Effective Utility Benchmarking: Leveraging data to drive business transformation

Recorded Wednesday, February 17, 2010

90 minutes

Background and Agenda | Panelists | Who will benefit | Get log-in

An effective benchmarking analysis clearly identifies gaps in performance compared to relevant peers in the utility industry. This information can be used to drive improvement initiatives with measurable results. In addition, by analyzing your company's performance compared to your peers in advance of regulatory proceedings, you can come before a commission in a stronger negotiating position. 

Background

There is growing interest in the topic of benchmarking by utility executives, regulators, and consumer advocates, all of whom for different reasons, need to understand the operating and financial performance of specific utilities compared to their peers. The drivers for benchmarking including rate cases, performance improvement goals and cost reduction assessments.

Agenda

Panelists

Inna Goldman

Senior Financial Analyst, Omaha Public Power District

Inna Goldman's oversight responsibilities at OPPD include identifying process improvements and initiating the company's current benchmarking analysis process. Inna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Laura L. Kapustka

Division Manager, Planning and Budgeting Services, Omaha Public Power District

A 25-year veteran of the utility industry, Laura Kaputska oversees OPPD's Payroll Services, Accounts Payable, Financial Planning, Corporate Budgeting and Pricing and Forecasting Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a MBA, both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

Mike Stacey

Manager, Huron Consulting Group

Mike Stacey has more than 10 years of experience in business transformation, including process design and re-engineering, logistics, cost reduction and organizational effectiveness. With a background in financial and operational systems his expertise includes identifying cost savings opportunities in the utilities industry.

David Whitman

Director, Huron Consulting Group

With over 25 years of professional experience in the utilities industry, Dave Whitman has built a reputation for facilitating change and helping clients improve their business and operational efficiency and effectiveness. Dave’s specific areas of expertise include power generation, capital project planning and execution, asset management, resource optimization, condition assessment, and performance metrics. He is an expert in business process improvement and an experienced facilitator of employee process teams. He also has extensive experience in employee training and development, organization and staffing, and compensation.   

Who will benefit

• -	Utility executives and managers involved in operations, finance, customer service or rate case preparation
  -	Public utility commission staff and commissioners

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