Management Quarterly

Entry of Presque Isle Electric and Gas Cooperative into natural gas business Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op has entered into the natural gas industry by offering the product in its service area. This decision was reached after conducting a survey of its current members, which indicated that many would consider converting from propane to natural gas if Presque Isle offered this gas product. Moreover, the cooperative recognized that this was an opportunity to enter a new market without adding a significant number of employees. In fact, only two gas technicians were...

Elements of competitive databases.

Rural electric cooperatives Gathering of timely, accurate and useful information has become an imperative for rural electric cooperatives which are now operating in a deregulated electric utility industry. First, these cooperatives must know themselves by surveying members and employees regarding their perceptions, needs and desires. Then, they must gather data about their competitors and support base, which include other cooperatives in the country. After these data have been gathered, it is important to arrange them i...

Gathering competitive intelligence.

Includes appendices Electric utilities should learn how to gather competitive intelligence. It helps them to compete more ably against competitors, improve their customer service and operate more effectively within a dynamic regulatory environment. In gathering competitive intelligence, utilities should focus on three aspects: competitors, customers and regulators. Competitive intelligence may include ownership structure, gross indicators, competitive position, current strategies and future strategies. Customer ...

Improving the quality of rural living through water and wastewater services.

Talquin Electric Cooperative Talquin Electric Cooperative is one of those rare rural electric cooperative that can branch out and offer services other than distribution of electricity. Ever since 1964, the cooperative has been supplying its service area with adequate and safe drinking water. As of 1995, Talquin operates 23 water systems, 16 of which serve over 100 residential subdivision-type developments. Ten of the water systems are classified as small systems while eight are regional-type water systems. Aside from the...

Maximizing your demand side management effort by keeping your electric water heaters healthy.

Union Rural Electric Cooperative The Union Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) of Marysville, OH, examined the dynamics of its demand side management program with electric water heaters after realizing that its performance has not been satisfactory. The water heater control program had an integrity below 70% and the incentives were not achieving their goals. In response to these findings, Union REC re-organized its water heater system to improve the benefits of market share and load control, and to provide better value-added se...