The old adage “Knowledge is power” applies perfectly to today’s electrical-energy markets.

In this era of deregulation, having all the right data is crucial to making intelligent business decisions. Calgary-based Utility Network & Partners does precisely that, and does it so well that the company has been doubling in size annually for the past five years.

Companies of all scale and variety come to UTILITYnet, as it is usually known, but there’s a common thread to their needs. They want deregulation simplified for them and they want help managing their electricity needs efficiently so they can get back to concentrating on their core business.

“We anticipate that by January 2004 the total aggregated electrical load of all clients using UTILITYnet billing agent services will surpass the 2,500 megawatts plateau,” says Nick Clark, co-owner of the company with business partner Madeline Low.

That represents 25 to 30 per cent of the total power consumed in the province – an enviable position, to say the least.

UTILITYnet managing partners Nick Clark and Madeline Low are looking for Data Analysts to join their team.

In the coming weeks, UTILITYnet will launch a new Enterprise Information Portal, designed as a “delivery service.”

It will be the primary vehicle for providing customers with an enhanced web access service to all of the information and applications relevant in managing their electricity portfolio.

The application is customized for each corporation. It is designed to enable any manager in the client’s company to unlock stored information and provide users with a single gateway to operational files and information needed for informed business decisions.

The portal joins other effective programs at UTILITYnet.

SUNJI, for example, is the company’s web reporting system – an integrated energy management service that incorporates leading load management and budget-analysis tools for use by operational and strategic business managers.

Another is RISS, the Retail Invoice Settlement System. It’s designed to validate a power-pool invoice and provide the client with all the information and tools needed to help manage the buying and selling of electrical power.

Clients have several choices in the energy market, but UTILITYnet works hard to set itself apart from the competition – and it has succeeded.

“UTILITYnet pricing services has the lowest transactions fees in the market,” says Madeline Low.

“The system is singularly focused on Alberta’s deregulated market and we are truly specialists in data mining. Our company has a reputation for always delivering more then the customer asks for, and is always under budget.”

UTILITYnet puts financial responsibility high on its list of priorities.

“We operate from a responsibility to our client as well as the employee,” Clark explains, “and that’s a guarantee of service and assurance of employment.

UTILITYnet has a rather uncommon and refreshing philosophical approach to business.

“The company has changed significantly,” Low says, “but we have held true to our beliefs, our values and our desire to create a workplace that our employees can enjoy. They can have fun here, smile and thrive.

“A lot of companies talk about these values but few achieve them.”

Such business values and strategies are key to UTILITYnet’s success.

“We have never gone into debt, and only expanded when we had cash available to invest,” Low says.

“We have two key responsibilities, both of equal importance: stability of the company to ensure we can provide unmatched service to our customers, and protecting the welfare of our employees and their families. By having cash and/or liquid assets equal in value to the annual operating costs of the company, we can weather any fluctuation in the turbulent market, such as Alberta’s entry into deregulation of the electricity industry.”