A new consumer mindset creating new business opportunities and challenges. Accenture end-consumer survey on Climate Change 2007

Transcription

1 Accenture end-consumer survey on Climate Change 2007 Executive summary report - October 2007 A new consumer mindset creating new business opportunities and challenges

2 Contents Foreword 3 Introduction 4 Objectives 4 Methodology 5 Key Finding #1 6 Individuals are taking the lead on Climate Change Key Finding #2 12 Individuals need guidance regarding how to change their behaviors Key Finding #4 20 In their decision to choose a provider (if an option), individuals value actions taken by energy providers to address Climate Change Conclusions 26 Implications for gas and electricity providers Implications for oil and gas companies Implications for major energy users Key Finding #3 16 People in emerging countries are the most concerned and ready to act 2

3 Foreword 2007 has seen a stepchange in the level of concern over the potential threat from man-made Climate Change. In February, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published the first part of its latest report on Climate Change, confirming warming of the climate system is unequivocal and that there is a very high confidence that the net affect of human activities has been one of warming 1. Over the past year, the issue of Climate Change has forced its way to the top of the political and media agenda sparking an ongoing public debate over the role that individuals can play in helping society to address the problem in a meaningful way. Increasingly, consumers are taking up the Climate Change agenda, and demanding actions from governments as well as products and services from business to help respond to the challenge. Significant efforts are underway to track the rise of the green consumer through research and pilot projects aimed at understanding the extent to which consumers really care about green issues. Throughout these initiatives, there is intense interest in how to translate this emerging consumer need into profits, by offering new products and services and defining new business models. What is beyond doubt is that irrespective of the precise reading on the green barometer the Climate Change debate has moved into the mainstream in most countries. Consumers behaviour is notoriously hard to predict. But if there is one thing that history does teach us, it is that trends can spread like wildfire once a few influential early adopters have embraced them, and quickly become the norm across society. Witness the take-off of the MP3 player, networking internet sites and the mobile phone. 1 IPPC report Climate Change 2007: the physical science basis, February 5 th 2007, accessed on 3

4 Introduction Up to now it has been difficult for companies across the resources industries to gauge the precise impact of Climate Change s rising importance from the end consumer s viewpoint on their business, as they strive for high performance. This situation has left several key questions unanswered. Are individuals ready to act and take concrete action to address Climate Change? Will consumers try to use their buying power to reduce the level of emissions? And will they be prepared to pay more for products and services that help achieve this objective? The Accenture survey of more than 7,500 consumers worldwide shows that consumers across the globe are not merely aware of Climate Change as an issue, but are going further by adopting a new mindset that will change the basis on which they make buying decisions. This executive summary report provides insights into this fast-emerging new consumer mindset, drawing on the findings from the 2007 Accenture end-consumer survey on Climate Change. Objectives The aims of the Accenture endconsumer survey on Climate Change were to reveal the personal opinions of consumers worldwide on the impact of Climate Change, and to analyse their expectations of energyrelated companies in the light of this impact. The term Climate Change refers to variations in the Earth's global climate or in regional climates over time. The survey addressed the following issues: Individuals level of concern over Climate Change: How concerned are they? What will the impacts of Climate Change be? How quickly is action needed if we are to address the issue efficiently and effectively? The role of individuals in tackling Climate Change: Are people ready to change their behaviour and lifestyle? What actions are they taking already? Individuals expectations towards energy-related companies: Do consumers expect energy providers to act to address Climate Change? Are they prepared to pay more for products and services that help reduce the carbon emission? What will be the business impact for energy providers if they do not take any concrete actions? Through its ongoing research and experience, Accenture is committed to uncovering the key attributes needed to help our clients in every industry develop into highperformance businesses. To review the findings from our wealth of research into high-performance, and to read about our experiences with more than 500 highperformers, please visit 4

5 Methodology The study consists of quantitative research based on a 20-minute survey conducted online in native languages with 7,526 consumers in 17 countries worldwide. The consumer sample was representative of the general population in all territories except for Brazil, China and India, where the sample was representative of the urban population. Data collection was completed for Accenture by Gfk NOP. Interviews by Country US 1001 Canada 510 France 500 Germany 500 Italy 500 Netherlands 507 Nordic (4 countries) 504 Spain 500 UK 501 Australia 501 Japan 500 Brazil 502 China 500 India 500 5

6 Key Finding #1 Individuals are taking the lead on Climate Change One of the clearest findings from the Accenture research is that individuals are taking the lead on Climate Change, in response to deep concern over its effect on their everyday lives. Eighty-five per cent of respondents worldwide are either extremely or somewhat concerned by Climate Change, and 81% think it will directly impact their lives. Figure 1 Are you concerned by Climate Change? 3% 12% 40% 45% 85% Somewhat concerned Extremely concerned Not very concerned Not at all concerned 6

7 Figure 2 Do you think that Climate Change will directly impact your life? 16% 3% 39% 42% 81% Probably Certainly Probably not Certainly not 7

8 While consumers expect Climate Change s most important impacts to be on weather and the ecosystem, three out of four believe it will also have a significant impact on people s health. Figure 3 According to you what will be the impact of Climate Change on the following aspects? Extreme weather 42% 45% 11% 2% Total devastating + important 87% Water 40% 44% 13% 3% 84% Ecosystem Land 36% 48% 14% 2% 84% Bio Diversity 35% 48% 14% 3% 83% Food 30% 50% 16% 4% 80% Health 23% 51% 22% 4% 74% Devastating Important Limited No impact 8

9 Most respondents believe their countries need to take action to reduce carbon emissions, both in terms of extensive (or significant) reductions in emissions and through rapid action. A significant majority of respondents (65%) believe that action should be instigated by 2010, reflecting the level of urgency that Climate Change has in many people s minds. While wholesale emissions reductions are not feasible by 2010 from technical grounds, it does indicate that consumers are starting to give a mandate to business and Governments to address the issue. Figure 4 According to you, how large a reduction in carbon emissions will be required for your country? Extensive Significant 35% 47% 82% Limited Don t Know 12% 6% Figure 5 How quickly must most of the countries act in reducing their carbon emissions? 65% 19% 3% 1% 1% 2% 9% Later Don t Know 9

10 Given this level of concern, consumers are not just prepared to act but are already doing so. As Figure 6 shows, 71% of respondents believe that Climate Change is a serious issue demanding action by individuals as well as businesses and politicians. Figure 6 Which statement best describes what you think? You think that Climate Change is over-hyped and you do not feel concerned You feel concerned and think that most efforts to address Climate Change efficiently shall come from politicans, companies (energy providers and major energy users) BUT also actions taken at the individual level 71% 10% 19% You feel concerned and think that most efforts to address Climate Change efficiently shall come from politicans and companies (energy providers and major energy users) What is more, most respondents are already taking such action, saying they frequently recycle paper or plastic, shut down electric devices instead of leaving them on standby, turn down the heating at home, and use high-efficiency light bulbs. Over one out of three respondents also state that they regularly buy products containing recycled material (see Figure 7). Figure 7 How often do you currently do the following actions? 50% Recycle paper or plastic goods Shut down electric devices instead of leaving them on stand-by Reduce heating temperature at home Use high efficiency lightbulbs, (CFLs) Buy products that contain post consumer waste (recycled material) Avoid taking car and rather use bike, public transport, carpool in order to save energy/carbon Consider buying a more energy efficient car Avoid eating food imported by plane and buy food produced locally Improve the level of your home insulation 71% 19% 6% 4% 62% 26% 9% 3% 61% 28% 7% 4% 59% 25% 10% 6% 41% 43% 12% 4% 38% 30% 20% 12% 32% 36% 16% 16% 32% 31% 20% 17% 31% 30% 19% 20% Actions taken regularly by the majority of the respondents Actions taken regularly by at least one respondent out of 3 Prefer train to plane when possible Use alternative energy like solar energy 31% 25% 19% 25% 13% 18% 24% 45% Frequently Sometimes Rarely Never 10

11 The findings reveal some interesting contrasts between different segments of the population. In general, women are more concerned and more likely to take action than men, while individuals of both sexes with the highest income the top 25% in each country are the most concerned and most active. In terms of geographies, the most concerned and active countries are emerging countries (Brazil, China, India) along with France, Canada and Japan. 11

12 Key Finding #2 Individuals need guidance regarding how to change their behaviors Most people are already acting on their concerns about Climate Change but our research confirms that many more would do so if they were convinced that their actions would make a positive and efficient impact. Given credible evidence, half of the respondents not currently taking action would certainly start using high-efficiency light bulbs, recycling paper or plastic, and using alternative energy sources. More than a third would consider buying a more energyefficient car. Figure 8 Would you be ready to take the following actions more often to address Climate Change if you were convinced of their efficiency to address Climate Change? Use high efficiency lightbulbs, (CFLs) Recycle paper or plastic goods Buy products that contain post consumer waste (recycled material) Use alternative energy like solar energy Improve the level of your home insulation Shut down electric devices instead of leaving them on stand-by Consider buying a more energy efficient car Reduce heating temperature at home 41% 50% 39% 51% 46% 44% 38% 50% 43% 45% 44% 47% 47% 44% 36% 36% Avoid eating food imported by plane and buy food produced locally Prefer train to plane when possible 46% 41% 31% 29% Avoid taking car and rather use bike, public transport, carpool in order to save energy/carbon 42% 27% Probably Certainly Base: excludes those who already take these actions frequently 12

13 As these findings suggest, consumers are hungry for advice and guidance on how to address Climate Change. In seeking this guidance, their two most trusted sources of information are academics/scientific associations, and consumer associations/ngos, both cited by over 90% of respondents. Energy providers have room to increase their credibility, with 87% of the respondents saying they sometimes or never trust them to provide some information on personal actions to address Climate Change efficiently. Figure 9 What sources of information do you trust the most to inform you on concrete actions that you can take at a personal level to address efficiently Climate Change? Academics / Schools / Scientific associations Consumer associations / Non Governmental Organizations Government / Governmental Organizations Energy providers (electricity, gas, oil providers) 14% 13% 30% 40% 37% 43% 57% 59% 50% 44% 52% 56% 13% 29% 28% 5% 7% Always Sometimes Never The vast majority of respondents are interested in receiving information on how to address Climate Change from energy providers (see Figure 10) but most also think energy providers communications on this issue are currently insufficient and need to improve (see Figure 11). Figure 10 Would you be interested in the following concrete actions / services that might be proposed by energy providers to help you address Climate Change at a personal level? Consumer information to develop your level of knowledge on how to reduce carbon emissions at your personal level 3% 9% 42% 46% Regular status on your individual energy use and carbon emissions 4% 12% 46% 38% Free phone line to get advice on reducing your energy use and carbon emissions 7% 21% 37% 35% Not interested at all Somewhat interested Not very interested Very interested 13

14 Figure 11 What do you think of the communications made by energy providers (i.e. electricity, gas, oil providers) on their actions taken to address Climate Change? At level, no improvement required 7% About right slight improvement required 32% 93% Insufficient significant improvement required 61% As Figure 12 shows, energy providers could increase their credibility on Climate Change by improving the clarity and transparency of their communications on the actions they take to address the issue. Figure 12 What improvement do you expect on the communications made by energy providers on their actions to address Climate Change? 68% 65% 44% Clarity Trasparency Frequency Base: All who feel communications made by energy providers on their actions to address Climate Change require improvement 14

15 The level of trust towards energy providers communication and information services proposed by them varies from country to country. The highest levels of interest in such communications are found in Brazil, India, China, Italy, Spain, Canada, France and Australia Taken together, these findings show that energy providers have a major opportunity to establish themselves as a trusted source of information on the actions that individuals can take to address Climate Change. The vast majority of consumers in our sample have either changed their lifestyles already, or will do so if someone convinces them that they can make a difference. The door is open for companies to act as catalysts to make this happen. Energy providers have a major opportunity to establish themselves as a trusted source of information. 15

16 Key Finding #3 People in emerging countries are the most concerned and ready to act Figure 13 Are you concerned by Climate Change? While our respondents across the world are concerned about Climate Change and its impact, this concern appears to be at its greatest in the emerging countries in our survey Brazil, India and China. Ninety-seven per cent of consumers in these countries are concerned about Climate Change, compared to a global average of 85%, and 98% think it will directly impact their lives, compared to 73% in Europe. Yes 80% 81% 90% 97% No 20% 19% North America 10% Europe Japan / Australia 3% Emerging countries 16

17 Figure 14 Do you think that Climate Change will directly impact your life? Yes 77% 73% 88% 98% No 23% North America 27% 12% Europe Japan / Australia 2% Emerging countries Respondents in emerging countries (China, Brazil, India) are also the most aware of the level of effort required to stabilise carbon emissions. Figure 15 According to you, how large a reduction in carbon emissions will be required for your country? Extensive 34% 32% 38% 42% 44% 48% 46% 50% Significant North America Europe Japan / Australia Emerging countries 17

18 Given this level of concern, it is hardly surprising that consumers in the emerging markets are more active in taking individual action to tackle Climate Change. Over 80% of our emerging markets respondents a far higher proportion than in other territories say they frequently or sometimes avoid taking the car or buying food imported by plane, and about twice as many use alternative energy. Figure 16 How often do you currently do the following actions? % active (takes actions frequently / sometimes) Recycle paper/plastic goods Shut down electric devices 86% 93% 92% 86% 88% 89% 80% 91% Reduce heating temperature at home 91% 89% 87% 85% Buy recycled materiels 85% 83% 83% 84% Avoid taking car 53% 70% 66% 82% Consider buying a more energy efficient car 71% 65% 61% 77% Avoid eating food imported by plane 57% 58% 64% 82% Improve the level of home insulation 52% 61% 62% 63% 32% Prefer train to plane 59% 59% 72% 23% Use alternative energy 24% 30% 56% North America Europe Japan / Australia Emerging Countries Significantly higher proportion than in the other regions 18

19 Significantly, our respondents in emerging markets also say that social pressures play a much more important role in motivating them to take concrete action. Figure 17 How important would the following elements be to motivate you to take concrete actions (e.g. avoid taking cars, reduce heating temperature at home, recycle paper or plastic goods, ) to reduce your level of carbon emissions? Savings on your bills 95% 94% 94% 96% Incentives 90% 89% 90% 91% Taxes 82% 80% 83% 85% Social pressure 57% 56% 58% 83% Source: Accenture end-consumer survey on Climate Change 2007 North America Europe Japan / Australia Emerging Countries Significantly higher proportion than in the other regions The implication of these findings is that resources companies developing strategies for emerging markets should keep the Climate Change agenda firmly in view as a key element of the local consumer mindset. To an extent, it seems that the urban consumers we surveyed in developing countries are setting a lead that the rest of the world may ultimately follow. 19

20 Key Finding #4 In their decision to choose a provider (if an option), individuals value actions taken by energy providers to address Climate Change If individuals worldwide really are concerned about Climate Change and genuinely want to address it, then this concern will inevitably have an impact on their behaviour and choices as consumers. The respondents in our research say unequivocally this is going to happen. In short, they claim they are going to put their money where their mouth is both by switching to providers offering to help reduce carbon emissions, and also by being prepared to pay more for these lower-carbon products and services. As figure 18 and 19 show, the findings speak for themselves. Nine out of ten respondents say that if they hear that an electricity, gas or oil provider is not taking concrete action to address Climate Change, then their perception of that company will become more negative. Figure 18 If you hear that a electricity / gas provider does not take any concrete action to address the Climate Change issue, will that have an impact on the image of this company? It will negatively impact your image of this company but not significantly enough to choose another provider 36% It will have no impact and will not change your relationship with this company 10% 54% It will negatively impact your image of this company and you will choose another provider 20

21 Half add that they would be willing to switch to a competitor as a result, if this option is open to them in their local market (see Figure 18 and 19). Equally importantly, this same mindset provides positive opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves. Figure 19 If you hear that an oil provider does not take any concrete action to address the Climate Change issue, will that have an impact on the image of this company? It will have no impact and will not change your relationship with this company It will negatively impact your image of this company but not significantly enough to choose another provider 30% 9% It will negatively impact your image of this company and you will choose another provider 61% As Figure 20 shows, 89% of respondents say they are ready to switch to energy providers who offer products and services that help to reduce the level of carbon emissions. Figure 20 If an energy provider was proposing products / services that help reduce the level of carbon emission would you be willing to switch to this provider? 9% 2% 41% 48% 89% Yes, probably Yes, certainly No, probably not No, certainly not 21

22 Consumers are even prepared to reward the providers of such products and services by paying more. As Figure 21 shows, 64% of our respondents would be ready to pay a higher price to benefit from products and services that help reduce the level of carbon emissions. Figure 21 Would you be ready to pay more to benefit from products / services that help reduce the level of carbon emission? Yes, certainly 15% Yes, probably 49% 64% No, probably not No, certainly not 28% 8% 36% Figure 22 What premium would you be ready to pay to benefit from products / services that help reduce the level of carbon emission? 51% 26% 13% 6% 2% 1% 1% 0-10% 11-20% 21-30% 31-40% 41-50% > 50% Don t Know Base: All who might pay for more to benefit from products and services that help reduce the level of carbon emission 22

23 Consumers are actively interested in most of the Climate Change-related actions / services that might be offered by energy providers. Financial support, savings and renewable electricity products are the three most preferred options, with one respondent out of two very interested in these. Figure 23 Would you be interested in the following concrete actions / services that might be proposed by energy providers to help you address Climate Change at a personal level? Savings on your electricity / gas / fuel bill for any reduction of your individual carbon emission 2% 5% 31% 62% Renewable electricity products 3% 7% 39% 51% Financial support for investment in efficient energy solutions for the home Consumer information to develop your level of knowledge on how to reduce carbon emissions at your personal level Biofuels for cars, i.e. fuels produced from organic sources 3% 3% 4% 9% 39% 49% 9% 42% 46% 10% 38% 48% Regular status on your individual energy use and carbon emission 4% 12% 46% 38% The option to generate your own electricity with a small windmill or solar panel A small LCD screen at home to allow you to monitor your own energy use 5% 13% 37% 45% 6% 15% 39% 40% Fuel cell technology 7% 20% 42% 31% Free phone line to get advice on reducing your energy use and carbon emissions 7% 21% 37% 35% The option to purchase 'offsets' for your carbon emissions 10% 29% 42% 19% Not interested at all Not very interested Somewhat interested Very interested 23

24 With a growing mandate for action from consumers and scientists, policy makers are increasingly looking to the demand-side for solutions. Accenture expects the policy solutions for the demand-side to be both strengthened and extended to help deliver reductions in emissions as well as contributing to security of supply. In this context, three types of policy initiative will come under consideration. Standards and specifications. This commonly-applied policy tool is likely to be extended and tightened, with more and more countries moving towards an aspiration of zero-carbon (or at least low-carbon) buildings. Similarly, appliance efficiency programmes, such as Energy Star in the US and Japan s Top Runner, are likely to be expanded. Support for demand-side focused business models. Several governments are expected to mandate or incentivise businesses to offer solutions supporting demand-side activities. Examples include smart metering implementations, demand-side management programme incentives and support for energy services solutions. Integrating the demand-side into carbon markets. An additional policy area that will support the demand-side is the creation of a framework that allows energy efficiency improvements (sometimes called negawatts) to be valued in the carbon markets. Considerable challenges remain, but a solution to these would provide a major impetus to the demand-side market. Policy makers are putting growing pressure on energy suppliers to challenge their traditional business model high consumption drives high revenues and innovate. Regulators in a number of US states are rewarding energy suppliers for energy efficiency by decoupling revenues from unit sales. To achieve this, tariff structures are altered to guarantee energy efficient utilities earnings (despite lower unit sales) while also offering financial incentives for efficiency. At the same time, the EU is compelling utilities to provide consumers with up-to-date information about energy prices, usage and efficiency measures, in order to enable them to make better-informed energy-efficient decisions. 24

25 In terms of territories, people in Italy, Spain, Canada, Japan and in the emerging countries in the survey Brazil, China and India are more likely to switch to a new energy provider if this provider was proposing products / services that help reduce the level of carbon emissions. Except for Japan, consumers in these markets are also consistently more ready to pay a premium for products / services that help reduce the level of carbon emission. 25

26 Conclusions Overall, the Accenture research study suggests consumer mindset across the world is undergoing a profound and rapid change, as addressing Climate Change becomes an increasingly important consideration in their choice of products and services. While the initial impact in business terms may be most evident on energy providers, it seems likely that this impact will increasingly spread to other resources companies either directly, or as the impacts trickle through the supply chain from consumer-facing businesses. From oil and gas companies to retailers to financial services to governments no provider of products or services will be immune from consumers scrutiny and action. As a result, the impact of Climate Change is an increasignly important consideration for businesses of all types as they strive for high performance. This seismic and rapid shift in the global consumer landscape presents major new opportunities for companies to take a lead in addressing Climate Change, and simultaneously gain competitive differentiation in the eyes of consumers. Individuals around the world want to take action at a personal level to help address what they believe is one of the greatest challenges currently facing mankind. Companies that find or develop the new business models that help consumers put this commitment into effect throughout all their activities from product development to distribution, and from facilities management to packaging will reap the rewards. Another key implication is the potential impact that Climate Change attitudes could have on demand side actions conservation and efficiency improvements. The potential for cost reduction from the demand-side has been known for many years, but attempts to realise this potential have been hampered by a lack of interest from the consumer. Accenture s research indicates that Climate Change concern may be the stimulus for consumers to start managing their energy use more actively and more aggressively, whether it is electricity, natural gas, gasoline or diesel. This could also easily translate into more active management of the carbon footprint for other products and services. Finally, it must be remembered that a company s employees are consumers too. The desire to work for firms that are taking meaningful steps to address Climate Change and environmental issues more generally is a trend that is becoming apparent in many countries. Positioning on Climate Change is likely to play an increasing role in the war for new graduates as well as in retaining existing talent. Implications for gas and electricity providers Accenture s research indicates a significant and rapid change in mindset for a gas and electricity provider s customers. Indeed it will require them to reinvent their core customer proposition. Currently, the simple volumebased revenue model appears to be counter to the aspirations of policy makers who would like to drive reductions in energy use. Consumer demand for consumption information, lower carbon products, demand side management and support for efficiency and conservation actions in home and business requires a new model. Revenues will need to be decoupled from commodity volumes to prevent profit erosion. The good news is that our survey suggests there may be a new category of products and services that are of interest to consumers. The key will be to transform the business model to enable delivery of more complex, information-intensive products and services, in an efficient and profitable way. The potential impact of consumer attitudes on Climate Change will also feed through into the generation sector. Currently consumers generally have, at most, a simple choice between renewable or standard electricity. Growth in consumer awareness could see a much more sophisticated set of buyers emerge who value lower-carbon intensity, even if it is not renewable. One UK energy retailer has already started to market itself as the lowest CO 2 supplier. If such positioning proves to be successful it may become a consideration in both power station investment and in wholesale electricity purchasing. 26

27 Implications for oil and gas companies The Accenture survey has clear implications for oil and gas companies. First, the consumer interest and knowledge of Climate Change needs to be understood and considered in both decision making and brand positioning. The survey indicates that consumers trust companies less than governments, academics or NGOs. For oil and gas companies this raises the problem of how they can regain trust with a consumer base with which they have limited ongoing communication. Consumers indicated their propensity to switch away from companies who they believe to be behaving in ways that are not conducive with Climate Change mitigation. Historically we have seen that concerted consumer action over environmental concerns can impact revenues. Such a scenario could be driven by a diverse set of circumstances, and oil companies will need to be aware of how their actions could trigger such a response from consumers. Moves toward the increasing use of unconventional oil sources will generally increase the carbon intensity of products. It remains to be seen whether these considerations will become important to consumers. Finally, the survey indicates an increasing interest from consumers in efficiency opportunities. While it is unlikely that we will see significant impact in the shorter term this could presage an increasing move to more efficient diesel and other technologies in many countries, impacting both the refining and overall fuel mix compared to current forecasts. Implications for major energy users Major energy users rarely have end consumers as part of their direct customer base. However, consumer attitudes on Climate Change and desires for a lower carbon impact will clearly trickle through to the industrial sector. For example, a desire for detailing the embedded carbon in products is becoming increasingly common in some countries. Retail giant Wal-Mart recently announced it will encourage its suppliers to measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions incurred in the making of certain products. With the importance that Climate Change appears to hold in the minds of consumers it is a small step to expect carbon labelling of other products such as household appliances, cars and building materials. If this becomes an important buyer value we may start to see premiums attached to metals, chemicals and paper products that have a lower footprint. As part of this trend it is likely that a form of component branding will develop that can indicate if the manufacturer has used lower-greenhouse gas products. 27

28 Copyright 2007 Accenture All rights reserved. Accenture, its logo, and High Performance Delivered are trademarks of Accenture. About Accenture Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance. With approximately 170,000 people in 49 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$19.70 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, Its home page is Contacts David J. Abood Global Director, Accenture Climate Change and Energy Management Practice david.j.abood@accenture.com Jonathan Burton Accenture Climate Change and Energy Management Practice Subject Matter Expert jonathan.burton@accenture.com Curt Volkmann Accenture Climate Change and Energy Management Practice Utilities Industry Lead curt.volkmann@accenture.com