Strategic Energy Management: The Best Practice in 2016

There is no question that 2015 has been a dynamic year in world energy markets. Falling oil and natural gas prices, along with decisive action from world leaders on climate change, have impacted how we view and use our energy commodities.

Advances made in energy storage technology and renewables will create significant change to the global energy landscape in the future and will be crucial in determining how our communities and countries manage and use their energy resources.

Here at home, Canadian markets have taken major strides forward in environmental sustainability. Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario have recently announced their participation in carbon taxation with an effort to limit carbon emissions. These significant changes have and will continue to affect energy markets this year and in the future.

There are some areas in the energy sector that have been slow to change. Energy information regarding usage and pricing is a critical component in energy management and will play a key role in managing carbon and carbon emissions going forward. Canadian energy users will want to know their energy expenses in order to budget and track carbon costs. In jurisdictions like Alberta, rising transmission prices and carbon costs will encourage customers to pursue energy efficiency and examine alternate energy sources. Ontario and Quebec are facing uncertainty regarding natural gas supply and transportation. Energy information and literacy is the backbone to managing these changes in our energy resources and the associated rising costs in the coming years.

There is no secret formula to managing energy efficiently. In order to be sustainable and effective, it requires the commitment of each and every person within an organization. Support from senior leadership is the key to successful implementation of energy management programs. With the global energy landscape changing rapidly, it is increasingly more important for high level managers and executives to stay informed of organizational energy inputs and their impact on the business and its customers.

There is no question that managing energy and carbon will be a topic of interest in the New Year. 360 Energy will be providing up to date information on steps to take for success in consideration of this new business element. It is important to us that our customers be informed and prepared for the future. A large part of carbon management is energy management. In this changing and exciting time, we look forward to working with our customers in navigating this rapidly evolving energy environment.

All the best for 2016,

David Arkell