Centrica: avalanching into North America

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British Energy: cost cutting spells brighter future

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British Energy: tough conditions call for cost cutting

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Centrica: doubling up in Canada

The Enbridge deal doubles Centrica's Canadian customer base, bringing the company towards its target of ten million North American customers by the end of 2003. The timescale may look tight, but Centrica stands a good chance of achieving it. And as retail competition kicks off, the utility should be able to replicate its successful UK model of providing multiple services.

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UBS/EnronOnline: customers once bitten, twice shy

Despite UBS' AA+ credit rating, rebuilding the shattered confidence of former EnronOnline clients will be a tall order for the Swiss bank. It has been successful in retaining Enron employees, including senior staff, but many customers have already defected to healthier rivals following the collapse.

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British Energy: twelve days and counting

British Energy has 12 days until its GBP650 million loan runs out, and no clear strategy after that. The current plan of a debt-for-equity swap relies on the optimistic notion that creditors still consider BE stock to be worth something. Rather, if BE is to survive, it urgently needs decisive government intervention - such as reducing taxes on nuclear generation.

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Ballard: turning science fiction into fact

In the 1990s, fuel cells were one of many outlandish technologies competing to be the environmentally friendly power source of the future. But while others have hit dead ends, fuel cells are gaining ground. If their promise can be fulfilled, today's humble fuel cell producers could be among the energy giants of tomorrow.

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Centrica: expanding further in Canada

Centrica's march towards its goal of 10 million customers in North America by 2004 continues with the acquisition of Alberta's leading gas and electricity retailer, ATCO. Meanwhile, the refinancing of subsidiary Enbridge Services means more funds for further acquisitions, but the slower than expected pace of deregulation is making organic growth that little bit harder.<BR />

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UK energy: nuclear option key to supply diversity

With increasing demand for energy, restricted supply, and Kyoto targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet, the case for building new nuclear plants, once dismissed as a last resort, is rapidly regaining force. The importance of the nuclear role as part of a diverse generation portfolio must not be underestimated.

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Gazprom/Petro-Canada: Baltic terminal project hints at global LNG potential

Russian gas giant Gazprom and Canadian major Petro-Canada are to proceed with construction of an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea. Based on existing demand and infrastructure, the gas could be sold both on the North American as well as European markets. This brings arbitrage opportunities on top of long-term supply for the Canadian market, and marks a further step towards a truly global LNG market.

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