Utility deregulation and supply disruptions are creating energy uncertainty, prompting food processors to consider a variety of energy management options
Natural gas deregulation taught manufacturers that free-market pricing meant both the opportunity for cost-cutting and the danger of sky-high utility bills. Hedge contracts and other risk-management tools are becoming critical in controlling commodity costs, and rolling blackouts are forcing utility customers to deal with availability issues as never before. Add to that the arcane nature of tariff laws and distribution deals, and it's understandable that many food processors are taking a hard look at hooking up with an energy service provider (ESP).