Utilities Eye Future, See Critical Role in Country's Road to Recovery at EUCG Spring Meeting

Yahoo! ^ | Tuesday April 14, 2009 | Press Release

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Electric utilities play an integral role in the United States' economic competitiveness and will play a similar function in its economic recovery, concluded industry professionals at EUCG's recent spring workshop in St. Petersburg, Fla. EUCG, a global association of energy and electric utility professionals, meets semiannually to discuss current and emerging industry issues, share best practices and exchange data for benchmarking purposes. The association celebrated its 35th year in 2008.

"Our member utilities are pursuing similar objectives at this time, such as developing competitively priced, clean and sustainable generation delivered by an increasingly intelligent transmission and distribution network," said EUCG President Mark Derry of Exelon (NYSE: EXC - News). "We realize that our industry plays a critical role in our nation's ability to compete globally and provide a high standard of living."

Jeff Lyash, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Florida (NYSE: PGN - News), addressed the workshop and called on the industry to institute a balanced approach to energy generation. "We need to develop all forms of energy with a focus on domestic sources if we are to create a more competitive, secure and sustainable energy future. That means energy efficiency. That means alternative energy, and that means building state-of-the-art plants and distribution infrastructure," declared Lyash.

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EUCG's spring workshop attracted approximately 150 electric utility professionals from more than 50 utilities, including numerous foreign countries. Highlights from each EUCG committee included the following:

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