Operational risk
Let’s get physical
Credit Lyonnais Rouse Derivatives is a commodity trader moving into natural gas trading. And not just on the financial side, as Joel Hanley discovers
Aquila’s troubles could break emerging markets risk
Confusion at the weather derivatives operations of energy giant Aquila is having a knock-on impact on the development of weather products in emerging markets around the world. Paul Lyon reports
In the mind of a trader
Use of psychological techniques and behavioural studies is an essential part of designing aircraft cockpits. The same principles are now being applied to energy trading screens, as James Ockenden discovers
Trouble at the paper mill
Maria Kielmas asks how energy users in Scandinavia are coping with medium-term price uncertainties and the threat of increased environmental legislation
A tight ship in rough waters
Power prices in the UK have fallen dramatically in recent months. What can the UK’s biggest power producer do to prevent more losses in this difficult market? Joel Hanley profiles British Energy
A new cop on the beat?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has been severely criticised for its actions – or lack of them – during California’s disastrous attempt at deregulation. It is now hitting back at the energy industry. Kevin Foster reports
Energy trading primer
Chris Bowden says large industrial and commercial buyers could learn from energy traders’ experiences in dealing with volatile energy markets
Softly, softly in the western US
Wary Californian power traders have reverted to tried-and-tested trading strategies. But, asks Catherine Lacoursière, will the new, apparently stable market hold up to another long hot summer?
What’s the worst that could happen?
Brett Humphreys discusses how using a standard credit value-at-risk measure may be misleading for credit risk decisions
Getting technical with crude
Energy market specialist GlobalView Software takes a look at a range of technical trading indicators and what they reveal about the world oil market
Brent’s liquidity crisis
The decision by energy information provider Platts to alter the definition of its Brent benchmark price has forced the issue over the crude blend’s liquidity problems, reports Matt Horsbrugh
TXU finds the right combination
Kevin Foster looks at the reasons behind TXU Energy’s choice of Knowmadic’s Integration Suite data management software, and at the product’s features
Techno prisoners
IT disasters can bankrupt companies, so software vendors should be available 24-7. But often mergers and sales mean the software supplier no longer exists in its original form. What can the buyer do then? Joel Hanley reports
Courses for Californian water resources
No discussion about the state of the energy industry is complete without mentioning the Californian power crisis. Catherine Lacoursière interviews Pete Garris, acting deputy director of the California Energy Resources Scheduling division (CERS) at the…
Unleaded prices feel the heat
Data management and analytics specialist FAME Information Services looks at the effect the US driving season is having on US gasoline prices, taking into account various factors – in particular, the big impact of higher crude oil prices this summer
Building a bridge to Var
Value-at-risk (Var) is a technique often applied to the energy industry. But there are limitations to its use. Here, Leslie McNew aims to bring these limitations to light, and thereby give practitioners confidence in the use of Var
Rating agencies raise the bar
Confidence in energy traders has never been lower, and the metrics the rating agencies apply to their business are changing. James Ockenden assesses the damage