April 15, 2009

Foreign intruders have entered the country. But they did so from the comfort of their living rooms or offices. The news that the Russians and the Chinese are alleged to have hacked their way into the nation's electrical grid and left behind secret codes that could later wreak havoc is distressing -- but not unpredictable.

The risks are greater now than ever before. The total interconnectivity of networks through the Internet has given hackers new ways to get critical information. That's why the North American Electric Reliability Corporation has developed standards for utilities when it comes to protection of their information systems. Indeed, power grids are susceptible to not just worms and viruses that can disrupt business but also to large-scale onslaughts intent on completely shutting down systems.

April 08, 2009

It's a crime. And it can lead to jail time and civil fines. But it can also cause death and destruction. It's about stealing electricity -- an offense that recently triggered a blaze in a Philadelphia row home that killed a young mother and her small child, all by circumventing the meter and plugging right into the abuser's circuit box.

Hard times and high prices tempt people. But power theft is unsafe and illegal. It can impact corporate financials and the resources that utilities would allocate to the delivery and generation of electricity, affecting entire communities. And if that message doesn't sink in, then effective prosecution will.

April 01, 2009 

An economic recovery may be hinged to the transformation of the energy sector. And that's why the Obama administration is targeting billions toward revamping the nation's transmission grid, increasing energy efficiency and expanding renewable fuels.

Perhaps the single biggest investment that could most affect national markets is the endeavor to grow the green fuel portfolio. As such, the U.S. Department of Energy has said it will provide $6 billion in loan guarantees by May to those businesses that have proven ideas and which will expand jobs. It's all necessary so that young companies can acquire the funding they need to move ahead with their projects and at a time when traditional debt and equity markets are hard to crack.

Dawn E. Dzurilla
Naples, FL: 239-261-0715
New York, NY: 212-734-4912

Location:  Anywhere U.S.A. however, will spend a fair amount of time in Detroit, MI area (Headquarters)
Relocation reimbursement: possible, but not preferred.
Travel: Yes, domestically and including some international travel.

Scope of Business: 

Clean/Renewable Energy: wind energy (small and utility scale).

Desired on-boarding date:

Mid to late April - 2009

March 30, 2009

It had been termed the Brave New World -- the one where electricity restructuring would revolutionize business models, technology development and consumer behaviors. But it has yet to happen. With the newfound emphasis on climate change, however, the energy sector may be jolted in ways that advocates of deregulation had only dreamed.

It centers on controlling energy use, which in turn limits emissions, helps preserve the environment and increases grid reliability. It will take an holistic approach. That will entail scheduling the most economical fuels and building of a digital network that extends to meters, which can then send signals to consumers or their automated appliances so as to cut usage. High hopes now exist as the cause is supported by national public policy that is enabling pilot projects to become commercialized.