been serviced by one of two market structures. In some markets, electricity and natural gas are sold by a dual-product regulated monopolist, while in other markets, electricity and natural gas are sold by separate single-product regulated monopolies. This paper analyzes the relative pricing and investment decisions of electricity firms operating in the two market structures. The unique relationship between these two products imply that the relative incentives of single and dual-product firms are likely to differ. Namely electricity and natural gas are substitutes in consumption while natural

An Analysis of Policy Issues in Natural Gas Industry Restructuring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seo, J.K. [Korea Energy Economics Institute, Euiwang (Korea)

2001-12-01

This report explores controversial issues and problems that could emerge in the process of implementing the government's restructuring plan for natural gas industry and aims to suggest policy directions regarding the restructuring. To begin with, it examines current conditions surrounding natural gas industry including domestic demand and supply conditions, world LNG market trend, structural changes of the industry in OECD countries, possibilities of introducing effective competition and assignment of existing import contracts. In doing so, we probe whether the direction of the natural gas industry restructuring is proper and suggest that the results be reflected when a more detailed restructuring implementation plan is formulated. Also, this report suggests possible schemes related to major institutional changes expected by the basic restructuring plan and the detailed restructuring implementation plan announced by the government. First, it presents several alternative ways to properly divide up the import/wholesales section of Korea Gas Corporation. Second, it examines critical issues such as the method of using gas supply facilities and gas balancing mechanism, and presents adoptable alternatives for each issue. These issues constitute the core of network and market operation rules which need to be in place when adopting an open access system, which in turn is a prerequisite for sales competition. Third, the report examines price systems, including gas commodity pricing and rate-making design for transportation service, by first anticipating the direction of changes in gas rate regulation. Specifically, it presents possible ways to design the service rate for each function of pipeline network and import terminals, and discusses controversial issues in determining total cost-of-service and allocating the cost-of-service to each functional service offered such as distance-related rates, interruptible service rate. Lastly, in relation to the opening of retail

Electric deregulation in Canada

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Way, R.W.

1996-01-01

An outline of the electric power deregulation activities across Canada, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, was presented. A central element of the restructuring is creation of a power pool which acts as an open spot market, and a transmission administrator that provides access to the generators, distribution companies, importers and exporters. Load forecasts, average daily load profile and hourly pool prices for TransAlta Corporation were presented as an example. 22 figs

Restructuring and generation of electrical energy in the Iberian Peninsula

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dominguez, E. Fernandez; Bernat, J. Xiberta

2007-01-01

Portugal and Spain are on the threshold of the creation of an Iberian electricity market. In order to help its development, the power of the electric interconnection between the countries has been increased and market mechanisms designed to resolve congestion, should it arise. A system of joint supply for the Iberian Peninsula will lead to single price for the whole area except at times when the interconnection is saturated, in which case prices will be somewhat higher in the importing zone. In the medium term, the hope is that both systems will have very similar generating equipment and that their variable costs will equalize due to the substitution of the most obsolete equipment with combined cycle power stations, and to the increase of exchange capacity. The coming into effect of this market will bring about improvements in the security and efficiency of supply in both countries. There will also be some obstacles to overcome, such as, for example, the current regulatory frame deficiencies on power generation, the contacts which exist at present in Portugal between the producers and the National Electricity Network, the asymmetry of the distribution channels in each country, the differences in rates and the limited capacity for exchange. (author)

Crisis in the Restructuring of China's Vocational Education System, 1980-2010

Science.gov (United States)

Luo, Yan

2013-01-01

This article examines the origins of China's vocational education system and the restructuring of the system since 1980, finding that this thirty-year systemic restructuring was based on a framework of instrumental rationalism, but did not connect effectively with the building of a modern enterprise system. During this critical period in upgrading…

Understanding the Experiences of Relocatees During Forced Relocation in Chinese Urban Restructuring

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Li, X.; van Ham, M.; Kleinhans, R.J.

Despite the massive forced relocation of residents during urban restructuring in China, there are no systematic studies on how residents undergo the process. Most studies concerning urban restructuring in China directly equate forced relocation with displacement, which has a negative connotation.

Europe-United States: two diverging evolutions of electricity restructuring? a prospective study on the functioning and the regulation of electrical markets on both sides of the Atlantic; Europe - Etats-Unis: des divergences electriques assumees? une perspective sur le fonctionnement et la regulation des marches electriques de part et d'autre de l'Atlantique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Derdevet, M.; Veyrenc, Th. [Institut d' Etudes Politiques de Paris, 75 (France)

2008-01-15

On both sides of the Atlantic, the same broad purpose was at the heart of electricity restructuring policies: substituting competition to the monopolistic organisation as a means of increased efficiency, and transforming sets of local markets into large continental-wide integrated markets. The current diversity between European and American systems is thus intriguing. The relative homogeneity of electrical systems in the old continent, which is being reinforced by the gradual though delicate elaboration of shared principles on the general organisation of the electricity industry at the European level, compares to a genuine diversity on the American side, where each State remains responsible for conducting its own restructuring policy, even if similar rules on wholesale markets are acknowledged and implemented at a federal level. Yet Europe and the United States face the same kind of issues regarding the future of the energy industry: which status for grid operators, how to respond to growing concerns on security of supply, what to do to mitigate the sharp increase in energy prices? Evidence thereof are the similar attempts by some States to retain direct price control methods, rather than to bank on the virtues of competition to prompt investments in generation and lead prices to drop. It currently appears that the answers to these shared challenges are not converging. On behalf of a comparatively strong freedom of action relatively to the initial competitive paradigm, the array of polio/ responses available in the United States seems broader than in Europe, where the approach recommended by the European Commission consists of further deepening the initial model without altering it. The future will show whether that trend is lasting, or if two structurally different models can emerge from such differences. (authors)

Empirical Correlates and Expanded Interpretation of the MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scale 3 (Cynicism)

Science.gov (United States)

Ingram, Paul B.; Kelso, Kristy M.; McCord, David M.

2011-01-01

The recent release of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) has received much attention from the clinical psychology community. Particular concerns have focused on Restructured Clinical Scale 3 (RC3; Cynicism). This article briefly reviews the major criticisms and responses regarding the restructuring of…

THE RESTRUCTURING OF ROMANIAN POWER SECTOR AT THE CROSSROADS: COMPETITIVE MARKETS OR NEO-COLBERTISM?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oana Diaconu

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Despite efforts made by European Commission to liberalize electricity markets and foster integration, there are still significant barriers to free competition. Until now, Romania was one of the countries that have been compliant to the European Union’s electricity directives, being ahead of several older member states in this area. However, reforms have not started to pay out, suggesting that the model of combining state-owned non-competing generators with private/privatized distributors and suppliers may not be the best model of market deregulation. As a result, Romanian authorities have started to talk about plans to restructure the sector, by re-consolidating the unbundled generation companies and the state-owned distribution companies into one national energy company, aiming to create a national champion, competitive on the regional markets. However, these proposals are based on questionable economics and their adoption will have negative effects on market competition and, thus, on consumers.

Social Effects of Organisational Restructuring on Employee ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

First Lady

turn affects workforce loyalty, productivity and morale either positively or negatively ... (CEC, 2008; Brand and Wilson, 2000; Luthan and Sommer, 1999; and .... The review of literature presented an overview of organisational restructuring.

Global restructuring - A place for ecology?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

de Bruijn, Theo; Groenewegen, Peter; Grolin, Jesper

1997-01-01

This introductory article summarizes the discussions and results of the Fifth Annual Greening of Industry Conference, Global RestructuringÐA Place for Ecology?, held in Heidelberg, Germany, November 25-27, 1997. The Greening of Industry Network is concerned with the transition of industry towards

Redefining the Principalship in Restructuring Schools.

Science.gov (United States)

Murphy, Joseph

1994-01-01

Principals in restructuring schools are working in an increasingly turbulent policy environment that adds expectations but deletes little from their traditional roles. Two tasks form the basis of newly defined power relationships--delegating responsibilities and developing collaborative decision-making processes. Leading from the center means…

Future conditions for integration of the Baltic Electricity Supply System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

The economies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania developed in close association with the north-west region of the former Soviet Union. This is especially true for energy supply systems and electricity generation and transmission; the Baltic States depend on Russia for much of their primary energy needs, and export power to Russia and Belarus. In restructuring their electricity industries, the Baltic States hope to establish closer relationships and trade with Western Europe. The initial focus has been on changes to the legislative framework, industry restructuring and the establishment of new regulatory institutions. Vertically integrated utilities are in the process of being broken up into a number of separate generation, transmission and distribution companies. This restructuring is a prelude to privatisation. The states aim to establish a common power market among themselves, and hope to integrate this market with neighbouring (Nordic and European) markets. Despite the target set by the Baltic authorities of a common market by 2001, there is little clarity, as yet, on the framework and guidelines for the structure and functioning of the market. This process is supported by other players in the region, and the EU has recently prioritised closer co-operation and harmonisation of power networks in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish National Energy Administration has identified cooperation on energy and environmental issues in the Baltic Sea region as one of its priorities. Consequently, the Administration commissioned ECON to analyse the conditions for closer linkages between the Baltic and Nordic electricity systems. This report presents the findings of this analysis

Future conditions for integration of the Baltic Electricity Supply System

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-07-01

The economies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania developed in close association with the north-west region of the former Soviet Union. This is especially true for energy supply systems and electricity generation and transmission; the Baltic States depend on Russia for much of their primary energy needs, and export power to Russia and Belarus. In restructuring their electricity industries, the Baltic States hope to establish closer relationships and trade with Western Europe. The initial focus has been on changes to the legislative framework, industry restructuring and the establishment of new regulatory institutions. Vertically integrated utilities are in the process of being broken up into a number of separate generation, transmission and distribution companies. This restructuring is a prelude to privatisation. The states aim to establish a common power market among themselves, and hope to integrate this market with neighbouring (Nordic and European) markets. Despite the target set by the Baltic authorities of a common market by 2001, there is little clarity, as yet, on the framework and guidelines for the structure and functioning of the market. This process is supported by other players in the region, and the EU has recently prioritised closer co-operation and harmonisation of power networks in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish National Energy Administration has identified cooperation on energy and environmental issues in the Baltic Sea region as one of its priorities. Consequently, the Administration commissioned ECON to analyse the conditions for closer linkages between the Baltic and Nordic electricity systems. This report presents the findings of this analysis.

THE ORGANIZATIONAL-ECONOMIC MECHANISM OF RESTRUCTURING OF THE MARKET OF MINERAL OIL IN REGION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

V.I. Efimenkov

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Restructuring, in opinion of the experts, one of the basic ways of steady development of managing subjects in modern conditions. In clause strategy of organizational-economic restructuring of the regional market of mineral oil is considered. Concrete actions of complex restructuring of the market of mineral oil in region and the mechanism of management are resulted by reorganization of the given market.

Specification of merger gains in the Norwegian electricity distribution industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saastamoinen, Antti; Bjørndal, Endre; Bjørndal, Mette

2017-01-01

Electricity distribution often exhibits economies of scale. In Norway, a number of smaller distribution system operators exist and thus there is potential to restructure the industry, possibly through mergers. However, the revenue cap regulatory model in Norway does not incentivize firms to merge as merging leads to a stricter revenue cap for the merged company. Thus the regulator compensates the firms in order to create such incentives. The amount of compensation is based on the potential gains of the merger estimated using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) based frontier approach introduced by Bogetoft and Wang (2005). DEA is however only one of many possible frontier estimators that can be used in estimation. Furthermore, the returns to scale assumption, the operating environment of firms and the presence of stochastic noise and outlier observations are all known to affect to the estimation of production technology. In this paper we explore how varying assumptions under two alternative frontier estimators shape the distribution of merger gains within the Norwegian distribution industry. Our results reveal that the restructuring policies of the industry may be significantly altered depending how potential gains from the mergers are estimated. - Highlights: • The merger gains of Norwegian electricity distribution firm are investigated. • Different estimators and model specifications are applied. • Results show that the gains are significantly affected by the model choice. • Incentives to merge may be shaped through the estimation of gains.

The prerequisites for effective competition in restructured wholesale electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haas, R.; Auer, H.

2006-01-01

This paper argues that effective competition in reformed wholesale electricity markets can only be achieved if the following six prerequisites are met: (1) separation of the grid from generation and supply; (2) wholesale price deregulation; (3) sufficient transmission capacity for a competitive market and non-discriminating grid access; (4) excess generation capacity developed by a large number of competing generators; (5) an equilibrium relationship between short-term spot markets and the long-term financial instruments that marketers use to manage spot-market price volatility; (6) an essentially hands-off government policy that encompasses reduced oversight and privatization. The absence of any one of the first five conditions may result in an oligopoly or monopoly market whose economic performance does not meet the efficiency standards of a competently managed regulated electrical utility. (author)

Public policy analysis of energy efficiency and load management in changing electricity businesses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vine, Edward; Hamrin, Jan; Eyre, Nick; Crossley, David; Maloney, Michelle; Watt, Greg

2003-01-01

The focus of this paper is (1) the potential effectiveness of the reform of the electricity industry on promoting energy efficiency and load management, and (2) the potential effectiveness of new mechanisms for promoting energy efficiency and load management. Many countries are initiating reforms of their power sectors to stimulate private investment, increase operation and management efficiencies, and lower the cost of power. These countries are unbundling vertically integrated utilities into distinct generation, transmission, distribution and retail supply companies; introducing commercial management principles to government-owned monopolies; and in many cases transferring operation or ownership to private companies. Electric industry restructuring may force regulators and policy makers to re-examine existing mechanisms for promoting load management and energy efficiency. In some cases, electric industry restructuring replaces the long-standing relationship between a single monopoly provider and protected customer franchise with a new set of relationships among retail electricity suppliers and customers who may now be free to choose suppliers. In these types of situations, markets, not government regulators and utility monopolies, are seen as determining future energy production and consumption decisions. However, it is uncertain whether this type of restructuring will overcome important market barriers to energy efficiency that limit markets for energy-efficient products and services from functioning effectively. As a result of these barriers, a large, untapped potential for cost-effective energy-efficiency investments exists. Supporters of public policies argue that energy-efficiency programs are an appropriate government strategy to capture economic efficiencies that the market cannot secure unassisted

Public policy analysis of energy efficiency and load management in changing electricity business

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vine, E. [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (United States). Energy Analysis Dept.; Hamrin, J. [Centre for Resource Solutions (United States); Eyre, N. [Energy Savings Trust (United Kingdom); Crossley, D.; Maloney, M.; Watt, G. [Energy Futures Australia Pty Ltd (Australia)

2003-04-01

The focus of this paper is (1) the potential effectiveness of the reform of the electricity industry on promoting energy efficiency and load management, and (2) the potential effectiveness of new mechanisms for promoting energy efficiency and load management. Many countries are initiating reforms of their power sectors to stimulate private investment, increase operation and management efficiencies, and lower the cost of power. These countries are unbundling vertically integrated utilities into distinct generation, transmission, distribution and retail supply companies; introducing commercial management principles to government-owned monopolies; and in many cases transferring operation or ownership to private companies. Electric industry restructuring may force regulators and policy makers to re-examine existing mechanisms for promoting load management and energy efficiency. In some cases, electric industry restructuring replaces the long-standing relationship between a single monopoly provider and protected customer franchise with a new set of relationships among retail electricity suppliers and customers who may now be free to choose suppliers. In these types of situations, markets, not government regulators and utility monopolies, are seen as determining future energy production and consumption decisions. However, it is uncertain whether this type of restructuring will overcome important market barriers to energy efficiency that limit markets for energy-efficient products and services from functioning effectively. As a result of these barriers, a large, untapped potential for cost-effective energy-efficiency investments exists. Supporters of public policies argue that energy-efficiency programs are an appropriate government strategy to capture economic efficiencies that the market cannot secure unassisted. (author)

Public policy analysis of energy efficiency and load management in changing electricity businesses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vine, Edward; Hamrin, Jan; Eyre, Nick; Crossley, David; Maloney, Michelle; Watt, Greg

2003-04-01

The focus of this paper is (1) the potential effectiveness of the reform of the electricity industry on promoting energy efficiency and load management, and (2) the potential effectiveness of new mechanisms for promoting energy efficiency and load management. Many countries are initiating reforms of their power sectors to stimulate private investment, increase operation and management efficiencies, and lower the cost of power. These countries are unbundling vertically integrated utilities into distinct generation, transmission, distribution and retail supply companies; introducing commercial management principles to government-owned monopolies; and in many cases transferring operation or ownership to private companies. Electric industry restructuring may force regulators and policy makers to re-examine existing mechanisms for promoting load management and energy efficiency. In some cases, electric industry restructuring replaces the long-standing relationship between a single monopoly provider and protected customer franchise with a new set of relationships among retail electricity suppliers and customers who may now be free to choose suppliers. In these types of situations, markets, not government regulators and utility monopolies, are seen as determining future energy production and consumption decisions. However, it is uncertain whether this type of restructuring will overcome important market barriers to energy efficiency that limit markets for energy-efficient products and services from functioning effectively. As a result of these barriers, a large, untapped potential for cost-effective energy-efficiency investments exists. Supporters of public policies argue that energy-efficiency programs are an appropriate government strategy to capture economic efficiencies that the market cannot secure unassisted.

Effectiveness of cognitive restructuring technique to reduce academic pracrastination of vocational high school students

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wahyu Nanda Eka Saputra

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Academic procrastination is a serious problem among student. Academic procrastination refers to delaying in doing assignments and preparing for examinations until the last period of examination time and submission date of assignments. To solve this problem we could use cognitive restructuring technique. The purposes of this research are to gain the description of academic procrastination decrease by implementing the cognitive restructuring technique. This research used a single subject research as the research design. The type of the single subject research which used in this research is multiple baselines. The result of this research shows that academic procrastination had significant decrease by implementation the cognitive restructuring technique. This research gives advice for two parts. First, it will be better if counselor implement the cognitive restructuring technique to decreasing academic procrastination. Second, it will be better if stakeholder of school gives support to counselor for implementation the cognitive restructuring technique to decrease academic procrastination.

A 1ST Step Integration of the Restructured MELCOR for the MIDAS Computer Code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, D. H.; Cho, S. W.

2006-01-01

KAERI is developing a localized severe accident code, MIDAS, based on MELCOR. MELCOR uses pointer variables for a fixed-size storage management to save the data. It passes data through two depths, its meaning is not understandable by variable itself. So it is needed to understand the methods for data passing. This method deteriorates the readability, maintainability and portability of the code. As a most important process for a localized severe accident analysis code, it is needed convenient method for data handling. So, it has been used the new features in FORTRAN90 such as a dynamic allocation for the restructuring. The restructuring of the data saving and transferring method of the existing code makes it easy to understand the code. Before an entire restructuring of the code, a restructuring for each package was developed and tested. And then integration of each restructured package was being processed one by one. In this paper, the integrating scope includes the BUR, CF, CVH, DCH, EDF, ESF, MP, SPR, TF and TP packages. As most of them use data within each package and a few packages share data with other packages. The verification was done through comparing the results before and after the restructuring

Electric restructuring and consumer choice: lessons from other network industries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Crandall, R. W.

1999-01-01

The advantages of the U.S. model of private markets with limited regulation as the best alternative for delivering goods and services to consumers are discussed by citing examples from deregulated industries such as transportation, primary energy and financial markets. In all these cases deregulation has been extraordinarily successful. Experiences from these industries are examined in an effort to extract lessons that might be useful in predicting the likely evolution of competition in the electricity and telecommunications industries. A warning is sounded that deregulating these industries without opening access to the infrastructure (which is owned by carriers) could create major problems of natural-monopoly exploitation by the incumbents that would negate any productive and allocative efficiency gains conferred by deregulation. One obvious choice for liberalizing a network industry with natural-monopoly infrastructure is simply to separate the infrastructure from the delivery of the service as was done with railroads in the United Kingdom. A similar, but less far-reaching example might be the solution devised for natural gas pipelines in the U.S. where pipeline owners opened their infrastructure to competitors, albeit at regulated rates. In the electricity industry, separating power generation from transmission and distribution appears to be fairly simple, provided access to transmission and distribution network is granted. In the telecommunication industry where there is no generation, the natural monopoly may be in the local distribution of traffic to subscribers, hence separation of local distribution from national or regional distribution is the normal way to open up the market to new service providers. Experiences in the U. S., the U. K., Canada and New Zealand in electricity and telecommunications industry deregulation are examined and various pitfalls in current approaches are pointed out. It is the author's contention that announcing a date for the end

NEDO report (April, 1995). Restructuring California's electric services industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1995-04-01

Recognizing nationwide changes in the electric utilities industry, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). The purpose is to foster competition and a basis on market mechanisms as the preferred means to develop and deliver energy services. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hoped to better understand this change while emphasizing efforts to maintain safe, reliable, and reasonably priced electric service. According to the report in February, 1993, CPUC was considering reform of its regulatory program in view of technological change, competitive pressures and emerging market forces. Further, new electric service providers have entered the industry, intensifying competition and producing the opportunity and pressure for consumer choice. Consequently, CPUC are asking the industry to adopt strategic measures to deal with the regulation such as reduced costs and development of efficient innovative services. Hearings have been repeated for the revision of the law; however, the confusion will continue for the time being. Some kind of revision will be concluded within 1995; however, no deregulation will be implemented for the power industry probably until 1996. (NEDO)

A framework for establishing the technical efficiency of Electricity Distribution Counties (EDCs) using Data Envelopment Analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mullarkey, Shane; Caulfield, Brian; McCormack, Sarah; Basu, Biswajit

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Six models are employed to establish the technical efficiency of Electricity Distribution Counties. • A diagnostic parameter is incorporated to account for differences across Electricity Distribution Counties. • The amalgamation of Electricity Distribution Counties leads to improved efficiency in the production of energy. - Abstract: European Energy market liberalization has entailed the restructuring of electricity power markets through the unbundling of electricity generation, transmission and distribution, supply activities and introducing competition into electricity generation. Under these new electricity market regimes, it is important to have an evaluation tool that is capable of examining the impacts of these market changes. The adoption of Data Envelopment Analysis as a form of benchmarking for electricity distribution regulation is one method to conduct this analysis. This paper applies a Data Envelopment Analysis framework to the electricity distribution network in Ireland to explore the merits of using this approach, to determine the technical efficiency and the potential scope for efficiency improvements through reorganizing and the amalgamation of the distribution network in Ireland. The results presented show that overall grid efficiency is improved through this restructuring. A diagnostic parameter is defined and pursued to account for aberrations across Electricity Distribution Counties as opposed to the traditionally employed environmental variables. The adoption of this diagnostic parameter leads to a more intuitive understanding of Electricity Distribution Counties

Cognitive restructuring of gambling-related thoughts: A systematic review.

Science.gov (United States)

Chrétien, Maxime; Giroux, Isabelle; Goulet, Annie; Jacques, Christian; Bouchard, Stéphane

2017-12-01

Gamblers' thoughts have a fundamental influence on their gambling problem. Cognitive restructuring is the intervention of choice to correct those thoughts. However, certain difficulties are noted in the application of cognitive restructuring techniques and the comprehension of their guidelines. Furthermore, the increase of skill game players (e.g. poker) entering treatment creates a challenge for therapists, as these gamblers present with different thoughts than those of the gamblers usually encountered in treatment (e.g. chance-only games like electronic gambling machines). This systematic review aims to describe how cognitive restructuring is carried out with gamblers based on the evidence available in empirical studies that include cognitive interventions for gambling. Of the 2607 studies collected, 39 were retained. The results highlight exposure as the most frequently used technique to facilitate identification of gambling-related thoughts (imaginal=28.2%; in vivo=10.3%). More than half of the studies (69.2%) clearly reported therapeutic techniques aimed to correct gamblers' thoughts, of which 37% involved visual support to challenge those thoughts (e.g. ABC log). Of the 39 studies retained, 48.7% included skill game players (i.e., poker, blackjack, sports betting) in their sample. However, none of these studies mentioned whether cognitive restructuring had been adapted for these gamblers. Several terms referring to gamblers' thoughts were used interchangeably (e.g. erroneous, dysfunctional or inadequate thoughts), although each of these terms could refer to specific content. Clinical implications of the results are discussed with regard to the needs of therapists. This review also suggests recommendations for future research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implications of electric power sector restructuring on climate change mitigation in Argentina

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hasson, G; Bouille, D [Instituto de Economia Energetica, (Argentina); Redlinger, R [UNEP, (Denmark)

2000-05-01

The Argentine electricity industry has undergone fundamental reforms since 1992, involving large-scale privatisation, and competition in generation and wholesale power markets. In terms of climate change mitigation, these reforms have had the beneficial effect of encouraging improved generation efficiency among thermal power plants and improved end-use consumption efficiency among large industrial firms. However, the reforms have also had the negative effect (from a climate change perspective) of encouraging an ever-increasing use of natural gas combustion for electricity generation, greatly diminishing the role of hydroelectric power which had previously played an important role in the Agentine electricity sector. This report examines the current structure and regulations of the Argentine electricity system and analyses the forces at work which are influencing current technology choices, both in terms of power generation and end-use consumption. The report goes on to examine international experiences in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies; and finally, the report considers the applicability of these various policy mechanisms within the Agentine context. (EHS)

COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING: ALTERNATIVE COUNSELING TECHNIQUES TO REDUCTION ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Annisa Sofiana

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Procrastination is often experienced by almost everyone, including students who often delay to resolve any responsibility in the academic process that would decrease the individual academic achievement. cognitive restructuring is one of the cognitive techniques used in counseling in addition to cognitive behavioral techniques (behavioral and didaktif techniques. This technique has several procedures by focusing on identifying an effort and changing dysfunctional thoughts or negative self-statements into a new belief that is more rational and adaptive, which will affect more rational behavior anyway. Cognitive restructuring techniques assessed to be an alternative counseling techniques in reducing academic procrastination.

Effect of Oyster Shell Calcium Powder on the Quality of Restructured Pork Ham.

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, Jung-Seok; Lee, Hyun-Jin; Jin, Sang-Keun; Lee, Hyun-Joo; Choi, Yang-Il

2014-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oyster shell calcium powder (OSCP) as a substitute for phosphates in curing agent, on the quality of restructured pork ham. Restructured pork ham was processed under six treatment conditions: T1 (no additives), T2 (0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate), T3 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein), T4 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein+0.15% OSCP), T5 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein+0.3% OSCP), and T6 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein+0.5% OSCP). Addition of OSCP significantly increased the ash content and pH of restructured pork ham (pham. Addition of OSCP had no effect on Hunter a and b surface color values of restructured pork ham, but did decrease the Hunter L surface color value (pham, compared with the addition of phosphates (pham.

Estimating potential stranded commitments for U.S. investor-owned electric utilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baxter, L.; Hirst, E.

1995-01-01

New technologies, low natural gas prices, and federal and state utility regions are restructuring the electricity industry. Yesterday's vertically integrated utility with a retail monopoly franchise may be a very different organization in a few years. Conferences, regulatory-commission hearings, and other industry fora are dominated by debates over the extent and form of utility deintegration, wholesale competition, and retail wheeling. A key obstacle to restructuring the electricity industry is stranded commitments. Past investments, power-purchase contracts, and public-policy-driven programs that made sense in an era of cost-of-service regulation may not be cost-effective in a competitive power market. Regulators, utilities, and other parties face tough decisions concerning the mitigation and allocation of these stranded commitments. The authors developed and applied a simple method to calculate the amount of stranded commitments facing US investor-owned electric utilities. The results obtained with this method depend strongly on a few key assumptions: (1) the fraction of utility sales that is at risk with respect to competition, (2) the market price of electric generation, and (3) the number of years during which the utility would lose money because of differences between its embedded cost of production and the market price

Forecasting prices and price volatility in the Nordic electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

We develop a stochastic model for long term price forecasting in a competitive electricity market environment. It is demonstrated both theoretically and through model simulations that non-stochastic models may give biased forecasts both with respect to price level and volatility. In the paper, the model concept is applied on the restructured Nordic electricity market. It is specially in peak load hours that a stochastic model formulation provides significantly different results than an expected value model. (author)

On Restructurable Control System Theory

Science.gov (United States)

Athans, M.

1983-01-01

The state of stochastic system and control theory as it impacts restructurable control issues is addressed. The multivariable characteristics of the control problem are addressed. The failure detection/identification problem is discussed as a multi-hypothesis testing problem. Control strategy reconfiguration, static multivariable controls, static failure hypothesis testing, dynamic multivariable controls, fault-tolerant control theory, dynamic hypothesis testing, generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) methods, and adaptive control are discussed.

The Effects of Rent Restructuring on Social Housing in English Rural Areas

Science.gov (United States)

Walker, Bruce

2004-01-01

This paper discusses the impact of central government's rent restructuring policy on social housing in rural areas in England. It examines the effect that restructuring will have on the rents set by social landlords in a set of case study areas then considers some of the likely impacts on affordability and on new investment in rural social…

MMS Multipoint Electric Field Observations of Small-Scale Magnetic Holes

Science.gov (United States)

Goodrich, Katherine A.; Ergun, Robert E.; Wilder, Frederick; Burch, James; Torbert, Roy; Khotyaintsev, Yuri; Lindqvist, Per-Arne; Russell, Christopher; Strangeway, Robert; Magnus, Werner

2016-01-01

Small-scale magnetic holes (MHs), local depletions in magnetic field strength, have been observed multiple times in the Earths magnetosphere in the bursty bulk flow (BBF) braking region. This particular subset of MHs has observed scale sizes perpendicular to the background magnetic field (B) less than the ambient ion Larmor radius (p(sib i)). Previous observations by Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) indicate that this subset of MHs can be supported by a current driven by the E x B drift of electrons. Ions do not participate in the E x B drift due to the small-scale size of the electric field. While in the BBF braking region, during its commissioning phase, the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft observed a small-scale MH. The electric field observations taken during this event suggest the presence of electron currents perpendicular to the magnetic field. These observations also suggest that these currents can evolve to smaller spatial scales.

Restructure Staff Development for Systemic Change

Science.gov (United States)

Kelly, Thomas F.

2012-01-01

This paper presents a systems approach based on the work of W. Edwards Deming to system wide, high impact staff development. Deming has pointed out the significance of structure in systems. By restructuring the process of staff development we can bring about cost effective improvement of the whole system. We can improve student achievement while…

Failing electricity markets: should we shoot the pools?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Green, Richard

2003-01-01

This paper discusses the electricity reforms in California and in England and Wales. In both cases, a centralised spot market played a major role, and both markets have now been abolished. This paper argues that their disappearance is not evidence that future electricity restructuring should avoid the use of spot markets. Instead, the problems in England and Wales were largely due to market power. In California, problems arising from market power and a tightening demand-supply balance were turned into a disaster because the spot market had not been backed up by hedging contracts. (Author)

Diversity of fuel sources for electricity generation in an evolving U.S. power sector

Science.gov (United States)

DiLuccia, Janelle G.

Policymakers increasingly have shown interest in options to boost the relative share of renewable or clean electricity generating sources in order to reduce negative environmental externalities from fossil fuels, guard against possible resource constraints, and capture economic advantages from developing new technologies and industries. Electric utilities and non-utility generators make decisions regarding their generation mix based on a number of different factors that may or may not align with societal goals. This paper examines the makeup of the electric power sector to determine how the type of generator and the presence (or lack) of competition in electricity markets at the state level may relate to the types of fuel sources used for generation. Using state-level electricity generation data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration from 1990 through 2010, this paper employs state and time fixed-effects regression modeling to attempt to isolate the impacts of state-level restructuring policies and the emergence of non-utility generators on states' generation from coal, from fossil fuel and from renewable sources. While the analysis has significant limitations, I do find that state-level electricity restructuring has a small but significant association with lowering electricity generation from coal specifically and fossil fuels more generally. Further research into the relationship between competition and fuel sources would aid policymakers considering legislative options to influence the generation mix.

Electric utilities deregulation and its impact on nuclear power generating stations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trehan, N.K.

1998-01-01

Under restructuring and deregulation, it is not clear as to who would have the responsibility, and what obligations the market participants would have to ensure that the electrical system reliability (stability) is maintained. Due to the dynamic nature of the electrical grid, especially with the implementation of restructuring and deregulation, vulnerabilities exist which may impact the reliability (stability) of the offsite electrical power system. In a nuclear power generating unit, an offsite electric power system and an onsite electric power system are required to permit the functioning of structures, systems, and components which are important to safety. The safety function for each system is to provide sufficient capacity and capability to assure that the containment integrity is maintained during power operation or in the event of a postulated accident. Analyses performed by the applicants must verify that the electrical grid remains stable in the event of a loss of the nuclear unit generator, the largest other unit on the grid or the most critical transmission line. The stability of the electric grid is assumed in the safety analyses and a change in it would impact those analyses. However, it may impact the availability of a stable electric power to the safety buses because of the limited number of available transmission lines. This paper discusses electrical power generation and demand, reserve margins, power transfer capability, development of new innovative technologies to compensate for lack of the construction of transmission lines, legislation for the formulation of a self regulation organization (SRO), grid disturbances that may lead to a voltage collapse, and the vulnerabilities which may impact the availability of a stable power to the nuclear power generating stations

A restructuring of the CF/EDF packages for the MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S.H.; Kim, K.R.; Kim, D.H.

2004-01-01

The CF and EDF packages, which allow the user to define the functions of variables in a database and the usage of an external data file, have been restructured for the MIDAS computer code. MIDAS is being developed as an integrated severe accident analysis code with a user-friendly graphical user interface and a modernized data structure. To restructure the code, the data transferring methods of the current MELCOR code are modified and then partially adopted into the CF/EDF packages. The data structure of the current MELCOR code using FORTRAN77 has a difficulty in grasping the meaning of the variables as pointers are used to define their addresses. New features of FORTRAN90 make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type without pointers leading to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code. Restructuring of the CF/EDF packages addressed in this paper includes a module development and subroutine modification. The verification has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those of the existing code and the trends are almost the same to each other. Therefore the similar approach could be extended to the entire code package for code restructuring. It is expected that the code restructuring will accelerate the code's domestication thanks to a direct understanding of each variable and an easy implementation of the modified or newly developed models. (author)

Management, restructuring and industrial relations : organizational change within the United Kingdom broadcasting industry, 1979-2002

OpenAIRE

Quinn, Brian J.

2007-01-01

In the past decade researchers began to remedy a literature deficit in the study of broadcasting institutions – addressing in particular the issues of labour process, restructuring and industrial relations. This thesis which considers management change, industrial relations and restructuring within the United Kingdom (‘UK’) broadcasting industry employs a case study format with a view to highlighting the variations of industry (macro) and firm (micro) based restructuring. Organizational chang...

Canadian electricity exports and imports : an energy market assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

This energy market assessment (EMA) report focuses on recent trends in exports and imports of Canadian electricity and the associated revenue and pricing. It also outlines major developments in electricity markets in Canada and the United States in the past decade with reference to the implications of electricity trade for both consumers and the power industry. This guide comes at a time of market openings in Alberta and Ontario, and with recent increases in applications to the National Energy Board for electricity exports and international power lines. The first chapter presents an overview of current Canadian federal regulatory regime for electricity exports and restructuring of the electric power industry in Canada and the United States. The second chapter reviews electricity exports and imports from a national perspective. Provincial analyses were presented in the third chapter which also covered international interconnections, export and import trends, export and import pricing, implications for consumer prices, and factors affecting future trade. The final chapter presents some observations on each of these issues. It is noted that exports have fluctuated significantly from year to year due to specific events including the shutdown of nuclear power plants, high gas prices, and the California electricity crisis in 2000-2001. Canadian international electricity trade has continued to yield net revenues of $1 to $2 billion per year due to strong electricity export prices. The relationship between export and import prices varies from province to province. Canadian utilities have emphasized the need for more transmission to the U.S. to foster future trade and improve transmission reliability. refs., tabs., figs

Poland - Electricity and gas market development study and practical guidelines for using EU funds. Electricity sector analyses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-12-01

The present report is the final electricity sector analysis report in the project 'Poland - Electricity and gas market development study and practical guidelines for using EU funds'. As part of the project a number of quantitative analyses have been carried out for the electricity sector. The report presents the results of those electricity sector analyses. The present project aims at: 1. Identifying major issues relating to the restructuring and liberalization process in the Polish electricity and the gas sector, 2. Setting up an overview of the Polish electricity and natural gas sector, 3. Setting up scenarios for development of electricity and gas markets in the period to 2020, 4. Updating the Balmorel model with recent data for the Polish electricity system, 5. Analyzing future consequences of liberalization of energy markets for the producers, consumers and the Polish economy and society as a whole, 6. Presenting the possibilities and preparing a practical guide for using EU funds and community programmes for large infrastructure projects in the energy sector. (BA)

A literature survey on asset management in electrical power [transmission and distribution] system

OpenAIRE

Khuntia, S.R.; Rueda Torres, José L.; Bouwman, S.; van der Meijden, M.A.M.M.

2016-01-01

Asset management is one of the key components in a transforming electric power industry. Electric power industry is undergoing significant changes because of technical, socio-economical and environmental developments. Also, because of restructuring and deregulation, the focus has been on transmission and distribution assets that include transmission lines, power transformers, protection devices, substation equipment and support structures. This study aims to provide a detailed exposure to ass...

Electric power globalization and reforming

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soares Neto, Jose Lino

1999-01-01

The central issue of debate was the need to align the energy sector's options and organization with changing global patterns of economic and social development, characterized by the increasing role played by the private sector, greater integration in the world economy, and new economic and social priorities such as efficiency, decentralization, deregulation, and a closer attention to environmental issues. The aim of the work was to define the economic and political forces of the electric power sector regulation restructuring

Transition costs in the electricity industry: A summary of issues

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baxter, L.; Hirst, E.; Hadley, S.

1996-10-01

Progress is evident as the restructuring debate in the U.S. electricity industry completes its third year. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released a final rule on transmission open access-a key element to facilitate more efficient wholesale markets. The majority of states have initiated investigations or discussions on restructuring retail markets. Yet hurdles remain in formulating and implementing state-level restructuring proposals. Perhaps foremost among these hurdles is the issue of transition costs (the potential monetary losses experienced by utilities, consumers, and other economic actors as a result of government initiatives to transform electricity generation from a regulated to a competitive market). Transition costs are approximately equal to the difference between the embedded cost for generation services under traditional cost-of-service regulation and the competitive-market price for power. When government takes action to open current monopoly franchises to multiple generation providers and the competitive-market price falls below embedded generation costs, then transition costs will arise. Transition costs will include one or more of the following four classes of costs: (1) assets, primarily utility-owned power plants; (2) liabilities, primarily long-term power-purchase and fuel-supply contracts; (3) regulatory assets, including deferred expenses and costs that regulators allow utilities to place on their balance sheets; and (4) public-policy programs, such as energy efficiency, low-income programs, and research and development. What is at issue in the transition-cost debate? The debate turns on four questions: (1) How large are the potential transition costs from restructuring? (2) How are these costs estimated? (3) What, if anything, might be done to address these costs? (4) Who will ultimately pay for any remaining costs and how? This paper summarizes some of the key results from a project at ORNL that addresses these four questions.

A restructuring of TF package for MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Song, Y. M.; Kim, D. H.

2002-01-01

TF package which defines some interpolation and extrapolation condition through user defined table has been restructured in MIDAS computer code. To do this, data transferring methods of current MELCOR code are modified and adopted into TF package. The data structure of the current MELCOR code using FORTRAN77 causes a difficult grasping of the meaning of the variables as well as waste of memory. New features of FORTRAN90 make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, which lead to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code. Restructuring of TF package addressed in this paper does module development and subroutine modification, and treats MELGEN which is making restart file as well as MELCOR which is processing calculation. The validation has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those from the existing code, and it is confirmed that the results are the same. It hints that the similar approach could be extended to the entire code package. It is expected that code restructuring will accelerate the code domestication thanks to direct understanding of each variable and easy implementation of modified or newly developed models

Education and Political Restructure in Nigeria

Science.gov (United States)

Ayeni, Matthew Adedeji; Adeleye, Joseph Olusola

2013-01-01

To say that education is a potent factor in any political restructuring is an indisputable fact. For a meaningful political development to take place in any nation, especially like Nigeria. The place of education is never in doubt to influence positively those in the position of authority to ascertain what are needed to put in place for effective…

Application of Educational Theories in Restructuring an Introductory Course in Renewable Energy Engineering

Science.gov (United States)

Kalkani, Efrossini C.; Boussiakou, Iris K.; Boussiakou, Leda G.

2004-01-01

The primary objective of this paper is to apply the educational theories of Kolb's experiential learning and Bloom's educational taxonomy in restructuring the course "Renewable energy engineering". The steps of the research procedure investigate the application of learning theories to the restructuring of the course and the introduction of…

Effect of Chicory Fiber and Smoking on Quality Characteristics of Restructured Sausages

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, Hyun-Su; Choi, Hyung-Gyu; Choi, Yeong-Seok; Kim, Jong-Hee; Lee, Ju-Ho; Jung, Eun-Hee; Lee, Sang-Hwa; Choi, Yang-Il

2016-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chicory fiber for the replacement of fat and smoking on quality characteristics of restructured sausages. Treatments were as follows; Control: Pork backfat 20%, T1: Pork backfat 10% + Chicory fiber 10%, T2: Control + Smoking, T3: T1 + Smoking. The addition of chicory fiber significantly reduced the moisture, fat, hardness and pH values, whereas the smoking treatment increased the fat, redness and pH values of restructured sausages (psausages. As a result, although the addition of chicory fiber decreased the quality characteristics of sausage, smoking treatment improved the reduced quality. Therefore, the chicory fiber and smoking treatment is helpful to develop restructured sausage products with reduced fat and compensated quality. PMID:27499674

Restructuring Schools by Applying Deming's Management Theories.

Science.gov (United States)

Melvin, Charles A., III

1991-01-01

Four school districts adopted a school restructuring project using Deming's business management method. Deming offered alternative views of organizations based on psychology, systems, perceptual framework, and causes of variance. He listed 14 points for quality improvement. Evaluation indicated that key staff members willingly engaged in…

Defense Industry Restructuring: Updated Cost and Savings Information

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

1998-01-01

...) the restructuring costs were allowable under the Federal Acquisition Regulation and (2) a DOD contracting officer determined the business combination would result in overall reduced costs to DOD or preserve a critical defense capability...

Preparing nursing students for contemporary practice: restructuring the psychomotor skills laboratory.

Science.gov (United States)

Snyder, M D; Fitzloff, B M; Fiedler, R; Lambke, M R

2000-05-01

The restructured laboratory experience offered a safe environment that supported student experimentation with psychomotor skills and self-initiated approaches to problem solving. Restructuring psychomotor laboratory experiences with emphasis on communication and conceptualization of principles supported students to begin addressing clinical problems with flexibility, creativity, and the premise for lifelong skill acquisition. Students who have skills that extend beyond technique will inevitably be better prepared to meet the demands of health care systems and patients now and in the future.

An evaluation of the transitional Turkish electricity balancing and settlement market: Lessons for the future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Camadan, Ercuement; Erten, Ibrahim Etem

2011-01-01

Balancing and settlement market is a crucial part of restructured Turkish electricity market. In this framework, the main purpose of this study is to examine whether the prices constituted in the transitional balancing and settlement market reflect the real cost of imbalances. Although it is observed that the prices are not powerful in indicating the real cost of imbalances, Turkey has the opportunity to form a well-functioning market within the context of planned new market structure. Turkey needs to define a proper roadmap reckoning the points mentioned in this paper to be able to achieve her objectives. (author)

24 CFR 401.420 - When must the Restructuring Plan require project-based assistance?

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... HOUSING ASSISTANCE RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM (MARK-TO-MARKET) Restructuring Plan § 401.420 When must the..., if: (a) The PAE determines there is a market-wide vacancy rate of 6 percent or less; (b) At least 50 percent of the units in the project are occupied by elderly families, disabled families, or elderly and...

Neural Network Based Load Frequency Control for Restructuring ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Neural Network Based Load Frequency Control for Restructuring Power Industry. ... an artificial neural network (ANN) application of load frequency control (LFC) of a Multi-Area power system by using a neural network controller is presented.

Electric power grid interconnection in Northeast Asia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yun, Won-Cheol; Zhang, Zhong Xiang

2006-01-01

In spite of regional closeness, energy cooperation in Northeast Asia has remained unexplored. However, this situation appears to be changing. The government of South Korea seems to be very enthusiastic for power grid interconnection between the Russian Far East and South Korea to overcome difficulties in finding new sites for building power facilities to meet its need for increased electricity supplies. This paper analyzes the feasibility of this electric power grid interconnection route. The issues addressed include electricity market structures; the prospects for electric power industry restructuring in the Russian Federation and South Korea; the political issues related to North Korea; the challenges for the governments involved and the obstacles anticipated in moving this project forward; project financing and the roles and concerns from multilateral and regional banks; and institutional framework for energy cooperation. While there are many technical issues that need to be resolved, we think that the great challenge lies in the financing of this commercial project. Thus, the governments of the Russian Federation and South Korea involved in the project need to foster the development of their internal capital markets and to create confidence with international investors. To this end, on energy side, this involves defining a clear energy policy implemented by independent regulators, speeding up the already started but delayed reform process of restructuring electric power industry and markets, and establishing a fair and transparent dispute resolution mechanism in order to reduce non-commercial risks to a minimum. The paper argues that establishing a framework for energy cooperation in this region will contribute positively towards that end, although views differ regarding its specific form. Finally, given that North Korea has a crucial transit role to play and faces a very unstable political situation, it is concluded that moving the project forward needs to be

Renewable energy promotion in competitive electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wohlgemuth, Norbert

1999-01-01

The opening of electricity markets to competition involves fundamental structural changes in the electricity supply industry. There is, however, doubt that the new industrial organisation will provide the right price signals that will ensure that renewable energy options will be adopted. Therefore, one of the numerous challenges in the energy industry restructuring process is to ensure that renewable energy has a fair opportunity to compete with other supply resources. This paper presents mechanisms to promote the use of renewable energy in competitive electricity markets. These mechanisms include the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO), the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Systems Benefit Charge (SBC). The paper discusses merits and disadvantages of these mechanisms, given the experience made in the United States and the United Kingdom. (author)

Social responsibility and SOE restructuring

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

沈志渔; 刘兴国; 周小虎

2009-01-01

SOE social responsibility has undergone three stages of evolution.In essence,corporate social responsibility includes social obligations and social expectations.Public attention to SOE social responsibility issues has affected the thinking surrounding SOE restructuring,including the promulgating of objectives and methods.Based on corporate social responsibility,SOE managers must set up a perfect SOE social responsibility system and strengthen supervisory mechanisms;in respect to corporate governance models,SOEs should undertake reform for the corporate citizen governance model.

24 CFR 401.403 - Rejection of a request for a Restructuring Plan because of actions or omissions of owner or...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... likely to be remedied in a cost-effective manner through the Restructuring Plan. (3) Exception for sale... Restructuring Plan because of actions or omissions of owner or affiliate or project condition. 401.403 Section...-MARKET) Restructuring Plan § 401.403 Rejection of a request for a Restructuring Plan because of actions...

Affairs of power: Restructuring California's electric utility industry, 1968-1998

Science.gov (United States)

Myers, William Allan

This dissertation studies the process of change in the political economy of electric utilities. Following two decades of continual growth during the nation's post-World War Two economic and population boom, the electric power industry confronted increasing challenges to its traditional operating practices and cultural values, nowhere with greater intensity than in California. Pressure for change came from outside forces who opposed utilities' business practices, assailed their traditional vertically-integrated structure, questioned the political assumptions that sustained their monopoly status, and ultimately wrested away access to the once tightly controlled technology of electric generation and transmission. Because managers of both investor-owned and publicly-owned utilities continued to rely upon long-standing economic and technical assumptions derived from deeply held cultural values sustained by decades of business success, they were rendered unable to comprehend and unwilling to accommodate change. Persistent mistrust between the publicly-owned and privately-owned sectors further weakened the industry's ability to work cooperatively in the face of crucial challenges. Thus encumbered by endemic structural jealousy, technological path dependency, and organizational stasis, the industry did not respond with sufficient innovation to new social values and altering economic conditions, ultimately resulting in the discarding of the old political economy of regulated monopolism. Five precepts of economic history are identified as crucial elements of the process of change. First, the tension between protection and entry, and the related issue of access to technology, contributes to creation and modification of the political economy in which economic institutions function. Second, submission to governmental regulatory powers allows certain industries to control entry, restrict access, and protect themselves from the dynamics of competitive change. Third, an

Survey research on whether taxes affect decisions of Slovak managers on cross-border financial restructuring operations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jana Kubicová

2017-06-01

Full Text Available This paper main question is whether decisions of Slovak companies about cross-border financial restructuring are affected by taxes. Using a questionnaire survey we investigated the opinions of Slovak companies’ managers on the selected tax provisions related to cross-border transactions. The aim was to determine whether taxes represent a major obstacle for cross-border financial restructuring. We have extracted the factors by means of exploratory factor analysis, then we have verified the differences in the identified factors between the companies of different size and level of indebtedness, and by employing logistic regression we have investigated the dependence between performing cross-border restructuring and the identified tax factors. We concluded that Slovak companies perform cross-border restructurings that are currently also tax-motivated. The intended changes of tax provisions that facilitate international tax planning will have adverse impact on motivation to perform cross-border financial restructuring operations by Slovak companies.

Electricity wholesale market prices in Europe: Convergence?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zachmann, Georg

2008-01-01

This paper tests the hypothesis that the ongoing restructuring process in the European electricity sector has led to a common European market for electricity. Based on a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of wholesale electricity prices in 2002-2006, we reject the assumption of full market integration. For several pairs of countries, the weaker hypothesis of (bilateral) convergence is accepted based on unit root tests (KPSS and ADF) and a convergence test based on filtered pairwise price relations. This indicates that the efforts to develop a single European market for electricity were so far only partially successful. We show that the daily auction prices of scarce cross-border transmission capacities are insufficient to explain the persistence of international price differentials. Empirically, our findings confirm the insufficiency of explicit capacity auctions as stated in the theoretical literature. (author)

A restructuring proposal for MIDAS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Song, Y. M.; Kim, D. H.

2000-01-01

In order to develop a template for the MIDAS computer code, current data saving and transferring methods used in MELCOR are addressed first, and then a restructured module for the SPR package has been developed to be applied to MELCOR. The current MELCOR code ensures a fixed-size storage for four different data types, and manages the input-dependent data size by storing the data on the stacked packages. It uses pointer to identify the variables between the packages. This technique causes a difficult grasping of the meaning of the variables as well as waste of memory. New features of FORTRAN90, however, make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, which lead to a restructured module development for the SPR package. An efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code are the benefit from this developed module. The validation of the template has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those from the existing code, and it is confirmed that the results are the same. The template for the SPR package hints the extension of the template to the entire code. It is expected that the template will accelerate the code domestication thanks to direct understanding of each variable and easy implementation of modified or newly developed models

Restructuring health care through nursing and business acumen.

Science.gov (United States)

Goodroe, J H

1998-03-01

This nurse entrepreneur owns two companies that help others restructure health care processes. Utilizing knowledge from her managerial and business background, as well as clinical innovations in cardiovascular disease, set the stage for this author's successful business ventures.

Restructuring EPA's Libraries: Background and Issues for Congress

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Bearden, David M; Esworthy, Robert

2007-01-01

..., $2.0 million of which was attributed mainly to these closures. EPA reports that the closings are part of its efforts to restructure its libraries to respond to the increasing use of the Internet to access its collections...

Restructuring the US telecommunications industry - Impact on innovation

Science.gov (United States)

Agnew, C. E.; Romeo, A. A.

1981-01-01

The Communications Act of 1934, which regulates the United States telecommunications industry, is becoming less able to deal with the changes brought by modern technology. Therefore, proposals are being made to restructure the industry. Breaking up AT&T into smaller firms would have only minor effects, since its ratio of R and D to sales has been near the median for large telephone companies. Restructuring AT&T into subsidiaries dealing at arms' length might cause a reordering of priorities toward more directly marketable and useful products, but too extensive a break-up could endanger Bell Labs' commitment to basic research. Regulation leads a firm to ignore true social value of possible products, expand into low profit markets, and favor capital-intensive over labor-intensive innovation. If regulatory lag occurs, a firm will produce cost-reducing innovation in order to increase its profit.

Reliability risks during the transition to competitive electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hughes, J.P.

2005-01-01

The Electricity Consumers Resource Council (ELCON) is a U.S. association representing industrial consumers of electricity, and is a long-standing advocate of competition in the electric power industry. However, because a reliable grid is necessary to support competitive wholesale markets, ELCON believes that the transmission system is an essential facility that must remain regulated. The initiatives discussed in this white paper represent significant steps that the National Electric Reliability Council (NERC) and the industry have taken to improve reliability in a competitive and restructured electric industry. Strategic manoeuvres of incumbent utilities to maintain market share were evaluated, as well as discrimination against potential competitors. It was suggested that, occasionally, indecisive federal policies have been taken advantage of by utilities. The unintended consequences of state restructuring policies that allow utilities to over-earn their revenue requirements were reviewed. NERC reliability standards will remain unenforceable until a new Electricity Reliability Organization has been certified. Flawed market designs and inadequate market power mitigation, as well as the financial distress of merchant generators, pose considerable risks. It was suggested that these risks could trigger transmission loading relief incidents, local outages or widespread outages. In the absence of mandatory reliability standards with penalties, and complementary market rules for mitigating generation and transmission market power, economic incentives will encourage other forms of opportunistic behavior that may be the root cause of other outages. Public concern regarding these risks to grid reliability may result in lost public support for competitive electricity markets. Proposed solutions include the certification of a new Electric Reliability Organization to establish and enforce mandatory reliability standards, and granting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

PRICING ELECTRIC POWER UNDER A HYBRID WHOLESALE MECHANISM: EVALUATING THE TURKISH ELECTRICITY MARKET

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hatice Karahan

2013-01-01

Full Text Available During the restructuring process, Turkish electricity sector has gone through significant changes both in wholesale and retail markets. In this framework, the Market Financial Settlement Mechanism established for handling market imbalances has become a spot market in time. So, it can be claimed that the wholesale electricity market in Turkey is a hybrid mechanism composed of bilateral contracts and the balancing market. On the other hand, the main target of liberalization program is providing consumers with affordable electric power. Hence, this study attempts to explore the link between retail tariffs for ineligible consumers and prices in the two wholesale mechanisms, in the period after the launch of the day-ahead market. Findings suggest that regulated wholesale prices are more effective in the determination of end-user prices, whereas unregulated ones might have a price reduction effect in case the free market dominates. However, the volatility in spot market prices implies that the sector would better continue with the hybrid mechanism for quite some time.

Electricity markets. Investment, performance and analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murray, B.

1998-01-01

The impact of deregulation on the theory and practice of investment appraisal is addressed in this comprehensive treatment of the restructuring of the electricity supply industry. Demonstrating that the classical approach to generation investment appraisal is no longer valid, a new approach is developed using three economic models to represent differing market conditions. Highlighting the impact on the organisation of the utilities and their suppliers, this book offers essential advice for survival in the deregulated environment worldwide. (author)

Financial Restructuring in Banking and Corporate Sector Crises: What Policies to Pursue?

OpenAIRE

Stijn Claessens; Daniela Klingebiel; Luc Laeven

2001-01-01

We review the literature on resolving bank and corporate sector crises to identify government policies that affect the depth of a crisis and the ease and sustainability of recovery, and to analyze their fiscal cost. A consistent framework - including sufficient resources for loss-absorption and private agents facing the right framework of sticks and carrots - is the, although often missing key to successful bank and corporate restructuring. Sustainability of restructuring calls for deeper str...

Restructuring of workflows to minimise errors via stochastic model checking: An automated evolutionary approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Herbert, L.T.; Hansen, Z.N.L.

2016-01-01

This paper presents a framework for the automated restructuring of stochastic workflows to reduce the impact of faults. The framework allows for the modelling of workflows by means of a formalised subset of the BPMN workflow language. We extend this modelling formalism to describe faults and incorporate an intention preserving stochastic semantics able to model both probabilistic- and non-deterministic behaviour. Stochastic model checking techniques are employed to generate the state-space of a given workflow. Possible improvements obtained by restructuring are measured by employing the framework's capacity for tracking real-valued quantities associated with states and transitions of the workflow. The space of possible restructurings of a workflow is explored by means of an evolutionary algorithm, where the goals for improvement are defined in terms of optimising quantities, typically employed to model resources, associated with a workflow. The approach is fully automated and only the modelling of the production workflows, potential faults and the expression of the goals require manual input. We present the design of a software tool implementing this framework and explore the practical utility of this approach through an industrial case study in which the risk of production failures and their impact are reduced by restructuring the workflow. - Highlights: • We present a framework which allows for the automated restructuring of workflows. • This framework seeks to minimise the impact of errors on the workflow. • We illustrate a scalable software implementation of this framework. • We explore the practical utility of this approach through an industry case. • The impact of errors can be substantially reduced by restructuring the workflow.

Disordered electrical potential observed on the surface of SiO2 by electric field microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

GarcIa, N; Yan Zang; Ballestar, A; Barzola-Quiquia, J; Bern, F; Esquinazi, P

2010-01-01

The electrical potential on the surface of ∼300 nm thick SiO 2 grown on single-crystalline Si substrates has been characterized at ambient conditions using electric field microscopy. Our results show an inhomogeneous potential distribution with fluctuations up to ∼0.4 V within regions of 1 μm. The potential fluctuations observed at the surface of these usual dielectric holders of graphene sheets should induce strong variations in the graphene charge densities and provide a simple explanation for some of the anomalous behaviors of the transport properties of graphene.

Viewing Reading Recovery as a Restructuring Phenomenon

Science.gov (United States)

Rinehart, James S.; Short, Paula Myrick

2010-01-01

This study investigated components of Reading Recovery that relate to a restructuring paradigm. Specifically, Reading Recovery was analyzed as a way to redesign teachers' work, empower teachers, and affect the core technology of teaching. Data were collected by a survey that consisted of open-ended questions and of categorical response items.…

Restructuring the energy industry: A financial perspective

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abrams, W.A.

1995-01-01

This paper present eight tables summarizing financial aspects of energy industry restructuring. Historical, current, and future business characteristics of energy industries are outlined. Projections of industry characteristics are listed for the next five years and for the 21st century. Future independent power procedures related to financial aspects are also outlined. 8 tabs

Model of the electric energy market in Poland. Assumptions, structure and operation principles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kulagowski, W.

1994-01-01

Present state of works on model of electric energy market in Poland with special consideration of bulk energy market is presented. The designed model based on progressive, evolutionary changes is so elastic, that when keeping general structure and fundamentals the particular solutions can be verified or corrected. The changes in the electric energy market are considered as an integral part of existing restructuring process of Polish electric energy sector. The rate of those changes and the mode of their introduction influence on introduction speed of the new solutions. (author). 14 refs, 4 figs

Industry Restructuring and Job Loss: Helping Older Workers Get Back into Employment. Research Report

Science.gov (United States)

Callahan, Victor J.; Bowman, Kaye

2015-01-01

Globalisation and increased competition bring with them many benefits for business, consumers and the economy. But they can also result in the restructuring of industries not able to compete with changing economic markets. In the past, Australia has witnessed restructuring in many high-profile businesses, especially those in its manufacturing…

Future Potential for Hydro-Québec and the Québec electricity market

OpenAIRE

Teig, Atle Nedbu

2010-01-01

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate what a restructuring of the Québec electricity market could mean for Hydro-Québec and the Province of Québec. The thesis is divided into four main sections. Section one describes the drivers of electricity markets and we get an introduction to the situation in Québec. The environmental aspect of energy is also explained. Section two describes the electricity market in Norway and the Nordic countries, which works as a benchma...

The electric power sector in Iceland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ingimarsson, J.

1992-01-01

In Iceland the government must give permission for the building of a power station etc. but in practise the power plant administrators determine the tariffs. The structure of electric power supply mirrors a strong engagement on the part of the state and the local authorities. Almost all the power plants and distribution systems are state owned or owned by both the state and the local authorities, and so constitute a monopoly, producing 93% of the total amount of electricity supply. Government policy in this field, the Icelandic electric power distribution system and the setting of electricity prices are briefly described. It is claimed that there would be economical advantages in restructuring the distribution network and that the government favours an increase in possibilities for competition and making legislative changes. This will mean that in the future the market will play a more important role and that power plant administrators must review their duties regarding consumer satisfaction, tariffs etc. (AB)

48 CFR 231.205-70 - External restructuring costs.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... subsection: (1) Business combination means a transaction whereby assets or operations of two or more... after a business combination that affect the operations of companies not previously under common ownership or control. They do not include restructuring activities occurring after a business combination...

SOVEREIGN DEBT RESTRUCTURING AND “VULTURE FUNDS”

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emilia Cornelia STOICA

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Defining sovereign debt - debt issued or guaranteed by a public entity: central and / or regional public authorities, central banks, public institutions or enterprises - must include the risks that its management may generate, mainly the risk of default. If an medium period of time - 3-5 years – the macroeconomic growth of a state, and as the result the increase of the public revenues constantly lies below the growth of sovereign debt, these will cause an insolvability risk to cover it, and that state should proceed to restructure its debt. Financial stability of public authorities and sovereign debt occurred since the beginning of the creation of democratic states, and instruments for debt restructuring have been continuously adapted to economic and social conjuncture. Initially, states faced a necessity of funding were borrowed from foreign governments and / or large consortia bank, and when their debts had to be restructured it has been created the international institutional framework to negotiate between debtor countries and public creditors - Paris Club - and to coordinate negotiations between public authorities and major debtor consortia - London Club. In the last decade 'vulture funds' occurred, which are hedge funds acquiring from the secondary financial market debt the securities, including public debt, to a much lower share nominal value. Subsequently, vulture funds claim states issuing debt repayment at values close or equal to the face value - in this way can make a profit of more than 100% of the financial investment they made it on the secondary market. If these countries do not comply, generally being unable to honor their public debt, vultures funds act the countries in international courts, which usually prevails because vultures funds’ action is legal under current conditions.

Urban restructuring and deregulations in Latin America

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Carmona, M.

1992-01-01

With this work we continue the debate on the trends of urban restructuring in Latin America. In fact due to the large economic crisis of the 80-ies, the continent has decreased is living standards to that of 12 years ago. The productive potential has increased in 1,3% in circumstances that in the

Nutritional composition in the chia seed and its processing properties on restructured ham-like products

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yi Ding

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Low-fat meat products always have harder texture, lower juiciness, and worse flavor. Due to their higher water-holding, water absorption, and organic molecule absorption, chia seeds (CHIA have been applied in powders, nutrition bars, breads, and cookies. Hence, the objectives of this study were to: (1 analyze the nutritional compositions in CHIA; and (2 look for the possible application of CHIA on restructured ham-like products. CHIA has high amounts of α-linolenic acid, crude polysaccharides, and also contains essential amino acids, minerals, and polyphenols. Regarding processing properties of CHIA, a combination of CHIA and carrageenan (CA increased (p<0.05 production yield of restructured ham-like products. A scanning electron microscope observation indicated that CHIA and CA addition can assist an emulsification in this ham-like product. Addition of 0.5% CA and 1.0% CHIA in this ham-like product showed the similar overall acceptance as products with added fat. Following storage at 4°C, higher (p<0.05 purge and centrifugation losses, as well as hardness of this ham-like product can be improved by adding CHIA and CA. CHIA addition also resulted in lower (p<0.05 lipid and protein oxidation, especially a 1.0% addition. In summary, due to both nutritional addition and improvements on physicochemical and sensorial properties of restructured ham-like products, CHIA seeds have great potential on the development of healthy and good-quality meat products.

A restructuring of COR package for MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S.H.; Kim, K.R.; Kim, D.H.

2004-01-01

The COR package, which calculates the thermal response of the core and the lower plenum internal structures and models the relocation of the core and lower plenum structural materials, has been restructured for the MIDAS computer code. MIDAS is being developed as an integrated severe accident analysis code with a user-friendly graphical user interface and a modernized data structure. To do this, the data transferring methods of the current MELCOR code are modified and adopted into the COR package. The data structure of the current MELCOR code using FORTRAN77 has a difficulty in grasping the meaning of the variables as well as a waste of memory. New features of FORTRAN90 make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, which leads to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code. Restructuring of the COR package addressed in this paper includes a module development, subroutine modification. The verification has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those of the existing code. As the trends are similar to each other, it implies that the same approach could be extended to the entire code package. It is expected that the code restructuring will accelerated the code's domestication thanks to a direct understanding of each variable and an easy implementation of the modified or newly developed models. (author)

Calcium Alginate and Salt/Phosphate as Binding Agents in Restructured Lamb

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Triana Setyawardani

2001-01-01

Full Text Available A study on restructurization of lamb meat using several binding agents were conducted. Objectives of the study were evaluate effectivity of Ca–alginate, salt and phosphate as binding agent and their effect on physical properties of the restructured meat stored at -20⁰C for up to 12 weeks. Three binding agents were added to the restructured products, which include NaCl 0.3 %/ NTPP 0.3 %; alginate 0.5 %/Ca-lactate 0.5%; NaCl 0.3 % / NTPP 0.5 %/alginate 0.5% and no binding agent as a control. The products were evaluated at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of storage. The result showed that treatment with alginate 0.5%/Ca-lactate 0.5% had the least purge loss value of 4.3±0.2%. The least cooking losses of 30.2±3.79% and the highest shear force 61.6±13.77 N. (Animal Production 3(1: 20-25 (2001Key Words: Alginate/Ca-lactate, purge loss, cooking losses, shear force.

Calcium Alginate and Salt/Phosphate as Binding Agents in Restructured Lamb

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Triana Setyawardani

2001-01-01

Full Text Available A study on  restructurization of lamb meat using several binding agents were conducted. Objectives of the study were evaluate  effectivity of Ca–alginate, salt and phosphate as binding agent and their effect on physical properties of the restructured meat stored at -20⁰C for up to 12 weeks. Three binding agents were added to the restructured products, which include NaCl 0.3 %/ NTPP 0.3 %; alginate 0.5 %/Ca-lactate 0.5%; NaCl 0.3 % / NTPP 0.5 %/alginate 0.5% and no binding agent as a control. The products were evaluated at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of storage. The result showed that treatment with alginate 0.5%/Ca-lactate 0.5% had the least purge loss value of 4.3±0.2%. The least cooking losses of 30.2±3.79% and the highest shear force 61.6±13.77 N. (Animal Production 3(1: 20-25 (2001 Key Words: Alginate/Ca-lactate, purge loss, cooking losses, shear  force.

The Formulation of Binding Agent Concentration on Raw Restructured Goat Meat Trimming Product

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rini Mastuti

2012-02-01

Full Text Available The utilization of raw materials and formulation method would affect the quality of the processed meat product. Therefore, a research on the processing method to produce a raw structured product should be conducted. The research was testing a single factor comprises of following parameters: control (without binding agent; 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% sodium alginat and 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% carragenan, respectively. The results showed that the goat meat trimming could be used as raw materials in the production of the best restructured meat using 0.5% carragenan. This raw restructured meat produced had a loss weight of 1.67%, pH value  7.89, WHC  48.345, and moisture content  75.20%.   Keywords : sodium alginat, carragenan, raw restructured goat meat trimming.

Restructuring European supply chains by implementing postponement strategies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hoek, van Remko; Vos, G.C.J.M.; Commandeur, H.R.

1999-01-01

More demanding customer needs in terms of quality, variety, delivery (both fast and reliable), and competitive pricing challenge an increasing number of companies to restructure their supply chains. An appealing option is to delay, or postpone, the point of product differentiation, that is deferring

School Restructuring and the Dilemmas of Principals' Work.

Science.gov (United States)

Wildy, Helen; Louden, William

2000-01-01

The complexity of principals' work may be characterized according to three dilemmas: accountability, autonomy, and efficiency. Narrative vignettes of 74 Australian principals revealed that principals were fair and inclusive. When faced with restructuring dilemmas, however, they favored strong over shared leadership, efficiency over collaboration,…

Dynamic Restructuring Of Problems In Artificial Intelligence

Science.gov (United States)

Schwuttke, Ursula M.

1992-01-01

"Dynamic tradeoff evaluation" (DTE) denotes proposed method and procedure for restructuring problem-solving strategies in artificial intelligence to satisfy need for timely responses to changing conditions. Detects situations in which optimal problem-solving strategies cannot be pursued because of real-time constraints, and effects tradeoffs among nonoptimal strategies in such way to minimize adverse effects upon performance of system.

PERFORMANCE ET RESTRUCTURATION: LE CAS SAÏDAL ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

performance de SAÏDAL suite à sa restructuration débutée en 1997. Le concept de ... millions d'actions. Du point de vue du management, SAÏDAL adopte le tableau de .... Méthodes et Pratiques de la Performance : Le Guide du Pilotage. ... performance des entreprises, Kaplan et Norton proposèrent le tableau de bord ...

Decision-making regarding restructuring in multinational enterprises.

OpenAIRE

Ghertman M

1986-01-01

ILO pub. Working paper, evaluation of three case studies of decision making regarding enterprise restructuring in multinational enterprises originating in Canada, the USA and Western Europe - examines the role of management attitude, business organization, capital resources and size of enterprise in determining subsidiary enterprise creation, enterprise takeover, plant shutdown, resource allocation, labour utilization, etc. Diagrams, organigrams, references, tables.

Organizational restructuring, government control and loss of legitimacy following an organizational crisis: the case of Israel's nonprofit human services.

Science.gov (United States)

Mano, Rita; Rosenberg, Dennis

2014-01-01

The study explores organizational restructuring following the occurrence of a crisis. Restructuring activities following an intervention are considered here to be indicators of an organization's loss of legitimacy because they have lost their independent status, a basic characteristic of nonprofit human settings. The study shows that according to the Resource Based View of organization restructuring--experienced as downsizing, neglecting and abandoning of projects--organizations are affected by (a) government intervention in decision making; (b) higher demands for accountability; and (c) higher evaluations of performance gaps. On the basis of the study of a sample of 138 Nonprofit Human Services in Israel, the results show that the higher the level of restructuring, the higher the level of legitimacy. However, organization location in metropolitan areas moderates the link between restructuring and legitimacy loss. We conclude that Israel's nonprofit human services being overly dependent on goverhment funding are more prone to restructuring and losing legitimacy following organizational crisis.

Transforming your Municipal Electric Utility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harper, P.

1999-01-01

A series of overhead viewgraphs accompanied this presentation which focused on what municipalities should and can do to prepare for a competitive energy market in Ontario. Particular attention was given to business strategies, restructuring and transformation of the Municipal Electric Utilities (MEU). Issues and questions regarding ownership were also discussed. Each municipality will have to decide what is the most appropriate governance and organizational structure for their MEU. It was noted that one of the most contentious areas is refinancing and rate structures. Issues regarding merger or partnering options were also discussed. 1 tab

Enhancing electricity's value to society

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1990-01-01

A conference was held on the subject of demand-side management (DSM) for electric utilities. Presentations were given on DSM challenges and opportunities, customer perspectives, restructuring for service, load forecasts, energy services, industrial DSM programs, trade allies, durability of DSM, DSM bidding, distribution channels, post-program evaluation, regulation, evaluation of DSM programs, integrated resource planning, rate-driven DSM, economic aspects, distribution utility perspectives, development of databases, new energy sources, environmental concerns, customer appreciation, international perspectives, and the future of DSM. Separate abstracts have been prepared for 75 papers from this conference

Auroral arc classification scheme based on the observed arc-associated electric field pattern

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marklund, G.

1983-06-01

Radar and rocket electric field observations of auroral arcs have earlier been used to identify essentially four different arc types, namely anticorrelation and correlation arcs (with, respectively, decreased and increased arc-assocaited field) and asymmetric and reversal arcs. In this paper rocket double probe and supplementary observations from the literature, obtained under various geophysical conditions, are used to organize the different arc types on a physical rather than morphological basis. This classification is based on the relative influence on the arc electric field pattern from the two current continuity mechanisms, polarisation electric fields and Birkeland currents. In this context the tangential electric field plays an essential role and it is thus important that it can be obtained with both high accuracy and resolution. In situ observations by sounding rockets are shown to be better suited for this specific task than monostatic radar observations. Depending on the dominating mechanism, estimated quantitatively for a number of arc-crossings, the different arc types have been grouped into the following main categories: Polarisation arcs, Birkeland current arcs and combination arcs. Finally the high altitude potential distributions corresponding to some of the different arc types are presented. (author)

Future gender relations in global restructuring processes case study evidence from knowledge-intensive, manufacturing and service occupations

OpenAIRE

Linda Nierling

2008-01-01

Global restructuring processes have not only strong implications for European working and living realities, but also have specific outcomes with regard to gender relations. The following contribution analyses in which way global restructuring shapes current gender relations in order to identify important trends and developments for future gender (in)equalities at the workplace. On the basis of a large qualitative study on global restructuring and impacts on different occupational groups it ar...

Judicial System Restructuring and Modernization in Abu Dhabi

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lawrence Groo

2008-01-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this article is to provide a practical overview of the recently initiated modernization of Abu Dhabi’s judicial system. Beginning in 2007, Abu Dhabi’s Government launched a comprehensive effort to transform the Emirate’s judicial system. While the implementation of these reforms is ongoing, with the adoption of the law in May 2007 establishing the new judicial architecture the initial phase of the modernization program is already complete. The restructuring process encompasses court management and administration reform, a new judicial training regime, a redesigned organizational structure for the Emirate’s Judicial Department and courts, and the establishment of a system-wide strategic planning and budgeting process. Many of these initiatives are supported by applying advanced IT-based applications. Given the early achievements and ambitious broader aims of the restructuring process, Abu Dhabi’s example is relevant not only to the other Emirates within the Federal UAE system, but also within the context of the wider Middle East region.

Impacts of restructuring tabacco excise tax in the Philippines

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

A recently approved law restructuring tobacco taxes in the. Philippines includes a steep increase in the excise tax (the tax paid by producers which ... part of Canada's International Development Research Centre. (IDRC), a Canadian Crown ...

Major Thought Restructuring: The Roles of Different Prefrontal Cortical Regions.

Science.gov (United States)

Seyed-Allaei, Shima; Avanaki, Zahra Nasiri; Bahrami, Bahador; Shallice, Tim

2017-07-01

An important question for understanding the neural basis of problem solving is whether the regions of human prefrontal cortices play qualitatively different roles in the major cognitive restructuring required to solve difficult problems. However, investigating this question using neuroimaging faces a major dilemma: either the problems do not require major cognitive restructuring, or if they do, the restructuring typically happens once, rendering repeated measurements of the critical mental process impossible. To circumvent these problems, young adult participants were challenged with a one-dimensional Subtraction (or Nim) problem [Bouton, C. L. Nim, a game with a complete mathematical theory. The Annals of Mathematics, 3, 35-39, 1901] that can be tackled using two possible strategies. One, often used initially, is effortful, slow, and error-prone, whereas the abstract solution, once achieved, is easier, quicker, and more accurate. Behaviorally, success was strongly correlated with sex. Using voxel-based morphometry analysis controlling for sex, we found that participants who found the more abstract strategy (i.e., Solvers) had more gray matter volume in the anterior medial, ventrolateral prefrontal, and parietal cortices compared with those who never switched from the initial effortful strategy (i.e., Explorers). Removing the sex covariate showed higher gray matter volume in Solvers (vs. Explorers) in the right ventrolateral prefrontal and left parietal cortex.

On program restructuring, scheduling, and communication for parallel processor systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Polychronopoulos, Constantine D. [Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States)

1986-08-01

This dissertation discusses several software and hardware aspects of program execution on large-scale, high-performance parallel processor systems. The issues covered are program restructuring, partitioning, scheduling and interprocessor communication, synchronization, and hardware design issues of specialized units. All this work was performed focusing on a single goal: to maximize program speedup, or equivalently, to minimize parallel execution time. Parafrase, a Fortran restructuring compiler was used to transform programs in a parallel form and conduct experiments. Two new program restructuring techniques are presented, loop coalescing and subscript blocking. Compile-time and run-time scheduling schemes are covered extensively. Depending on the program construct, these algorithms generate optimal or near-optimal schedules. For the case of arbitrarily nested hybrid loops, two optimal scheduling algorithms for dynamic and static scheduling are presented. Simulation results are given for a new dynamic scheduling algorithm. The performance of this algorithm is compared to that of self-scheduling. Techniques for program partitioning and minimization of interprocessor communication for idealized program models and for real Fortran programs are also discussed. The close relationship between scheduling, interprocessor communication, and synchronization becomes apparent at several points in this work. Finally, the impact of various types of overhead on program speedup and experimental results are presented.

Quantifying price risk of electricity retailer based on CAPM and RAROC methodology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karandikar, R.G.; Khaparde, S.A.; Kulkarni, S.V.

2007-01-01

In restructured electricity markets, electricity retailers set up contracts with generation companies (GENCOs) and with end users to meet their load requirements at agreed upon tariff. The retailers invest consumer payments as capital in the volatile competitive market. In this paper, a model for quantifying price risk of electricity retailer is proposed. An IEEE 30 Bus test system is used to demonstrate the model. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is demonstrated to determine the retail electricity price for the end users. The factor Risk Adjusted Recovery on Capital (RAROC) is used to quantify the price risk involved. The methodology proposed in this paper can be used by retailer while submitting proposal for electricity tariff to the regulatory authority. (author)

Quantifying price risk of electricity retailer based on CAPM and RAROC methodology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karandikar, R.G.; Khaparde, S.A.; Kulkarni, S.V. [Electrical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400 076 (India)

2007-12-15

In restructured electricity markets, electricity retailers set up contracts with generation companies (GENCOs) and with end users to meet their load requirements at agreed upon tariff. The retailers invest consumer payments as capital in the volatile competitive market. In this paper, a model for quantifying price risk of electricity retailer is proposed. An IEEE 30 Bus test system is used to demonstrate the model. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is demonstrated to determine the retail electricity price for the end users. The factor Risk Adjusted Recovery on Capital (RAROC) is used to quantify the price risk involved. The methodology proposed in this paper can be used by retailer while submitting proposal for electricity tariff to the regulatory authority. (author)

Design of digital load torque observer in hybrid electric vehicle

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Yukun; Zhang, Haoming; Wang, Yinghai

2008-12-01

In hybrid electric vehicle, engine begain to work only when motor was in high speed in order to decrease tail gas emission. However, permanent magnet motor was sensitive to its load, adding engine to the system always made its speed drop sharply, which caused engine to work in low efficiency again and produced much more environment pollution. Dynamic load torque model of permanent magnet synchronous motor is established on the basic of motor mechanical equation and permanent magnet synchronous motor vector control theory, Full- digital load torque observer and compensation control system is made based on TMS320F2407A. Experiment results prove load torque observer and compensation control system can detect and compensate torque disturbing effectively, which can solve load torque disturbing and decrease gas pollution of hybrid electric vehicle.

Direct Load Control (DLC) Considering Nodal Interrupted Energy Assessment Rate (NIEAR) in Restructured Power Systems

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wu, Qiuwei; Wang, Peng; Goel, Lalit

2010-01-01

is used as the bids from the ACL customers, is utilized to determine the direct monetary compensation to the ACL customers. The proposed scheme was investigated for the PoolCo electricity market. The optimal DLC scheme is determined based on the minimum system operating cost which is comprised......A direct load control (DLC) scheme of air conditioning loads (ACL) considering direct monetary compensation to ACL customers for the service interruption caused by the DLC program is proposed in this paper for restructured power systems. The nodal interrupted energy assessment rate (NIEAR), which...... of the system energy cost, the system spinning reserve cost and the compensation cost to the ACL customers. Dynamic programming (DP) was used to obtain the optimal DLC scheme. The IEEE reliability test system (RTS) was studied to illustrate the proposed DLC scheme....

Life after Y2K: Not your father's electricity business

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Draper, E.L. Jr.

1999-12-01

As the industry advances to a fully competitive marketplace, the head of American Electric Power argues that merger-review processes must be streamlined, investor-owned utilities should no longer be disadvantaged versus government-supported alternatives, the restructuring debate should not be unnecessarily complicated by environmental riders, and fuel diversity will be a critical generation strategy.

Restructuring of privatisation? - state petroleum enterprises and the global economic adjustment process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ndi, G.K.; Moller, L.E.

1994-01-01

The restructuring, and to a lesser extent the privatisation, of state petroleum enterprises in many oil-producing countries has been seen as a means of addressing the shortcomings of previous state regulation. Recent developments in the petroleum industry within the general context of the current privatisation process are examined in this chapter. Political, economic and social reasons are sought for restructuring being the preferred alternative to the privatisation of state petroleum enterprises in developing countries. The benefits, problems and obstacles to privatisation are analysed. (UK)

Option value of electricity demand response

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sezgen, Osman; Goldman, C.A. [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley CA 94720 (United States); Krishnarao, P. [Citigroup Energy Inc., 1301 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002 (United States)

2007-02-15

As electricity markets deregulate and energy tariffs increasingly expose customers to commodity price volatility, it is difficult for energy consumers to assess the economic value of investments in technologies that manage electricity demand in response to changing energy prices. The key uncertainties in evaluating the economics of demand-response technologies are the level and volatility of future wholesale energy prices. In this paper, we demonstrate that financial engineering methodologies originally developed for pricing equity and commodity derivatives (e.g., futures, swaps, options) can be used to estimate the value of demand-response technologies. We adapt models used to value energy options and assets to value three common demand-response strategies: load curtailment, load shifting or displacement, and short-term fuel substitution-specifically, distributed generation. These option models represent an improvement to traditional discounted cash flow methods for assessing the relative merits of demand-side technology investments in restructured electricity markets. (author)

Option value of electricity demand response

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sezgen, Osman; Goldman, C.A.; Krishnarao, P.

2007-01-01

As electricity markets deregulate and energy tariffs increasingly expose customers to commodity price volatility, it is difficult for energy consumers to assess the economic value of investments in technologies that manage electricity demand in response to changing energy prices. The key uncertainties in evaluating the economics of demand-response technologies are the level and volatility of future wholesale energy prices. In this paper, we demonstrate that financial engineering methodologies originally developed for pricing equity and commodity derivatives (e.g., futures, swaps, options) can be used to estimate the value of demand-response technologies. We adapt models used to value energy options and assets to value three common demand-response strategies: load curtailment, load shifting or displacement, and short-term fuel substitution-specifically, distributed generation. These option models represent an improvement to traditional discounted cash flow methods for assessing the relative merits of demand-side technology investments in restructured electricity markets. (author)

Market restructuring and public incentives: the Turkish case of fresh produce marketing cooperatives

OpenAIRE

Lemeilleur, Sylvaine; Bignebat, Celine; Codron, Jean Marie; Humboldt University of Berlin

2006-01-01

Faced to the fast restructuring agrofood markets in Turkey, the Turkish State set up new institutional devices to support agricultural marketing cooperatives. This article analyses the dynamics of these public incentives towards producers’ organizations on the restructuration of the Turkish fresh fruit and vegetable market. The wholesale market law enacted 1995 established brokers on wholesale market halls who collected an atomized supply and guarantee the access of small producers to large s...

A restructuring of CF package for MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, K. R.; Kim, D. H.; Cho, S. W.

2004-01-01

CF package, which evaluates user-specified 'control functions' and applies them to define or control various aspects of computation, has been restructured for the MIDAS computer code. MIDAS is being developed as an integrated severe accident analysis code with a user-friendly graphical user interface and modernized data structure. To do this, data transferring methods of current MELCOR code are modified and adopted into the CF package. The data structure of the current MELCOR code using FORTRAN77 causes a difficult grasping of meaning of the variables as well as waste of memory, difficulty is more over because its data is location information of other package's data due to characteristics of CF package. New features of FORTRAN90 make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, which lead to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code. Restructuring of the CF package addressed in this paper includes module development, subroutine modification, and treats MELGEN, which generates data file, as well as MELCOR, which is processing a calculation. The verification has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those from the existing code. As the trends are similar to each other, it hints that the same approach could be extended to the entire code package. It is expected that code restructuring will accelerate the code domestication thanks to direct understanding of each variable and easy implementation of modified or newly developed models

An interpretative review of the electricity markets. A proposal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martini, A.; Pellegrini, L.; Gallanti, M.

2001-01-01

The electricity reform entails the passing from a monopolistic model based on costs to a competitive one grounded on market prices. The structural choices of the model must comply with technical constraints imposed by the electric system and have to be efficiency-driven. So far, more than a dozen of countries has completed the electricity industry restructuring process, with almost different solutions both in the architectural and the operational characteristics; this variety is even more emphasized whether developing and ready-to-start markets are considered. Starting from these premises and considering the forthcoming choices to be accomplished in order to put in competition in the Italian electric industry, as stated by the Decree n. 79 of March, 16, 1999 in reception of the European Directive n. 92/96, the paper presents a framework of the market architectures, as well as an electric auction-based market taxonomy [it

Observations of Pc5 micropulsation-related electric field oscillations in equatorial ionosphere

Science.gov (United States)

Reddy, C. A.; Ravindran, Sudha; Viswanathan, K. S.; Murthy, B. V. Krishna; Rao, D. R. K.; Araki, T.

1994-01-01

A 54.95-MHz coherent backscatter radar, an ionosonde and the magnetometer located at Trivandrum in India (8.5 deg N, 77 deg E, 0.5 deg N dip angle) recorded large-amplitude ionospheric fluctuations and magnetic field fluctuations associated with a Pc5 micropulsation event, which occurred during an intense magnetic storm on 24 March 1991 (A(sub p) = 161). Simultaneous 100-n T-level fluctuations are also observed in the H-component at Brorfelde, Denmark (55.6 deg N gm) and at Narsarsuaq, Greenland (70.6 deg N gm). Our study of the above observations shows that the E-W electric field fluctuations in the E- and F-regions and the magnetic field fluctuations at Thumba are dominated by a near-sinusoidal oscillation of 10 min during 1730-1900 IST (1200-1330 UT), the amplitude of the electric field oscillation in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) is 0.1-0.25 mV/m and it increases with height, while it is about 1.0 mV/m in the F-region, the ground-level H-component oscillation can be accounted for by the ionospheric current oscillation generated by the observed electric field oscillation in the EEJ and the H-component oscillations at Trivandrum and Brofelde are in phase with each other. The observations are interpreted in terms of a compressional cavity mode resonance in the inner magnetosphere and the assoicated ionospheric electric field penetrating from high latitudes to the magnetic equator.

Overview : what is happening in the electricity market?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Konow, H.R.

2004-01-01

This paper presents an overview of the Ontario electricity market. An outline of current industry challenges was presented, with an examination of restructuring practices with reference to environmental, regulatory and price pressures. A comparison was drawn between Alberta successes and Ontario stalls. Provincial market restructuring initiatives throughout Canada were overviewed, with specific reference to competitiveness, disaggregation, and the increasing focus on core business and improved efficiency. Benefits of new business practices were identified. They included open access transmission and wholesale markets, increasing participation of private capital and the leveraging of core competencies and assets. Environmental pressures were examined, with reference to Kyoto commitments, air quality, customer expectations, and future siting and approvals battles. Issues concerning rates increases were examined. It was suggested that increases were caused by the following: rate freezes in the past; new capacity and infrastructure; increasing input resource costs; and ageing infrastructure. An outline of Canada-U.S. electricity trade statistics was presented, including a chart of Canadian net exports by province for the years 2002 and 2003. A chart of reserve margins in Ontario and Quebec for the years 1990 to 2002 was also presented. Electricity demand projection until the year 2020 was evaluated, with estimates of immediate and future investment needs. A world energy investment outlook for 2003 was provided, including details of projected global needs. It was estimated that the electricity sector required 60 per cent of the world's energy investment to the year 2030. Conditions for success in the industry were examined, including the need for a policy and regulatory framework to ensure an attractive investment climate. It was suggested that new plans should consider the current investment climate as well as smart and effective regulation. A sustainable future was

[Electric short-circuit incident observed with "Upsher" laryngoscopes].

Science.gov (United States)

Tritsch, L; Vailly, B

2006-01-01

We observed an electrical short-circuit between a fasten screw of the printed circuit and the handle of an Upsher universal laryngoscope (serial number UQ1). The isolating Silicone layer was broken above the screw. This isolation defect was found all over our Upsher laryngoscopes of the UQ1 series. No doubt that if accumulators were used instead of batteries, emitted heat would be in largest amount and perhaps dangerous.

Industrial restructuring as an instrument for enhancing national competitiveness

OpenAIRE

Muradov, Shahbaz; Yuzbashieva, Gulshen

2008-01-01

This article considers matters of fostering national economic competitiveness in the context of industrial restructuring. The authors show the dependence of dynamic and sustainable economic and social development on the frequency and depth of structural transformations in the economy.

Effect of comminution method and raw binder system in restructured beef.

Science.gov (United States)

Boles, J A; Shand, P J

1998-07-01

The effect of particle size, method of particle size reduction (grinding, flaking, slicing) and alginate or Fibrimex(™) binding systems on processing properties of restructured beef were investigated. The size of semimembranosus muscles was reduced with a meat slicer, grinder or flaker (Comitrol) through machine openings that were 2, 4 and 8 mm in size. Bind of meat pieces in raw and cooked beef steakettes were measured. Sensory evaluation to determine the effect of method of size reduction on texture of beef steakettes was done only on steakettes manufactured with alginate. Beef steakettes manufactured with the alginate binding system had significantly (p meat for the manufacture of restructured beef steakettes resulted in a higher raw bind than did either grinding or flaking the meat. Significant (p meat was sliced than when it was ground or flaked. However, when Fibrimex was used, bind was stronger when sliced meat was used. The alginate system resulted in higher binds for cooked product when particle size was smaller but with the Fibrimex system bind was higher when particle sizes were larger. A consumer panel on alginate restructured steakettes showed no preference for the texture produced by the different methods of particle size reduction.

Annual electricity consumption analysis and forecasting of China based on few observations methods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meng Ming; Niu Dongxiao

2011-01-01

The annual electricity consumption analysis and forecasting of China is one of the important bases of management decision making for power generation groups as well as power policy adjusting for government. The socioeconomic actuality could not offer adequate observations with perfect statistic characters. The partial least squares method is applied to get a linear equation. It could quantificational simulate the relationship between the electricity consumption and its factors. The variables importance analysis method is further adopted to distinguish the explanatory power of all relative factors. The foremost importance of production and consumption in rural area shows that the development of this area should account more for the increasing of electricity consumption. The less explanatory power of the gross domestic product of tertiary industry means the gigantic potential in electricity consumption for the future several years. At last, it calculates the contributions of observations. The results show that the unusual development of real estate and relative industry has affected the usual electricity consumption mode. With the clear away of price bubble in real estate, the increasing speed of electricity consumption will slow down in the recent years.

Annual electricity consumption analysis and forecasting of China based on few observations methods

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meng, Ming; Niu, Dongxiao [School of Business Administration, North China Electric Power University, 071003 Baoding (China)

2011-02-15

The annual electricity consumption analysis and forecasting of China is one of the important bases of management decision making for power generation groups as well as power policy adjusting for government. The socioeconomic actuality could not offer adequate observations with perfect statistic characters. The partial least squares method is applied to get a linear equation. It could quantificational simulate the relationship between the electricity consumption and its factors. The variables importance analysis method is further adopted to distinguish the explanatory power of all relative factors. The foremost importance of production and consumption in rural area shows that the development of this area should account more for the increasing of electricity consumption. The less explanatory power of the gross domestic product of tertiary industry means the gigantic potential in electricity consumption for the future several years. At last, it calculates the contributions of observations. The results show that the unusual development of real estate and relative industry has affected the usual electricity consumption mode. With the clear away of price bubble in real estate, the increasing speed of electricity consumption will slow down in the recent years. (author)

Annual electricity consumption analysis and forecasting of China based on few observations methods

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meng Ming, E-mail: ncepumm@126.co [School of Business Administration, North China Electric Power University, 071003 Baoding (China); Niu Dongxiao [School of Business Administration, North China Electric Power University, 071003 Baoding (China)

2011-02-15

The annual electricity consumption analysis and forecasting of China is one of the important bases of management decision making for power generation groups as well as power policy adjusting for government. The socioeconomic actuality could not offer adequate observations with perfect statistic characters. The partial least squares method is applied to get a linear equation. It could quantificational simulate the relationship between the electricity consumption and its factors. The variables importance analysis method is further adopted to distinguish the explanatory power of all relative factors. The foremost importance of production and consumption in rural area shows that the development of this area should account more for the increasing of electricity consumption. The less explanatory power of the gross domestic product of tertiary industry means the gigantic potential in electricity consumption for the future several years. At last, it calculates the contributions of observations. The results show that the unusual development of real estate and relative industry has affected the usual electricity consumption mode. With the clear away of price bubble in real estate, the increasing speed of electricity consumption will slow down in the recent years.

Decomposition of the Strategic Plan for Restructuring a Machine-Building Enterprise in View of Continuity of the Plans for Adjacent Periods

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kozyr-Chepurna Mariia A.

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The aim of the article is to practically approve the authors’ multi-level hierarchical approach to the strategic planning of industrial enterprise restructuring using the example of solving the problem of disaggregating the strategic plan for restructuring a machine-building enterprise of the electrical industry providing for organization of production of railroad freight cars at the enterprise. Besides, there demonstrated the effectiveness of the mechanisms of coordinating the plans for adjacent hierarchical and time periods included in the corresponding mathematical support. In the course of the practical approval, different variants of formulating the problem of decomposing the strategic plan into plans of lower hierarchical levels differing in terms of coordination of the plans of adjacent hierarchical levels and adjacent planning periods are considered, and the solutions of corresponding optimal planning problems are analyzed. It is shown that the developed methodological approach, which is based on the methods of statistical optimization, demonstrates quite satisfactory performance characteristics in solving the problem of coordinating the plans of adjacent time periods in the mode of sliding planning in the process of decomposition of the strategic plan into lower-level plans.

The Theoretical Foundations of Strategic Management of Restructuring the Enterprises on the Basis of Potentials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shpak Sergiy O.

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The article is aimed at developing an internally consistent system of formal strictly defined concepts of the theory of strategic management of industrial restructuring and substantiating, on this basis, appropriateness of an approach to strategic planning for restructuring, based on the monitoring and management of enterprise potentials. It has been shown that restructuring of the production sphere of industrial enterprise is a process of targeted changes in the structure of enterprise, affecting the material-technical supply, production, and marketing subsystems, which are generally managed at the strategic, tactical and operational levels. A comprehensive characterization of the current and future (of the possible structures of enterprise may be provided by its potentials. The conception of strategic management of enterprises restructuring based on the development of their potentials dictates certain requirements to the composition of tasks to be solved and the methodological tools used for this purpose, among them, priority should be given to the development of potentially promising enterprise structures and the choice of the most promising ones, as well as methods for assessment of potentials.

Restructuring and privatization in energy sector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stojchev, D.; Pyrvanov, V.

1994-01-01

The ways of solving problems of the transition period to market economy are discussed. The current conditions in Bulgarian energy sector are defined taking into account different processes, stages, elements, objects. The criteria of the transition -economical. technological, organizational, social, ecological -and the problems - unemployment, requalification, privatization, contamination - are postulated. The recent experience of Bulgaria and other ex-communist countries in restructuring and privatization of the economy are considered. The scope of suitable approaches, methods, means and rates are outlined. The mechanisms of the tackled processes are analyzed by comparative investigation and management ways for impact on different levels are looked for. The possible consequences of given situation, advantages and shortcomings of different alternatives are formulated. The ways for assessment and selection of compromise solutions are proposed. An overall technology for assessment and application of different ways of transition is discussed. Their tools for business estimation of economic units, the legislative, economic and social aspects of the process are scrutiny observed. Some problems of a real example of application of proposed assessment are discussed. Conclusions about methodology and efficiency of different alternatives are made. 2 refs

Accounting for change: the micropolitics of university restructuring ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This second article in a three-part series published in the South African Journal of Higher Education, describes the various ways in which "academic identity" informed the politics and shaped the outcomes of "restructuring" at the University of Durban Westville (UDW) in the late 1990s. The authors argue that while ...

Corporate financial restructuring in Asia: implications for financial stability

OpenAIRE

Michael Pomerleano

2007-01-01

Corporate financial fragility preceding the Asian financial crisis heightened vulnerabilities. Many countries in the region undertook significant corporate financial restructuring after the crisis, with some countries bouncing back much faster than others. These sounder corporate financial practices bode well for financial stability.

How restructuring river connectivity changes freshwater fish biodiversity and biogeography

Science.gov (United States)

Lynch, Heather L.; Grant, Evan H. Campbell; Muneepeerakul, Rachata; Arunachalam, Muthukumarasamy; Rodriguez-Iturbe, Ignacio; Fagan, William F.

2011-01-01

Interbasin water transfer projects, in which river connectivity is restructured via man-made canals, are an increasingly popular solution to address the spatial mismatch between supply and demand of fresh water. However, the ecological consequences of such restructuring remain largely unexplored, and there are no general theoretical guidelines from which to derive these expectations. River systems provide excellent opportunities to explore how network connectivity shapes habitat occupancy, community dynamics, and biogeographic patterns. We apply a neutral model (which assumes competitive equivalence among species within a stochastic framework) to an empirically derived river network to explore how proposed changes in network connectivity may impact patterns of freshwater fish biodiversity. Without predicting the responses of individual extant species, we find the addition of canals connecting hydrologically isolated river basins facilitates the spread of common species and increases average local species richness without changing the total species richness of the system. These impacts are sensitive to the parameters controlling the spatial scale of fish dispersal, with increased dispersal affording more opportunities for biotic restructuring at the community and landscape scales. Connections between isolated basins have a much larger effect on local species richness than those connecting reaches within a river basin, even when those within-basin reaches are far apart. As a result, interbasin canal projects have the potential for long-term impacts to continental-scale riverine communities.

A restructuring of RN1 package for MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, K. R.

2003-01-01

RN1 package, which is one of two fission product-related packages in MELCOR, has been restructured for the MIDAS computer code. MIDAS is being developed as an integrated severe accident analysis code with a user-friendly graphical user interface and modernized data structure. To do this, data transferring methods of current MELCOR code are modified and adopted into the RN1 package. The data structure of the current MELCOR code using FORTRAN77 causes a difficult grasping of meaning of the variables as well as waste of memory. New features of FORTRAN90 make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, which lead to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code. Restructuring of the RN1 package addressed in this paper includes module development, subroutine modification, and treats MELGEN, which generates data file, as well as MELCOR, which is processing a calculation. The verification has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those from the existing code. As the trends are similar to each other, it hints that the same approach could be extended to the entire code package. It is expected that code restructuring will accelerate the code domestication thanks to direct understanding of each variable and easy implementation of modified or newly developed models

A restructuring of RN2 package for MIDAS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, S. H.; Kim, D. H.

2003-01-01

RN2 package, which is one of two fission product-related package in MELCOR, has been restructured for the MIDAS computer code. MIDAS is being developed as an integrated severe accident analysis code with a user-friendly graphical user interface and data structure. To do this, data transferring methods of current MELCOR code are modified and adopted into the RN2 package. The data structure of the current MELCOR code using FORTRAN77 causes a difficult grasping of meaning of the variables as well as waste of memory. New features of FORTRAN90 make it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, which lead to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding of the code. Restructuring of the RN2 package addressed in this paper includes module development, subroutine modification, and treats MELGEN, which generates data file, as well as MELCOR, which is processing a calculation. The validation has been done by comparing the results of the modified code with those from the existing code. As the trends are the similar to each other, it hints that the same approach could be extended to the entire code package. It is expected that code restructuring will accelerate the code domestication thanks to direct understanding of each variable and easy implementation of modified or newly developed models

On transient electric fields observed in chemical release experiments by rockets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marklund, G.; Brenning, N.; Holmgren, G.; Haerendel, G.

1986-06-01

As a follow-up to the successful chemical release experiment Trigger in 1977, the TOR (Trigger Optimized Repetition) rocket was launched from Esrange on Oct. 24, 1984. Like in the Trigger experiment a large amplitude electric field pulse of 200 mV/m was detected shortly after the explosion. The central part of the pulse was found to be clearly correlated with an intense layer of swept up ambient particles behind a propagating shock-front. The field was directed towards the centre of the expanding ionized cloud, which is indicative of a polarisation electric field source. Expressions for this radial polarisation field and the much weaker azimuthal induced electric field are derived from a simple cylindrical model for the field and the expanding neutral cloud. Time profiles of the radial electric field are shown to be in good agreement with observations. (authors)

A stochastic dynamic model for optimal timing of investments in new generation capacity in restructured power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Botterud, Audun; Korpaas, Magnus

2007-01-01

In this paper we formulate the power generation investment problem for a decentralised and profit-maximising investor operating in a restructured and competitive power system. In particular, we look at how uncertainty influences the optimal timing of investments in new power generation capacity. A real options approach is used to take long-term uncertainty in load growth, and its influence on future electricity prices, into account in the investment optimisation. In order to value the operational flexibility of a new power plant we use an electricity price model, where the spot price is a function of load level and installed generation capacity, in addition to short-term uncertainties and temporal fluctuations in the market. The investor's income from a capacity payment, which also can depend on the system's total capacity balance, can also be represented. Hence, with the optimisation model we can analyse power plant profitability and optimal timing of new investments under different market designs. In a case study from the Nordic electricity market we analyse the effect of uncertainty on optimal investment timing. We also examine how a fixed or variable capacity payment would influence the investment decision, and discuss the system consequences of the resulting investment strategies. (author)

The integrated North American electricity market : investment in electricity infrastructure and supply : a North American concern

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Egan, T.

2006-03-01

Electricity supply and infrastructure solutions for the United States and Canada were discussed along with the availability of fuel supply and the diversity of fuel sources. This document focuses on investment in transmission infrastructure in order to assure sustainable generation sources for both countries while addressing constraints along the border, which will allow for enhanced cross-border trade. The Canadian Electricity Association has proposed 3 areas of bi-national cooperation to promote effective investment in electricity infrastructure and supply in the North American market: (1) cooperation in enhancing electricity supply, (2) cooperation in enhancing transmission infrastructure, and (3) cooperation in addressing air quality issues and climate change. The report discussed electricity generation by fuel source in Canada and the United States; status of restructuring in Canada; as well as the economic and environmental benefits of an integrated market. It also discussed regulatory and policy matters affecting the investment environment. Last, it discussed the need for opportunities for investment in the North American market, distribution and demand side measures, and cooperation in enhancing transmission infrastructure. It was concluded that growing electricity demand in both the United States and Canada requires investment in electricity infrastructure and supply in the future. Resolving electricity infrastructure and supply needs must be an international concern, requiring the full engagement and cooperation of both countries. 1 tab, 2 figs

Free trade and freer petchems drive Mexican restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wood, A.

1992-01-01

When Mexico first opened up its protected markets in 1987 by cutting import tariffs, it thrust the chemical industry into a phase of change. Now, with the advent of the North American Free Trade Agreement(NAFTA) and the liberalization of petrochemicals by state oil group Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), restructuring has moved up a gear

77 FR 4927 - Loan Workouts and Nonaccrual Policy, and Regulatory Reporting of Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

Science.gov (United States)

2012-02-01

... Restructuring'' is as defined in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and means a restructuring in... definition of a TDR under GAAP. In addition, it is important to recognize the Financial Accounting Standards... accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the Board does not intend through this policy to change the...

Using Intelligent System Approaches for Simulation of Electricity Markets

Science.gov (United States)

Hamagami, Tomoki

Significances and approaches of applying intelligent systems to artificial electricity market is discussed. In recent years, with the moving into restructuring of electric system in Japan, the deregulation for the electric market is progressing. The most major change of the market is a founding of JEPX (Japan Electric Power eXchange.) which is expected to help lower power bills through effective use of surplus electricity. The electricity market designates exchange of electric power between electric power suppliers (supplier agents) themselves. In the market, the goal of each supplier agents is to maximize its revenue for the entire trading period, and shows complex behavior, which can model by a multiagent platform. Using the multiagent simulations which have been studied as “artificial market" helps to predict the spot prices, to plan investments, and to discuss the rules of market. Moreover, intelligent system approaches provide for constructing more reasonable policies of each agents. This article, first, makes a brief summary of the electricity market in Japan and the studies of artificial markets. Then, a survey of tipical studies of artificial electricity market is listed. Through these topics, the future vision is presented for the studies.

Electricity market under change - experiences from the US

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lannefors, N.

1995-11-01

Several US states face a major restructuring of the electric power market with the deregulation. The present report describes this process, in particular the preparations of the utilities and other actors on the market for the reforms. Competition in power production was introduced 1978, and since 1992 some independent power producers have been permitted to sell electric power directly to the customers. These steps have increased pressure on authorities and regional utilities to deregulate and reduce costs. Three main developments are noted among the utilities: Lowered production cost, Selling power with extra options, Offering services outside the traditional distribution area. Other strategies can be diversification, alliances with telephone, computer or software companies which can bring new products

Aspirations and expectations: public views on electricity supply in Ontario, Canada. Paper no. IGEC-1-038

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rowlands, I.H. [Univ. of Waterloo, Dept. of Environment and Resource Studies, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Waterloo, Ontario (Canada)]. E-mail: irowland@fes.uwaterloo.ca; Parker, P. [Univ. of Waterloo, Dept. of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Waterloo, Ontario (Canada)]. E-mail: pparker@fes.uwaterloo.ca

2005-07-01

It is increasingly being recognised that electricity is a key public policy issue. No longer the domain of monopoly players shielded from public scrutiny, the growing restructuring of electricity supply systems around the world has increased public involvement in electricity decisions. Accordingly, it is becoming more and more important for policy-makers to have a clear understanding of their citizens' priorities regarding electricity supply issues. This paper examines public attitudes in a major Canadian metropolitan area (Waterloo Region) by analysing the results of over 1,000 surveys on a range of energy and environment issues. Regarding the present arrangements for electricity supply in Ontario, most respondents were not able to identify the resource most used (nuclear power), but instead thought that the resource that has the longest history in the province's electricity system (hydropower) dominated the supply system. Regarding future resource options, while respondents clearly expressed their preference for green electricity, particularly the so-called 'new' renewables (solar and wind power), respondents also felt that the prospects for more traditional resources - particularly, nuclear, hydropower and natural gas - remained higher. Further analyses reveal that two demographic factors (gender and age) and three attitudinal factors (perceived consumer effectiveness, liberalism and ecological concern) help predict those likely to be more optimistic and/or enthusiastic about green electricity. While the empirical material in this paper is taken from the Canadian province of Ontario, key conclusions and broader lessons are more widely applicable. Every community undergoing electricity restructuring of any kind is forced to consider public views to a greater extent. Indeed, prospects for greater use of green electricity in electricity supply systems are contingent upon a greater understanding of citizen views of the same. (author)

Aspirations and expectations: public views on electricity supply in Ontario, Canada. Paper no. IGEC-1-038

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rowlands, I.H.; Parker, P.

2005-01-01

It is increasingly being recognised that electricity is a key public policy issue. No longer the domain of monopoly players shielded from public scrutiny, the growing restructuring of electricity supply systems around the world has increased public involvement in electricity decisions. Accordingly, it is becoming more and more important for policy-makers to have a clear understanding of their citizens' priorities regarding electricity supply issues. This paper examines public attitudes in a major Canadian metropolitan area (Waterloo Region) by analysing the results of over 1,000 surveys on a range of energy and environment issues. Regarding the present arrangements for electricity supply in Ontario, most respondents were not able to identify the resource most used (nuclear power), but instead thought that the resource that has the longest history in the province's electricity system (hydropower) dominated the supply system. Regarding future resource options, while respondents clearly expressed their preference for green electricity, particularly the so-called 'new' renewables (solar and wind power), respondents also felt that the prospects for more traditional resources - particularly, nuclear, hydropower and natural gas - remained higher. Further analyses reveal that two demographic factors (gender and age) and three attitudinal factors (perceived consumer effectiveness, liberalism and ecological concern) help predict those likely to be more optimistic and/or enthusiastic about green electricity. While the empirical material in this paper is taken from the Canadian province of Ontario, key conclusions and broader lessons are more widely applicable. Every community undergoing electricity restructuring of any kind is forced to consider public views to a greater extent. Indeed, prospects for greater use of green electricity in electricity supply systems are contingent upon a greater understanding of citizen views of the same. (author)

RESTRUCTURING OF THE LARGE-SCALE SPRINKLERS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paweł Kozaczyk

2016-09-01

Full Text Available One of the best ways for agriculture to become independent from shortages of precipitation is irrigation. In the seventies and eighties of the last century a number of large-scale sprinklers in Wielkopolska was built. At the end of 1970’s in the Poznan province 67 sprinklers with a total area of 6400 ha were installed. The average size of the sprinkler reached 95 ha. In 1989 there were 98 sprinklers, and the area which was armed with them was more than 10 130 ha. The study was conducted on 7 large sprinklers with the area ranging from 230 to 520 hectares in 1986÷1998. After the introduction of the market economy in the early 90’s and ownership changes in agriculture, large-scale sprinklers have gone under a significant or total devastation. Land on the State Farms of the State Agricultural Property Agency has leased or sold and the new owners used the existing sprinklers to a very small extent. This involved a change in crop structure, demand structure and an increase in operating costs. There has also been a threefold increase in electricity prices. Operation of large-scale irrigation encountered all kinds of barriers in practice and limitations of system solutions, supply difficulties, high levels of equipment failure which is not inclined to rational use of available sprinklers. An effect of a vision of the local area was to show the current status of the remaining irrigation infrastructure. The adopted scheme for the restructuring of Polish agriculture was not the best solution, causing massive destruction of assets previously invested in the sprinkler system.

Deregulation of Electricity Supply Industry in Oman

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hamed S. Al-Maghderi

2002-06-01

Full Text Available This paper examines the opportunities available and the conditions needed for the deregulation of the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI, with particular reference to the Sultanate of Oman. The paper highlights the general issues of regulation required to encourage competition in the ESI.  After that, the discussion focuses on regulation methods in the privatized ESI by describing the regulators control through price caps setting for regulatees, the conduct regulation process, the rate of return regulation setting, and the spot market (the pool contract. Finally, the prospects of restructuring and privatizing the ESI in the Sultanate of Oman are examined by reviewing the current structure of the industry and government objectives in deregulation of the electricity sector as well as the regulation framework.

Multi-point observations of large-amplitude electric fields during substorms obtained by THEMIS

Science.gov (United States)

Ogasawara, K.; Kasaba, Y.; Nishimura, Y.; Hori, T.; Takada, T.; Miyashita, Y.; Angelopoulos, V.; Bonnell, J. W.; McFadden, J. P.

2009-12-01

Large-amplitude electric fields over 100 mV/m have been observed around the equatorial magnetosphere. These electric fields may contribute to energy transport and particle acceleration in the magnetosphere [e.g., Wygant et al., 2000, 2002], and seem to be related to fast plasma flows with a size of a few Re [Nakamura et al., 2001]. In order to understand their macroscopic characteristics and the effects to magnetic activities, it is important to observe both fields and particles simultaneously at multiple locations within several Re. Five THEMIS probes can frequently provide such chances. In this paper, we show the several events with large-amplitude electric fields during substorms obtained by THEMIS. One of the events is found in 05:50-06:00 UT on 11 March 2008, when TH-D (Xsm=-10.7 Re, Ysm=4.8 Re) and TH-E (Xsm=-10.3 Re, Ysm=5.6 Re) observed intense electric fields. At 05:54 UT, THEMIS GBO-s clearly showed the auroral onset signature. The great intensification was near the SNKQ station, and this structure moved westward with the speed of ~6 km/s. It corresponds to ~200 km/s, as mapped to the TH-D/E location. The footprints of TH-A (Xsm=-6.8 Re, Ysm=-0.4 Re), D, and E were close to the site of the aurora. The location of TH-D was beside that of TH-E, and TH-A was located earthward and eastward from the former two. The enhanced electric fields observed by TH-D and E were associated with magnetic dipolarization and earthward high-speed plasma flow. They were also associated with the depletion of electron density estimated by the spacecraft potential. These features are consistent with the model of plasma bubbles [e.g., Pontius and Wolf, 1990]. The Y components of plasma flows were 200-300 km/s, roughly consistent with the westward auroral motion as mapped to the equatorial magnetosphere. Also, we found that Poynting flux of low frequency was efficient to illuminate the auroral emissions. This fact suggests that electromagnetic energy is transported to the

Price-elastic demand in deregulated electricity markets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Siddiqui, Afzal S.

2003-05-01

The degree to which any deregulated market functions efficiently often depends on the ability of market agents to respond quickly to fluctuating conditions. Many restructured electricity markets, however, experience high prices caused by supply shortages and little demand-side response. We examine the implications for market operations when a risk-averse retailer's end-use consumers are allowed to perceive real-time variations in the electricity spot price. Using a market-equilibrium model, we find that price elasticity both increases the retailers revenue risk exposure and decreases the spot price. Since the latter induces the retailer to reduce forward electricity purchases, while the former has the opposite effect, the overall impact of price responsive demand on the relative magnitudes of its risk exposure and end-user price elasticity. Nevertheless, price elasticity decreases cumulative electricity consumption. By extending the analysis to allow for early settlement of demand, we find that forward stage end-user price responsiveness decreases the electricity forward price relative to the case with price-elastic demand only in real time. Moreover, we find that only if forward stage end-user demand is price elastic will the equilibrium electricity forward price be reduced.

Experimental observation of bifurcation nature of radial electric field in CHS heliotron/torsatron

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fujisawa, Akihide; Iguchi, Harukazu; Yoshimura, Yasuo; Minami, Takashi; Tanaka, Kenji; Okamura, Shoichi; Matsuoka, Keisuke; Fujiwara, Masami

1999-01-01

Several interesting phenomena, such as the formation of a particular potential profile with a protuberance around the core and oscillatory stationary states termed electric pulsation, have been discovered using a heavy ion beam probe in the electron cyclotron heated plasmas of the CHS. This paper presents experimental observations which indicate that bifurcation of the radial electric field is responsible for such phenomena; existence of an ECH power threshold to obtain the profile with a protuberance, and its striking sensitivity to density. In particular, Flip-flop behavior of the potential near the power threshold clearly demonstrates bifurcation characteristics. Bifurcation of radial electric field in neoclassical theory is presented, and its qualitative expectation is discussed in the bifurcation phenomena. The neoclassical transition time scale between two bifurcative sates is compared with the experimental observations during the electric pulsation. It is confirmed that the neoclassical transition time is not contradictory with the experimental one. (author)

Auction development for the price-based electric power industry

Science.gov (United States)

Dekrajangpetch, Somgiat

The restructuring of the electric power industry is to move away from the cost-based monopolistic environment of the past to the priced-based competitive environment. As the electric power industry is restructuring in many places, there are still many problems that need to be solved. The work in this dissertation contributes to solve some of the electric power auction problems. The majority of this work is aimed to help develop good markets. A LaGrangian relaxation (LR) Centralized Daily Commitment Auction (CDCA) has been implemented. It has been shown that the solution might not be optimal nor fair to some generation companies (GENCOs) when identical or similar generating units participate in a LR CDCA based auction. Supporting information for bidding strategies on how to change unit data to enhance the chances of bid acceptance has been developed. The majority of this work is based on Single Period Commodity Auction (SPCA). Alternative structures for the SPCA are outlined. Whether the optimal solution is degenerated is investigated. Good pricing criteria are summarized and the pricing method following good pricing criteria is developed. Electricity is generally considered as a homogeneous product. When availability level is used as additional characteristic to distinct electricity, electricity can be considered a heterogeneous product. The procedure to trade electricity as a heterogeneous product is developed. The SPCA is formulated as a linear program. The basic IPLP algorithm has been extended so that sensitivity analysis can be performed as in the simplex method. Sensitivity analysis is used to determine market reach. Additionally, sensitivity analysis is used in combination with the investigation of historical auction results to provide raw data for power system expansion. Market power is a critical issue in electric power deregulation. Firms with market power have an advantage over other competitor firms in terms of market reach. Various approaches to

Genomic restructuring in Hordeum chilense durum wheat hybrids ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

ANDREIA DELGADO

4John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK. 5Departament of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto ... [Delgado A., Carvalho A., Martín A. C., Martín A. and Lima-Brito J. 2017 Genomic restructuring in F1 Hordeum chilense × durum ...... Academic Press, Burlington,.

Restructuring of schools as a consequence of computer use?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Plomp, T.; Pelgrum, W.J.

1993-01-01

The central question discussed is whether the use of computers leads to the restructuring of schools or classrooms. Several authors argue that intensive use of computers must lead to new classroom patterns or new forms of schooling. Data from the international comparative study of computers in

Cognitive Restructuring and a Collaborative Set in Couples' Work.

Science.gov (United States)

Huber, Charles H.; Milstein, Barbara

1985-01-01

Investigated effects of cognitive restructuring efforts to modify unrealistic beliefs of marital partners in 17 couples. Treatment program sought to impact proactively upon positive therapeutic expectations and relationship goals and enhanced base level of marital satisfaction. On all outcome measures, treatment group (N=9 couples) showed…

Unusual lightning electric field waveforms observed in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Uppsala, Sweden

Science.gov (United States)

Adhikari, Pitri Bhakta; Sharma, Shriram; Baral, Kedarnath; Rakov, Vladimir A.

2017-11-01

Unusual lightning events have been observed in Uppsala, Sweden, and Kathmandu, Nepal, using essentially the same electric field measuring system developed at Uppsala University. They occurred in the storms that also generated ;normal; lightning events. The unusual events recorded in Uppsala occurred on one thunderstorm day. Similar events were observed in Kathmandu on multiple thunderstorm days. The unusual events were analyzed in this study assuming them to be positive ground flashes (+CGs), although we cannot rule out the possibility that some or most of them were actually cloud discharges (ICs). The unusual events were each characterized by a relatively slow, negative (atmospheric electricity sign convention) electric field waveform preceded by a pronounced opposite-polarity pulse whose duration was some tens of microseconds. To the best of our knowledge, such unusual events have not been reported in the literature. The average amplitudes of the opposite-polarity pulses with respect to those of the following main waveform were found to be about 33% in Uppsala (N = 31) and about 38% in Kathmandu (N = 327). The average durations of the main waveform and the preceding opposite-polarity pulse in Uppsala were 8.24 ms and 57.1 μs, respectively, and their counterparts in Kathmandu were 421 μs and 39.7 μs. Electric field waveforms characteristic of negative ground flashes (-CGs) were also observed, and none of them exhibited an opposite-polarity pulse prior to the main waveform. Possible origins of the unusual field waveforms are discussed.

Power industry restructuring and eco-efficiency changes: A new slacks-based model in Malmquist–Luenberger Index measurement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arabi, Behrouz; Munisamy, Susila; Emrouznejad, Ali; Shadman, Foroogh

2014-01-01

Measuring variations in efficiency and its extension, eco-efficiency, during a restructuring period in different industries has always been a point of interest for regulators and policy makers. This paper assesses the impacts of restructuring of procurement in the Iranian power industry on the performance of power plants. We introduce a new slacks-based model for Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) Index measurement and apply it to the power plants to calculate the efficiency, eco-efficiency, and technological changes over the 8-year period (2003–2010) of restructuring in the power industry. The results reveal that although the restructuring had different effects on the individual power plants, the overall growth in the eco-efficiency of the sector was mainly due to advances in pure technology. We also assess the correlation between efficiency and eco-efficiency of the power plants, which indicates a close relationship between these two steps, thus lending support to the incorporation of environmental factors in efficiency analysis. - Highlights: • We introduce a new slack-based model incorporating bad outputs to measure eco-efficiency. • Eco-efficiency change of power plants is measured over a restructuring period. • A success to enhance the eco-efficiency is revealed. • A close relationship between efficiency and eco-efficiency is shown

The protsessno-focused re-structuring of the enterprise of mechanical engineering: from the theory to practice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Afanasev

2015-01-01

Full Text Available In the developed uneasy economic conditions, re-structuring - one of the most effective methods who can influence positive change of a machine building complex, its organizational-technical, administrative and legal orientation. Necessity of a theoretical and methodical readiness of investigated problems and their practical importance have caused an urgency and a choice of a theme of article. The purpose / problems. Enterprise re-structuring as a practical embodiment of the purposes of managers, is a difficult, multifactorial problem. Accordingly, the decision of this problem, namely construction of the protsessno-focused re-structuring of the enterprise demands the complex, system approach. Article purpose is – the description of methodology of one of possible approaches to transformation of re-structuring of the enterprise of mechanical engineering from the point of view of practical management.Methodology. In article the methodology is resulted, allowing to solve the questions connected with re-structuring at the enterprises of mechanical engineering owing to consistency .Results. The present article is short describes the practical scientifically-methodical approach in which frameworks was construction of the protsessno-focused re-structuring of the enterprise of mechanical engineering on an example of the largest enterprise of Privolzhsky federal district of Open Society "Кamaz" is offered.Conclusions / the importance. Undoubtedly, offered approach – is not unique. However it has essential advantages before others – the consistency and application in aggregate both the conventional tools of management, and the original workings out which have proved the practical suitability in the conditions of the Russian practice. This approach – not panacea from all troubles of the real enterprise. Nevertheless, as practice shows, he allows to reach notable successes at carrying out of transformations real, instead of the

The liberalization of electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lepage, H.; Boucher, M.

2001-01-01

Since the end of the 1980s, the electric industry is changing. Privatization, vertical disintegrations, deregulation, restructuring, market openness are models which cause the world to question the regulated model inspired from natural monopolistic theories that are emerging in many parts of the industrialized world. Why are we witnessing these changes? What makes competitiveness possible in an industry where it was always assumed that market forces could not be relied upon? How do these markets function? On what basis and with what rules? What lessons can be learned from the experiments now taking place? This document updates this complex economic process, which proved irreversible, despite badly thought out deregulation in California and other locales. The authors explain the changes that have taken place in the electricity industry in the United States since the First World War and compares experiences with deregulation in Canada, Europe and Australia. The public monopoly being exercised by Hydro-Quebec in Quebec is examined in detail and avenues for changes in the context of liberalization of electricity markets in North America are discussed. refs., figs

Familiarisation: Restructuring Layouts with Visual Learning Models

OpenAIRE

Todi, Kashyap; Jokinen, Jussi; Luyten, Kris; Oulasvirta, Antti

2018-01-01

In domains where users are exposed to large variations in visuo-spatial features among designs, they often spend excess time searching for common elements (features) in familiar locations. This paper contributes computational approaches to restructuring layouts such that features on a new, unvisited interface can be found quicker. We explore four concepts of familiarisation, inspired by the human visual system (HVS), to automatically generate a familiar design for each user. Given a histor...

Observations of Pc5 micropulsation-related electric field oscillations in the equatorial ionosphere

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

C. A. Reddy

1994-05-01

Full Text Available A 54.95-MHz coherent backscatter radar, an ionosonde and the magnetometer located at Trivandrum in India (8.5°N, 77°E, 0.5°N dip angle recorded large-amplitude ionospheric fluctuations and magnetic field fluctuations associated with a Pc5 micropulsation event, which occurred during an intense magnetic storm on 24 March 1991 (Ap=161. Simultaneous 100-nT-level fluctuations are also observed in the H-component at Brorfelde, Denmark (55.6°N gm and at Narsarsuaq, Greenland (70.6°N gm. Our study of the above observations shows that the E-W electric field fluctuations in the E- and F-regions and the magnetic field fluctuations at Thumba are dominated by a near-sinusoidal oscillation of 10 min during 1730-1900 IST (1200-1330 UT, the amplitude of the electric field oscillation in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ is 0.1-0.25 mV m-1 and it increases with height, while it is about 1.0 mV m-1 in the F-region, the ground-level H-component oscillation can be accounted for by the ionospheric current oscillation generated by the observed electric field oscillation in the EEJ and the H-component oscillations at Trivandrum and Brorfelde are in phase with each other. The observations are interpreted in terms of a compressional cavity mode resonance in the inner magnetosphere and the associated ionospheric electric field penetrating from high latitudes to the magnetic equator.

AFSC/FMA/Observer Declare and Deploy (Resturcture)

Data.gov (United States)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce — The new Observer Program restructures and replaces what was originally considered an "interim program," which lasted for 23 years. Broadly speaking, under the...

Deregulation in the electricity sector: Understanding strategic and regulatory risk

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Larsen, E.R. [City Univ. Business School, Dept. Management Systems and Information, London (United Kingdom); Bunn, D.W. [London Business School, London (United Kingdom)

1999-08-01

This paper is motivated by our experiences since 1990 with developing system simulation models to help UK companies in the restructured electricity industry understand the radically different market within which they must become competitive. When public utilities such as electricity have been restructured, deregulated and/or privatised, the process has often been associated with a major change in the competitive environment. As a consequence, the strategic and regulatory uncertainties ahead for these companies are unprecedented. In such a market there has been no historical evolution and all the participants including the regulatory institutions have very little understanding of how it will operate in the short term and evolve in the future. In this situation, the use of systems dynamic models appears to offer an attractive way of gaining insights into how aspects of the competitive market might evolve. In the absence of real experience and relevant analogies, learning from models assumes a key role. Such models cannot be validated empirically, but can be developed to represent how the system is designed to operate. From such a prototypical basis, sensitivity analysis can generate insights on the strategic opportunities created failings in the market design, or its potential instability to shocks and market imperfections. (au)

Restructuring STM (Science, Technology, and Mathematics) Education for Entrepreneurship

Science.gov (United States)

Ezeudu, F. O.; Ofoegbu, T. O.; Anyaegbunnam, N. J.

2013-01-01

This paper discussed the need to restructure STM (science, technology, and mathematics) education to reflect entrepreneurship. This is because the present STM education has not achieved its aim of making graduates self-reliant. Entrepreneurship education if introduced in the STM education will produce graduate who can effectively manage their…

Strategy for development of the Polish electricity sector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dybowski, J. [Polish Power Grid Co., Warsaw (Poland)

1995-12-01

This paper represents the strategy for development of the Polish Electricity Sector dealing with specific problems which are common for all of East Central Europe. In 1990 Poland adopted a restructuring program for the entire energy sector. Very ambitious plans were changed several times but still the main direction of change was preserved. The most difficult period of transformation is featured by several contradictions which have to be balanced. Electricity prices should increase in order to cover the modernization and development program but the society is not able to take this burden in such a short time. Furthermore the new environment protection standards force the growth of capital investment program which sooner or later has to be transferred through the electricity prices. New economic mechanisms have to be introduced to the electricity sector to replace the old ones noneffective, centrally planned. This process has to follow slow management changes. Also, introduction of new electricity market is limited by those constraints. However, this process of change would not be possible without parallel governmental initiation like preparation of new energy law and regulatory frames.

The MMPI-2-Restructured Form and the Standard MMPI-2 Clinical Scales in Relation to DSM-IV

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Heijden, P.T. van der; Egger, J.I.M.; Rossi, G.M.P.; Grundel, G.; Derksen, J.J.L.

2013-01-01

In a Dutch sample of psychiatric outpatients (N = 94), we linked the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2; Butcher et al., 2001) Clinical scales and MMPI-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008) Higher-Order (H-O) scales, Restructured Clinical (RC) scales and

Transmission and wind investment in a deregulated electricity industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Maurovich-Horvat, Lajos; Boomsma, Trine Krogh; Siddiqui, Afzal S.

2015-01-01

Adoption of dispersed renewable energy technologies requires transmission network expansion. Besides the transmission system operator (TSO), restructuring of electricity industries has introduced a merchant investor (MI), who earns congestion rents from constructing new lines. We compare these tw...... proportion of energy is produced by wind. In effect, withholding of generation capacity by producers prompts more transmission investment since the TSO aims to increase welfare by subsidizing wind and the MI creates more flow to maximize profit....

Reliability evaluation of deregulated electric power systems for planning applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ehsani, A.; Ranjbar, A.M.; Jafari, A.; Fotuhi-Firuzabad, M.

2008-01-01

In a deregulated electric power utility industry in which a competitive electricity market can influence system reliability, market risks cannot be ignored. This paper (1) proposes an analytical probabilistic model for reliability evaluation of competitive electricity markets and (2) develops a methodology for incorporating the market reliability problem into HLII reliability studies. A Markov state space diagram is employed to evaluate the market reliability. Since the market is a continuously operated system, the concept of absorbing states is applied to it in order to evaluate the reliability. The market states are identified by using market performance indices and the transition rates are calculated by using historical data. The key point in the proposed method is the concept that the reliability level of a restructured electric power system can be calculated using the availability of the composite power system (HLII) and the reliability of the electricity market. Two case studies are carried out over Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS) to illustrate interesting features of the proposed methodology

Load frequency control of an asynchronous restructured power system

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This paper presents the analysis of load frequency control (LFC) of a two-area restructured power system interconnected via parallel ac/dc transmission links. Simulation results show that the limitations of PI controller can be overcome by including Fuzzy logic concept and thereby the dynamic performance can be improved ...

The effect of merger and consolidation activities on the efficiency of electricity distribution regions in Turkey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Çelen, Aydın

2013-01-01

In this study, we analyze the efficiency performances of Turkish electricity distribution companies throughout 2002 and 2009 in the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) framework. Our more specific goal is to measure how the efficiency performances of the electricity distribution regions were affected by the mergers between distribution regions occurred in 2005. The results demonstrate that efficiencies of the companies serving to mostly the residential customers are higher than those of other companies. However, the positive impact of residential customers on the efficiencies decreased significantly following the mergers between electricity distribution companies. In contrast, the positive impact of higher customer density on efficiency also decreased, but insignificantly following the restructuring activities in the market in 2005. Our study also witnesses that the positive impact of the mergers on the efficiencies decreases as the proportion of sales to residential customers in regions increases. In contrast, the restructuring activities of 2005 increased equally the efficiencies of the companies serving in the regions with higher and lower customer densities. - Highlights: • We analyze efficiency performances of Turkish electricity distribution companies. • The efficiencies of companies serving to mostly residential customers are higher. • Positive impact of residential customers on the efficiencies dropped after mergers. • Positive impact of customer density also decreased, but insignificantly. • Positive impact of mergers on efficiency decreases as sales to residents increase

Strategies to address transition costs in a restructuring electricity industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baxter, Lester; Hirst, Eric; Hadley, Stanton

1997-01-01

This paper discusses the potential financial consequences, or transition costs, of transforming electricity generation from a regulated to a competitive market in the US. Industry-wide estimates suggest potential monetary losses could exceed $100 billion as a result of the move to competition. The paper discusses the most prominent strategies suggested to address these potential losses. For each strategy, the paper identifies the parties most likely to bear the financial consequences. Most strategies do nothing to reduce the total costs to society, but instead shift costs from one set of economic actors to another. The exceptions are those strategies that result in economic-efficiency gains, which can then be used to offset the transition costs. Most of the strategies examined require the cooperation of several parties, including regulators, to be implemented successfully. (author)

European Union; Publication of Financial Sector Assessment Program Documentation—Technical Note on Progress with Bank Restructuring and Resolution in Europe

OpenAIRE

International Monetary Fund

2013-01-01

This article is an analysis on the restructuring banking system of the European Union. The global financial crisis created the need to restructure by immensely reflecting weaknesses in the public, households, corporate, and other financial sectors. The restructuring includes the strengthening of bank resolution tools, the activation of nonperforming loans, the maintenance of macrofinancial framework, recovery of market access, and so on. The Executive Board recommends this transition of the E...

Vertical integration and market power: A model-based analysis of restructuring in the Korean electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bunn, Derek W.; Martoccia, Maria; Ochoa, Patricia; Kim, Haein; Ahn, Nam-Sung; Yoon, Yong-Beom

2010-01-01

An agent-based simulation model is developed using computational learning to investigate the impact of vertical integration between electricity generators and retailers on market power in a competitive wholesale market setting. It is observed that if partial vertical integration creates some market foreclosure, whether this leads to an increase or decrease in market power is situation specific. A detailed application to the Korean market structure reveals this to be the case. We find that in various cases, whilst vertical integration generally reduces spot prices, it can increase or decrease the market power of other market generators, depending upon the market share and the technology segment of the market, which is integrated, as well as the market concentrations before and after the integration.

Vertical integration and market power. A model-based analysis of restructuring in the Korean electricity market

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bunn, Derek W.; Martoccia, Maria; Ochoa, Patricia [London Business School, London (United Kingdom); Kim, Haein; Ahn, Nam-Sung; Yoon, Yong-Beom [Korean Electric Power Corporation, Seoul (Korea)

2010-07-15

An agent-based simulation model is developed using computational learning to investigate the impact of vertical integration between electricity generators and retailers on market power in a competitive wholesale market setting. It is observed that if partial vertical integration creates some market foreclosure, whether this leads to an increase or decrease in market power is situation specific. A detailed application to the Korean market structure reveals this to be the case. We find that in various cases, whilst vertical integration generally reduces spot prices, it can increase or decrease the market power of other market generators, depending upon the market share and the technology segment of the market, which is integrated, as well as the market concentrations before and after the integration. (author)

Vertical integration and market power: A model-based analysis of restructuring in the Korean electricity market

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bunn, Derek W., E-mail: dbunn@london.ed [London Business School, London (United Kingdom); Martoccia, Maria; Ochoa, Patricia [London Business School, London (United Kingdom); Kim, Haein; Ahn, Nam-Sung; Yoon, Yong-Beom [Korean Electric Power Corporation, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2010-07-15

An agent-based simulation model is developed using computational learning to investigate the impact of vertical integration between electricity generators and retailers on market power in a competitive wholesale market setting. It is observed that if partial vertical integration creates some market foreclosure, whether this leads to an increase or decrease in market power is situation specific. A detailed application to the Korean market structure reveals this to be the case. We find that in various cases, whilst vertical integration generally reduces spot prices, it can increase or decrease the market power of other market generators, depending upon the market share and the technology segment of the market, which is integrated, as well as the market concentrations before and after the integration.

Combined natural gas and electricity network pricing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Morais, M.S.; Marangon Lima, J.W. [Universidade Federal de Itajuba, Rua Dr. Daniel de Carvalho, no. 296, Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, CEP 37460-000 (Brazil)

2007-04-15

The introduction of competition to electricity generation and commercialization has been the main focus of many restructuring experiences around the world. The open access to the transmission network and a fair regulated tariff have been the keystones for the development of the electricity market. Parallel to the electricity industry, the natural gas business has great interaction with the electricity market in terms of fuel consumption and energy conversion. Given that the transmission and distribution monopolistic activities are very similar to the natural gas transportation through pipelines, economic regulation related to the natural gas network should be coherent with the transmission counterpart. This paper shows the application of the main wheeling charge methods, such as MW/gas-mile, invested related asset cost (IRAC) and Aumman-Shapley allocation, to both transmission and gas network. Stead-state equations are developed to adequate the various pricing methods. Some examples clarify the results, in terms of investments for thermal generation plants and end consumers, when combined pricing methods are used for transmission and gas networks. The paper also shows that the synergies between gas and electricity industry should be adequately considered, otherwise wrong economic signals are sent to the market players. (author)

The effect of organisational restructuring on job satisfaction, career aspirations and stress levels of employees

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

E. N. Marais

1996-06-01

Full Text Available The field study reported here examined the effects of organisational restructuring on employees' job satisfaction, career aspirations and stress levels. Immediately after restructuring took place in the organisation, the employees affected by this advent were tested to determine whether restructuring would impact on the three variables. Eight months after restructuring in the organisation took place their job satisfaction, career aspirations and stress levels were measured again. The results of the research indicated no changes in job satisfaction levels, career aspirations or stress levels. The results provided no support for the expectation that after a time lapse of eight months the effects or organisational restructuring would diminish and that workers would experience a greater degree of job satisfaction. In addition, it would appear that the time lapse did not improve perceived career prospects or that stress levels decreased. Opsomming Die navorsing wat hier gerapporteer word/ het die effek van organisatoriese herstrukturering op werknemers se werkstevredenheid, loopbaanaspirasies en spanningsvlakke ondersoek. Onmiddellik nadat herstrukturering in die organisasie plaasgcvind het, is die werknemers wat deur die herstrukturering geraak is, getoets om vas te stel of herstrukturering 'n impak op die drie veranderlikes sou hê. Agt maande later is hul werkstevredenheid, loopbaanaspirasies en spanningsvlakke weer gemeet. Daar is gevind dat die werknemers se reaksie op organisatoriese herstrukturering onveranderd gebly het. Die resultate het geen steun verleen aan die verwagting dat die tydsverloop van agt maande die effek van organisatoriese herstrukturering sal verminder nie en dat werknemers tot 'n groter mate werkstevredenheid sal ervaar nie. Dit blyk verder dat die tydsverloop ook nie verbeterde loopbaanvooruitsigte tot gevolg gehad het of dat die werknemers se spanningsvlakke verlaag het nie.

The financial and accounting implications of the privatization of the regional electricity companies in the UK

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomson, L.

1993-01-01

This paper reviews some of the financial and accounting implications of the privatization of the electricity distribution and supply sector in England and Wales, specifically the transformation of the Electricity Area Boards into the 12 Regional Electricity Companies (RECs). It considers the factors influencing the setting of post-privatization price control factors; the capital restructuring of the RECs; the valuation placed by the Secretary of State for Energy on each company at flotation, and market reaction to this as shown in subsequent changes in share price; and changes in the information provided in the RECs' accounts over the privatization period. (Author)

Observations of Pc5 micropulsation-related electric field oscillations in the equatorial ionosphere

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

C. A. Reddy

Full Text Available A 54.95-MHz coherent backscatter radar, an ionosonde and the magnetometer located at Trivandrum in India (8.5°N, 77°E, 0.5°N dip angle recorded large-amplitude ionospheric fluctuations and magnetic field fluctuations associated with a Pc5 micropulsation event, which occurred during an intense magnetic storm on 24 March 1991 (A_p=161. Simultaneous 100-nT-level fluctuations are also observed in the H-component at Brorfelde, Denmark (55.6°N gm and at Narsarsuaq, Greenland (70.6°N gm. Our study of the above observations shows that the E-W electric field fluctuations in the E- and F-regions and the magnetic field fluctuations at Thumba are dominated by a near-sinusoidal oscillation of 10 min during 1730-1900 IST (1200-1330 UT, the amplitude of the electric field oscillation in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ is 0.1-0.25 mV m^-1 and it increases with height, while it is about 1.0 mV m^-1 in the F-region, the ground-level H-component oscillation can be accounted for by the ionospheric current oscillation generated by the observed electric field oscillation in the EEJ and the H-component oscillations at Trivandrum and Brorfelde are in phase with each other. The observations are interpreted in terms of a compressional cavity mode resonance in the inner magnetosphere and the associated ionospheric electric field penetrating from high latitudes to the magnetic equator.

Market power in electricity markets: Beyond concentration measures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Borenstein, S.; Bushnell, J.; Knittel, C.R.

1999-01-01

The wave of electricity market restructuring both within the US and abroad has brought the issue of horizontal market power to the forefront of energy policy. Traditionally, estimation and prediction of market power has relied heavily on concentration measures. In this paper, the authors discuss the weaknesses of concentration measures as a viable measure of market power in the electricity industry, and they propose an alternative method based on market simulations that take advantage of existing plant level data. The authors discuss results from previous studies they have performed, and present new results that allow for the detection of threshold demand levels where market power is likely to be a problem. In addition, the authors analyze the impact of that recent divestitures in the California electricity market will have on estimated market power. They close with a discussion of the policy implications of the results

THE RESTRUCTURING AS STRATEGIC INSTRUMENT IN MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE RISK (ON EXAMPLE OF THE MACHINE-BUILDING ASSOCIATION «TRUD PLANT»

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vyzhitovich A. M.

2015-06-01

Full Text Available The Article is dedicated to questions of the analysis of the processes restructuring enterprise of machine building. The Presented problems to activity enterprise machine building. Studied the innovative experience of restructuring of one of the leading enterprises - «Machine-building “Trud Plant”» JSC. Restructuring is considered in the study as an important tool in risk management loss of competitiveness and financial stability. Possibility of refining the solution of actual problems of defining approaches to identify the main potential risks and threats to businesses that use restructuring to create a long-term competitive advantage in modern conditions. As the main tools for exploring the internal and external environment of the company proposed a method of SWOT-analysis, a method of grouping projects depending on the location of customers products based on publicly available sources of information. The research led to a number of conclusions: proposed methods help to identify key risks and threats, competitive advantage, the ability of enterprises in the light of the results of past and planned restructuring; study and synthesis of work experience of enterprises with the use of these methods generates suggestions on directions of the State support measures; restructuring strategy of risk management as a tool to retain relevance in the context of import substitution.

Trends in electricity markets and international investment in Mexico

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bohigas, N.

1999-01-01

A review of current market trends in the energy sector around the world was presented. There is a global movement towards the restructuring of public utility companies. The Americas are opening new energy markets, integrating gas and electricity, privatising public utilities and making mass investments. Mexico has made a proposal to liberalize the market since extensive restructuring is needed to encourage foreign investment. Over the next ten years, energy needs are expected to reach 22,000 MW. Much of this paper focused on how Hydro-Quebec International would be a partner of choice in the Mexican energy market. Hydro-Quebec International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hydro-Quebec. It has a wide range of expertise in hydroelectric power. The utility has completed more than 300 contracts in 80 countries. Their projects in Mexico include the ECOMEX NGV project which involves the construction of compressed stations, and the CLOROTEC project which includes the construction of a thermal generating station and cogeneration with a capacity of 105 MW. This paper also described the ideal conditions for investing as being political stability, a defined regulatory structure, an established legal system, complementary partners, and acceptable rate of return. It was determined that in order to promote a more favourable investment climate, Mexico must approve the structural reform proposed to the electrical sector

Effect of Oyster Shell Calcium Powder on the Quality of Restructured Pork Ham

OpenAIRE

Choi, Jung-Seok; Lee, Hyun-Jin; Jin, Sang-Keun; Lee, Hyun-Joo; Choi, Yang-Il

2014-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oyster shell calcium powder (OSCP) as a substitute for phosphates in curing agent, on the quality of restructured pork ham. Restructured pork ham was processed under six treatment conditions: T1 (no additives), T2 (0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate), T3 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein), T4 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein+0.15% OSCP), T5 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein+0.3% OSCP), and T6 (1.5% NaCl+0.5% whey protein+0.5% OSCP). Addition of OSCP significant...

Bank Restructuring in Asia: Crisis management in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis and prospects for crisis prevention -Malaysia-

OpenAIRE

ITO Takatoshi; HASHIMOTO Yuko

2007-01-01

This paper analyzes the bank restructuring process in Malaysia from the currency crisis of 1997 to present. Even though the banking sector in Malaysia had relatively lower NPLs compared to other Asian countries, financial sector suffered financial crisis and various problems emerged. This paper covers topics such as setting up financial restructuring agencies, a scheme of capital injection to weak banks, and a corporate restructuring process conducted by the Malaysian government. Plans of Mer...

Creating a competitive electricity market in Ontario - The energy consumer perspective

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ford, M.

1997-01-01

The large consumers' perspective on the Ontario Government's decision to delay action on restructuring the electric power industry was provided, and recommendations were offered as to the best course of action that the Government ought to take. Ontario Hydro's proposal to restructure itself into separate generation, transmission and retail corporations, and to introduce competition into the Corporation was attacked as unworkable, in that it could not help but encourage price manipulation. The large consumer group also argued that retail distribution in Ontario needs major rationalization without an Ontario Hydro presence. In place of the Ontario Hydro proposal the Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario (AMPCO) recommends a separate transmission system including an independent system operator, a restructuring of local distribution within a definite time frame and consistent criteria, to be worked out by municipal utilities and Ontario Hydro Retail, and establishment of a Transition Authority independent of Ontario Hydro with a mandate to carry out these changes. While the Ontario Government appears to be unlikely to undertake such a'risky' initiative at this stage of its mandate, significant change, including competition, remains inevitable. It is not a question of whether, but when a fully competitive energy market in Ontario will become a reality. tabs., figs

Community Restructuring and Depressive Symptoms of Rural Mature and Elderly Adults: A Multilevel Analysis Based on a National Dataset in China.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Fan; Lou, Vivian W Q

2017-01-01

Community restructuring is an important predictor for residents' mental health. However, few studies have investigated how it affects the depressive symptoms of rural ageing population. Using cross-sectional data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this study examined how community restructuring was associated with depressive symptoms of Chinese rural mature and older adults and what community-level factors mediated the association. We found that people in restructuring communities reported .75 unit lower depression score (p < .01); community restructuring is associated with more infrastructure, recreational amenities, and grassroots organization (p < .001) in the community; and the availability of infrastructure (p < .01) and grassroots organization (p < .05) had significant indirect effect on the association between community restructuring and depressive symptoms. World countries' urbanization policy shall not only focus on community physical environment, but also on the development of grassroots organizations that involve and connect local people.

Revenue and Health Impacts of Restructuring Tobacco Excise Tax ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

Revenue and Health Impacts of Restructuring Tobacco Excise Tax in the Philippines. A proposed law in the Philippines to increase the excise tax on tobacco by 215% will likely have implications for tobacco control and consumption, and public health, not just for that country but for the region. Although half of deaths due to ...

The effect of restructuring of health care services on caesarean ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Nicky

2005-06-24

Jun 24, 2005 ... The effect of restructuring of health care services on caesarean section rates. ARTICLE. Medical Research Council/ University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pregnancy Hypertension Research. Unit and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Health. Sciences, University of ...

Restructuring of the jurisprudence course taught at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

Science.gov (United States)

Gleberzon, Brian J.

2010-01-01

Introduction: The process by which the jurisprudence course was restructured at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is chronicled. Method: A Delphi process used to restructure the course is described, and the results of a student satisfaction survey are presented. Results: When asked “I think this material was clinically relevant,” over 81% of the 76 students who respondents strongly agreed or agreed with this statement; 100% of students agreed or strongly agreed that scope of practice; marketing, advertising and internal office promotion; record keeping; fee schedules; malpractice issues and; professional malpractice issues and negligence was clinically relevant. When asked “I think this material was taught well,” a minimum of 89% of students agreed or strongly agreed with this statement. Discussion: This is the first article published that described the process by which a jurisprudence course was developed and assessed by student survey. Summary: Based on a survey of student perceptions, restructuring of the jurisprudence course was successful in providing students with clinically relevant information in an appropriate manner. This course may serve as an important first step in development a ‘model curriculum’ for chiropractic practice and the law courses in terms of content, format and assessment strategies. PMID:20195427

Electricity demand analysis using cointegration and ARIMA modelling: A case study of Turkey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erdogdu, Erkan

2007-01-01

In the early 2000s, the Republic of Turkey has initiated an ambitious reform program in her electricity market, which requires privatization, liberalization as well as a radical restructuring. The most controversial reason behind, or justification for, recent reforms has been the rapid electricity demand growth; that is to say, the whole reform process has been a part of the endeavors to avoid the so-called 'energy crisis'. Using cointegration analysis and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling, the present article focuses on this issue by both providing an electricity demand estimation and forecast, and comparing the results with official projections. The study concludes, first, that consumers' respond to price and income changes is quite limited and therefore there is a need for economic regulation in Turkish electricity market; and second, that the current official electricity demand projections highly overestimate the electricity demand, which may endanger the development of both a coherent energy policy in general and a healthy electricity market in particular

Comparing the risk profiles of renewable and natural gas electricity contracts: A summary of the California Department of Water Resources contracts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bachrach, Devra; Wiser, Ryan; Bolinger, Mark; Golove, William

2003-03-12

Electricity markets in the United States have witnessed unprecedented instability over the last few years, with substantial volatility in wholesale market prices, significant financial distress among major industry organizations, and unprecedented legal, regulatory and legislative activity. These events demonstrate the considerable risks that exist in the electricity industry. Recent industry instability also illustrates the need for thoughtful resource planning to balance the cost, reliability, and risk of the electricity supplied to end-use customers. In balancing different supply options, utilities, regulators, and other resource planners must consider the unique risk profiles of each generating source. This paper evaluates the relative risk profiles of renewable and natural gas generating plants. The risks that exist in the electricity industry depend in part on the technologies that are used to generate electricity. Natural gas has become the fuel of choice for new power plant additions in the United States. To some, this emphasis on a single fuel source signals the potential for increased risk. Renewable generation sources, on the other hand, are frequently cited as a potent source of socially beneficial risk reduction relative to natural gas-fired generation. Renewable generation is not risk free, however, and also imposes certain costs on the electricity sector. This paper specifically compares the allocation and mitigation of risks in long-term natural gas-fired electricity contracts with the allocation and mitigation of these same risks in long-term renewable energy contracts. This comparison highlights some of the key differences between renewable and natural gas generation that decision makers should consider when making electricity investment and contracting decisions. Our assessment is relevant in both regulated and restructured markets. In still-regulated markets, the audience for this report clearly includes regulators and the utilities they

A methodology to identify stranded generation facilities and estimate stranded costs for Louisiana's electric utility industry

Science.gov (United States)

Cope, Robert Frank, III

1998-12-01

The electric utility industry in the United States is currently experiencing a new and different type of growing pain. It is the pain of having to restructure itself into a competitive business. Many industry experts are trying to explain how the nation as a whole, as well as individual states, will implement restructuring and handle its numerous "transition problems." One significant transition problem for federal and state regulators rests with determining a utility's stranded costs. Stranded generation facilities are assets which would be uneconomic in a competitive environment or costs for assets whose regulated book value is greater than market value. At issue is the methodology which will be used to estimate stranded costs. The two primary methods are known as "Top-Down" and "Bottom-Up." The "Top-Down" approach simply determines the present value of the losses in revenue as the market price for electricity changes over a period of time into the future. The problem with this approach is that it does not take into account technical issues associated with the generation and wheeling of electricity. The "Bottom-Up" approach computes the present value of specific strandable generation facilities and compares the resulting valuations with their historical costs. It is regarded as a detailed and difficult, but more precise, approach to identifying stranded assets and their associated costs. This dissertation develops a "Bottom-Up" quantitative, optimization-based approach to electric power wheeling within the state of Louisiana. It optimally evaluates all production capabilities and coordinates the movement of bulk power through transmission interconnections of competing companies in and around the state. Sensitivity analysis to this approach is performed by varying seasonal consumer demand, electric power imports, and transmission inter-connection cost parameters. Generation facility economic dispatch and transmission interconnection bulk power transfers, specific

The role of clean coal technologies in the evolving domestic electricity market

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gordon, K. [National Economic Research Associates, Tampa, FL (United States)

1997-12-31

The paper discusses the following: What will the future electric industry look like; The industry as it has been until recently; The critical factors of price and cost; The movement to allow customer choice in the states; The role of the federal government; Elements of the process, rationales, implications and new requirements. The paper then describes what the restructured market will look like and the transition process to that end.

The organizational restructuring performative act under shareholder value management ideology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Patrícia Saltorato

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Purpose – This paper’s objective is to present the dynamics involving an organizational restructuring process conducted in a Brazilian subsidiary of a centenary American industrial corporation which claimed to be seeking, by means of this process, to increase the value of the company’s shares, but, which results reveal the distance between the promises and outcomes of this process, unveiling the symbolic-performative nature of such a process. Methodology – The chosen research method was the case study. The data collection involved the participant observation of a company manager (2010-2015; the conduction of non-structured interviews to the company’s managers, directors and CFO (2013-2015; documental research to the company’s internal and public sources (2010-2015; and bibliographical research to scientific papers, business press, market analysts and specialized media (2010-2015. Results – The narratives of success found in the company’s reports portray the restructuring myth as a continuous strategy, through which the company reinforces its efforts in delivering good results to shareholders. And, despite the outcomes of the case study not supporting these narratives, its performative nature legitimize the company’s commitment to the SHV management ideology towards stakeholders of the capital market, even in face of the adoption of antishareholders’ postures, such as anti-takeovers measures, the merging of the CEO and Chairman positions, its CEO perks, etc. Contributions – Paradoxically, although the researched company operates under the cold logic of finances, and under pressure to create shareholder value, it revealed to be subject to the dynamics in which the search for symbolic legitimacy plays a decisive role in maintaining its position within the hierarchy of the socially constructed field of the Management in face of other stakeholders present in the field, reinvigorating the precepts of Bourdieu’s Field Theory and

Direct observations of surface water-groundwater interaction using electrical resistivity tomography

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Noell, Ursula; Wießner, Claudia; Ganz, Christina; Westhoff, Martijn

2011-01-01

Electrical resistivity tomography is a helpful tool to observe the infiltration process in and through the soil. Array 3-D measurements and 3-D inversion schemes are required for reliable interpretation of heterogeneous subsurface structures. Smoothing of the inversion can be minimized by using

[Efficacy observation of dysphagia after acute stroke treated with acupuncture and functional electric stimulation].

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Ling; He, Peng-Lan; Zhou, Zhen-Zhong; Li, Yan-Hua

2014-08-01

To observe the impacts on the recovery of swallowing function in patients of dysphagia after acute stroke treated with acupuncture and functional electric stimulation. Seventy-four patients were randomized into an acupuncture plus electric stimulation group (38 cases) and an electric stimulation group (36 cases). The functional electric stimulator was used in the two groups. The electric pads were placed on the hyoid bone, the upper part of thyroid cartilage, the masseter muscle and the mandibular joint. The treatment lasted for 30 mm each time. In the acupuncture plus electric stimulation group, acupuncture was supplemented at motor area of Jiao's scalp acupuncture, lower 2/5 of sensory area, Baihui (CV 20), Lianquan (CV 23), Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13), 30 mm each time. The treatment was given once a day, 6 treatments for one session and there was 1 day at interval between the sessions, 4 sessions were required totally in the two groups. The dysphagia scale was adopted for efficacy evaluation before treatment and after 4 sessions of treatment in the two groups. The removal rate of nasal feeding tube was observed after treatment. The dysphagia score was increased apparently after treatment compared with that before treatment in the two groups (both P vs 6.73 +/- 1.36, P stroke and promotes the early removal of nasal feeding tube. The efficacy is better than that of the simple electric stimulation therapy.

Imagining the Good Organization: Educational Restructuring in a Coastal Community.

Science.gov (United States)

Harris, Carol E.

2002-01-01

Describes town of Burnt Island, Newfoundland, including its need for imaginative survival; explores the nature of imaginative thought, including benefits to the individual and to society; describes threats to imaginative teaching within town's restructured school; describes characteristics common to the work of Greenfield, Greene, and Habermas…

Restructuring, Teams, and Learning: The Case of a Clothing Company.

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, Tony

1999-01-01

Interviews with female employees of a clothing company moving to lean production and teamwork indicate that Taylorism is being reinvented in the contemporary workplace. Restructuring produces higher productivity but greater work pressures and lower wages, despite rhetoric about autonomy, job satisfaction, and workplace democracy. (Contains 57…

Science teachers' beliefs about teaching and reform: Case studies from a restructured high school

Science.gov (United States)

King, Elizabeth A.

A qualitative research study of the beliefs of three science teachers about teaching and educational reform was carried out at a restructured high school belonging to the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES), a nationally prominent restructuring movement. One problem of educational reform is to sustain change in the science classroom. A new wave of reform is shifting the focus away from curriculum changes and towards professionalism of teachers empowered to restructure schools. The beliefs of the teachers are key to decisions made in the classroom. The teachers and staff of Metro High School adopted the Ten Common Principles of CES as their guide to restructuring and sustaining change. Changes included increased authority for teachers in shared decision making, increased staff time for professional development, grouping students heterogeneously, grouping students and faculty in teams for extended time periods, and organizing instruction around small group and individual student study (student-centered). The theoretical framework centers on the constructivist theory of learning, particularly Vygotsky's socio-cultural model, and Bakhtin's dialogic function of language. Nespor's belief system model was used to describe the four characteristic features of beliefs: episodic memories, alternativity, existential presumption, and evaluative loading. My research questions were: What memories of teaching have influenced the teachers? What are the teachers' beliefs about the learning environment? What are the teachers' beliefs about their students? What are the teachers' beliefs about student activities? Interviews were the primary data source for the case studies of the three teachers, with additional data from lesson plans, photo-voice, and other artifacts. The teachers shared many common beliefs including that strong peer support is necessary for reform. The teachers' beliefs allied themselves to the majority of the common principles of CES, especially personalization and

Estimating the contribution of the private power plant on electricity market in Korea

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sonn, Yang-Hoon; Park, Jong-Bae

2010-09-15

This paper aims to measure the contribution of merchant power provider in electricity market in Korea. In spite of the restructuring process of last one decade, wholesale power market is still dominated by KEPCO and its subsidiaries. The share of the public-owned power plants is 89% in capacity, and 96% in generation. The participation of the private power shows very significant contribution in promoting the competition in the market in spite of the small share. The conclusion of the paper is that we need to enhance the competition among suppliers in order to build stable electricity market for the consumer.

An experimental investigation of glare and restructured fiber metal laminates

Science.gov (United States)

Benedict, Adelina Vanessa

Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) are a group of materials fabricated by bonding glass/epoxy layers within metal layers. This class of materials can provide good mechanical properties, as well as weight savings. An FML known as Glass Laminate Aluminum Reinforced Epoxy (GLARE) was studied. An experimental investigation comprising of microscopy and tensile testing was carried out using different grades of GLARE. Microscopy revealed the construction details of GLARE, while tensile testing provided means of measuring and analyzing its stress-strain responses. Next, different metal surface pretreatment methods were explored. These included sandblasting, Phosphoric Acid Anodizing (PAA), and AC-130 Sol-Gel treatment. Woven S-2 glass, an epoxy adhesive, and aluminum alloy sheet metal were used to fabricate restructured FMLs using time and cost effective procedures. Additional microscopy and tensile testing allowed for comparisons with GLARE and aircraft grade aluminum alloys. The restructured FMLs showed similar behaviors to GLARE with potential significant improvements in fabrication efficiency.

Romanian refining industry assesses restructuring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanasescu, D.G.

1991-01-01

The Romanian crude oil refining industry, as all the other economic sectors, faces the problems accompanying the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. At present, all refineries have registered as joint-stock companies and all are coordinated and assisted by Rafirom S.A., from both a legal and a production point of view. Rafirom S.A. is a joint-stock company that holds shares in refineries and other stock companies with activities related to oil refining. Such activities include technological research, development, design, transportation, storage, and domestic and foreign marketing. This article outlines the market forces that are expected to: drive rationalization and restructuring of refining operations and define the targets toward which the reconfigured refineries should strive

An explanation for parallel electric field pulses observed over thunderstorms

Science.gov (United States)

Kelley, M. C.; Barnum, B. H.

2009-10-01

Every electric field instrument flown on sounding rockets over a thunderstorm has detected pulses of electric fields parallel to the Earth's magnetic field associated with every strike. This paper describes the ionospheric signatures found during a flight from Wallops Island, Virginia, on 2 September 1995. The electric field results in a drifting Maxwellian corresponding to energies up to 1 eV. The distribution function relaxes because of elastic and inelastic collisions, resulting in electron heating up to 4000-5000 K and potentially observable red line emissions and enhanced ISR electron temperatures. The field strength scales with the current in cloud-to-ground strikes and falls off as r -1 with distance. Pulses of both polarities are found, although most electric fields are downward, parallel to the magnetic field. The pulse may be the reaction of ambient plasma to a current pulse carried at the whistler packet's highest group velocity. The charge source required to produce the electric field is very likely electrons of a few keV traveling at the packet velocity. We conjecture that the current source is the divergence of the current flowing at mesospheric heights, the phenomenon called an elve. The whistler packet's effective radiated power is as high as 25 mW at ionospheric heights, comparable to some ionospheric heater transmissions. Comparing the Poynting flux at the base of the ionosphere with flux an equal distance away along the ground, some 30 db are lost in the mesosphere. Another 10 db are lost in the transition from free space to the whistler mode.

Optimization models and techniques for implementation and pricing of electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)