Texas A&M University
Office of Continuing Education Workshop

Houston, Texas

Cutting Energy Bills in Texas
Developing an Energy Risk Management Strategy

April 25, 2007, 12:00-5:00 pm
The George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas

In Cooperation With the City of Houston and the Office of Houston Mayor Bill White

Preliminary Agenda

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch and Onsite Registration

1:00 - 5:00 Workshop (Coffee/Tea Break: 2:45 - 3:00)

Workshop Topics

• Texas Energy Market History and What to Expect in the Future

  • Why electricity and natural gas prices took off in 2002

  • Global markets, growth and what the experts say

  • Impacts of new technologies, renewables and carbon taxes

  • Reading the signs: high prices and volatility are here to stay

• What is Your Facility's Energy Cost Index (ECI)?

  • The energy efficiency checklist

  • Translating efficiency options into monthly energy bill savings with the ECI

• Energy Risk Management Principles

  • Why avoiding a decision is a risky strategy in today's markets

  • How to evaluate efficiency investment risks and rewards

  • Making sound decisions based on your budget flexibility and risk tolerance

  • Investments that immediately boost your bottom line

• Principles of Buying Electricity and Natural Gas

  • Cost of service and rate structures

  • End-use energy use and costs

  • Competitive market pricing options

• A Guide to Energy Efficiency and Operating Options

  • How to identify options at your facility

  • Working with contractors and energy efficiency firms

• Energy Resources and Programs

  • Free assistance and resources

  • Utility incentive programs

  • Other programs and incentives

• Energy Budgets at Risk (EBaR)TM: Pulling it All Together

• Developing an Energy Risk Management Plan: A Houston Energy Budgets at Risk Case Study (Note: Attendees are encouraged to bring energy use and facility information to begin developing their own energy risk management plan in this last workshop session. Details are provided in the registration packet sent to each attendee.)

  • Defining energy cost vulnerability

  • Determining risk tolerance

  • Assessing investment opportunities

  • Integrating energy prices and efficiency choices

  • Assessing risks and rewards of efficiency options and strategies

  • Implementation strategies

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