Energy

Market Analysis and Assessment

Wholesale Power Market Assessment Services

NERA experts are leaders in the design of electricity markets and in supporting investment decisions. NERA's experts have supported clients in assessing the fit of investing in energy markets, screening assets for acquisition, valuing both assets and publicly traded companies, and assisting lenders in assessing the attractiveness of lending in the sector. We continue to work with lenders and owners of assets as they attempt to restructure financing, and with potential investors seeking to take a position in generation assets. NERA's services generally fall into the following categories:

Market structure and design

NERA has been involved in the design of energy markets since the beginning of deregulation and has worked closely with a number of governments, companies, and market institutions (such as ISOs and RTOs) on questions of market structure. NERA's market knowledge and insight can assist clients with developing business strategies in evolving markets, and identifying impacts of market structure on asset performance and the ability to monetize asset positions.

Market assessment and economic due diligence

NERA prepares market assessments for all North American and many European and Asian markets. NERA experts have prepared Independent Market Expert Reports in support of over $30 billion in bank debt and capital market offerings, and supported the acquisition of over 21,000 MW of generation. NERA can provide a full range of economic due diligence services. These include customized market price forecasts, review of contracts and fuel supply and transport arrangements, and operating margin projection, leading to detailed asset valuation and risk assessment.

Risk and uncertainty analysis

Uncertainty of outcomes pervades asset strategy decisions and is a significant determinant of the value attributed to asset positions. NERA's asset assessments focus on understanding the drivers of short-term and long-term risks in asset positions, the range of potential outcomes that should be considered in business planning, risk management, transaction structuring, and strategic decisions.

Screening and transaction support

NERA can assist investors in identifying types of investment opportunities in energy markets and evaluating them in light of their investment criteria. Given the investor's investment profile, NERA can help target assets or companies. NERA can assist with origination and structuring of transactions, including identification and segregation of risks, and assistance with placement of elements of a structure. NERA can provide regulatory support, including the prescreening of acquisition targets based on likely regulatory and legal requirements.