Natural Gas Consulting
GDS provides creative solutions to help our clients meet challenges arising in both regulated and competitive environments within the evolving natural gas utility industry. Our team of highly qualified professionals works to address complex economic, engineering, accounting, policy, and regulatory issues with clients including consumer groups, publicly owned utilities, regulatory authorities, military and government agencies.
UTILITY RATE ANALYSIS/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 service
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 financial personnel with the MD&A
Assist in the formulation of an asset management plan and long-term asset maintenance strategies