ScottMadden And SEPA Explore The Energy Markets In Texas

ScottMadden, Inc., one of North America’s leading energy consulting firms, recently joined the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) for a factfinding mission trip to examine how innovative programs are enabling utility scale and distributed solar to grow in the state. Innovative technology companies are bringing solutions to the industry and jobs to the region.

Sergio Chapa, reporter for the San Antonio Business Journal, recently wrote that “Texas is on the verge of a massive solar power build out and San Antonio’s solar-power manufacturers are poised to benefit from a wave of new construction.” In the article, Mr. Chapa stated, “Solar only represented 271 megawatts of power on the state grid in 2014, but participants at the SEPA meeting in San Antonio said this changing with prices going down faster than expected. At $40 per megawatt hour, solar power can cost as little as 4 cents per kilowatt hour.” Bob Gibson, vice president of communication at SEPA, noted, “If solar continues to come down in price, it's going to open a lot of markets. If you want to make solar as affordable as possible, you want to have as much utility scale as possible.”

Cristin Lyons, partner and grid transformation practice leader at ScottMadden, and Marc Miller, partner and public power and electric cooperatives practice leader at ScottMadden, joined Mr. Gibson on the fact-finding mission trip to Texas. The three will soon report their findings in an upcoming white paper. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the report, please contact us.

“The Texas market is seeing significant innovation by municipally owned and cooperative electric utilities in providing new product offerings to customers and economic development opportunities for solar companies,” said Ms. Lyons. “It has been interesting to see how public power and cooperative utilities have leveraged their long-term view and deep connections to customers to lead in the deployment of distributed PV,” added Mr. Miller.

About Solar Electric Power Association
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers, and the public good. With 900 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to providing utility strategies, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

About ScottMadden’s Energy Practice
We know energy from the ground up. Since 1983, we have been energy consultants. We have served more than 300 clients, including 20 of the top 20 energy utilities. We have performed more than 2,400 projects across every energy utility business unit and every function. We have helped our clients develop strategies, improve operations, reorganize companies, and implement initiatives. Our broad and deep energy utility expertise is not theoretical—it is experience based.

About ScottMadden, Inc.
ScottMadden is the management consulting firm that does what it takes to get it done right. Our practice areas include Energy, Clean Tech & Sustainability, Corporate & Shared Services, and Grid Transformation. We deliver a broad array of consulting services ranging from strategic planning through implementation across many industries, business units, and functions. For more information, visit www.scottmadden.com.