Energy cases are gaining prominence as the industry undergoes a massive transition from fossil fuels to renewables. These cases combine strategy with regulatory and technical considerations.
The Energy Landscape
Traditional Energy
Oil & gas exploration, refining, distribution — facing decarbonization pressure
Renewables
Solar, wind, battery storage — rapidly declining costs, scaling challenges
Utilities
Regulated monopolies, rate cases, grid modernization, distributed energy
Common Case Types
- Renewable energy investment — Should we invest in a solar/wind project?
- Utility rate case — How should the utility set prices?
- Energy transition strategy — How should an oil major diversify?
- EV infrastructure — Where to deploy charging stations?
Energy-Specific Considerations
- Regulatory environment: Rate structures, subsidies, carbon pricing
- Capital intensity: Large upfront investments with long payback periods
- Technology risk: Evolving technologies may disrupt current investments
- ESG pressures: Investor and consumer demands for sustainability
Key Metrics
- Levelized cost of energy (LCOE)
- Capacity factor
- Return on invested capital (ROIC)
- Carbon intensity (tCO2/MWh)