ATLANTA, Nov. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ScottMadden, Inc., one of North America’s leading energy consulting firms, recently released its newest edition of The Energy Industry Update. This semi-annual publication offers our inside view of major events and emerging trends in the energy industry and is received by more than 10,000 industry leaders.

ScottMadden’s Energy Industry Update examines the EPA’s Clean Power Plan (CPP), focused on the significant changes in the final rule from the proposed rule, initial reactions from various stakeholders, and the implications for state regulators, generators, and others in the energy and utilities sectors.

On August 3, after a record 4.3 million comments and additional government analysis, the EPA released its final rule governing existing power plant emissions of greenhouse gases. The CPP provides the first-ever national standards that address CO2 emissions from power plants, which are responsible for 30%–40% of GHG emissions in the United States. EPA analysis indicates the combined climate and health benefits of the CPP will far outweigh the costs of implementing it; however, critics argue that the rule will lead to increased electricity costs, kill jobs, and harm low-income and minority communities.

“The Clean Power Plan as currently written would significantly re-structure the composition and dispatch of the U.S. generation fleet. However, significant uncertainties will persist for years. There will be a number of court challenges. And states have myriad decisions to make: implement rate or mass-based approach, prepare their own plan or team up with other state(s); take early action on renewables and energy efficiency or wait. States have a final submission deadline of September 2018 to complete their plans with a ‘show-your-work’ requirement for interim draft submissions. This is really the start of the journey, not the end,” said Todd Williams, partner and fossil practice leader at ScottMadden.

To view or download the Fall 2015 edition of The Energy Industry Update, please click here.

About ScottMadden’s Energy Practice

We know energy from the ground up. Since 1983, we have been energy consultants. We have served more than 300 clients, including 20 of the top 20 energy utilities. We have performed more than 2,400 projects across every energy utility business unit and every function. We have helped our clients develop strategies, improve operations, reorganize companies, and implement initiatives. Our broad and deep energy utility expertise is not theoretical—it is experience based.

About ScottMadden, Inc.

ScottMadden is the management consulting firm that does what it takes to get it done right. Our practice areas include Energy, Clean Tech & Sustainability, Corporate & Shared Services, and Grid Transformation. We deliver a broad array of consulting services ranging from strategic planning through implementation across many industries, business units, and functions. To learn more, visit www.scottmadden.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

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