Utility Rate Analyses/Studies
GDS conducts rate analyses and studies to determine the fairness and financial foundation of rate structures. We can evaluate, establish, and revise natural gas rates to meet increased costs of providing service and implementing regulatory initiatives, while balancing the requirements of the company and its customers. Several of the professionals at GDS are skilled witnesses who have provided expert testimony on a wide range of rate case topics and issues. Our services include:

• Cost of Service Studies

• Expert Testimony

• Rate Design Evaluation

• Rate Studies

• Rate Case Evaluation

• Cost of Capital Analyses

• City Gate Purchases

• Service Rules and Regulations

• Transportation Rates

Innovative Strategies and Solutions
GDS offers specialized consulting to guide our clients through every stage of the planning and implementation cycle. We use our expertise to identify issues and develop strategies that result in solutions to the challenges created by today?s constantly changing market. We assist our clients in the following areas:

• Merger and Acquisition Valuation (including technique selection)

• Industry Restructuring

• Risk Management (hedging, policy development, etc.)

• Financial Analysis and Competitive Analysis

• Energy Procurement Strategies and Negotiations Assistance

• Unbundling Services

GASB 34 Compliance Services
The engineering and accounting staff at GDS can assist municipal utilities in evaluating GASB 34 and how it may impact utility services.  Based on client needs, we will:

• Review and/or modify depreciation methods

• Evaluate whether the "modified approach" is a practical option

• Review and improve capitalization policies and procedures

• Assist in the formulation of an asset management plan and long-term asset maintenance strategies

• Assist financial personnel with the MD&A

GAS Energy Efficiency
Developing and maintaining a cost-effective portfolio of energy supply and demand-side resources is of crucial importance to utilities, regulators, and end-use customers. The GDS staff of highly qualified program design, implementation, and analysis specialists assists clients with the complexities of multi-faceted energy efficiency planning. As an industry-recognized leader in numerous energy efficiency areas, with significant expertise in the management of large-scale projects, we have provided assistance in project planning and management, implementation, and operational assessments.  GDS staff are industry-recognized leaders in numerous energy efficiency areas including:

• Strategic Program Design and Policy

• Market Transformation

• Market Research

• Program Evaluation

• Benefit/Cost Analysis

• Program Implementation and Oversight

• Business and Regulatory Support

• Load Management Assistance

Regulatory and Operating Services
GDS understands the diverse needs of gas systems and end users. We provide comprehensive and technical assistance to meet our clients? operating and regulatory demands and help enhance their operations, increase efficiency, and minimize costs. Our services include:

• Litigation Support

• Replacement Cost Evaluations

• Quality of Service Issues

• Tariff Design

• GASB 34 Valuations

• Privatization Studies

• Franchise Agreements

• GIS Mapping

Commodity Procurement Services
GDS offers specialized consulting to assist our clients with commodity procurement, with a goal of minimizing their risk and increasing cost savings in regulated and non-regulated markets. We have expertise in the following areas:

• Natural Gas Procurement

• Aggregation Strategies and Services

• Customer Advocacy

• Investigation of Alternative Energy

• Supply Strategies

• Risk Assessment

• Contract Review and Negotiation Assistance

• Market Monitoring

Contacts
Jim Daniel