Below is a sample of some of our work in benchmarking:

• Developing assessment of GIS system planning for investor owned utility. Worked with utility subject matter experts to identify gaps in system planning and mapping and developed long-term GIS operating plan. Worked with operational units to resolve conflicts in mapping priorities and adoption of competing system platforms.

• Developing validation study for fiber provider. Conducted market and financial analysis to verify opportunities outlined by management’s annual plan. Identified key obstacles that could present challenges in reaching company’s objectives. Developed sales strategy to maximize marketing yield.

• Writing advocacy report on benefits of advanced metering and 'smart grid' systems for electric utility association. Developed research and analysis to identify opportunities for value creation through implementation of AMI and distribution automation programs. Analyzed potential impact of tax policy to provide appropriate financial incentives for utilities to deploy advanced metering and 'smart grid' systems. Profiled the stakeholder benefits associated with the implementation of a ‘smart grid’ system and evaluated public policy impacts.

• Providing benchmark analysis of telecommunications activities for Canadian utility reporting to provincial energy board. Analyzed overall telecom expenditures, including Service Level Agreements, Network Operations Center operations, staffing and cost allocations, and pricing levels. Provided legal opinion for filing of rate case involving all telecommunications costing implications and provided input on structure of revised SLA.

• Delivering comprehensive communications benchmarking study for electric utility. Collected performance metrics from a variety of North American utilities related to the development of fiber, microwave, wireless, and land mobile radio systems in support of presentation before regulatory commission. Interviewed key utility communications subject matter experts and collected data on operating and capital expenses matched against performance levels. Delivered report profiling industry best-in-class processes and performance levels.

• Developing legal research in support of wireless infrastructure litigation. Provided industry research in defense of city being sued by wireless carrier seeking to expand wireless infrastructure presence in excess of established zoning limitations. Analyzed reports prepared by prosecution’s expert witnesses and highlighted flaws and identified missing factors needed to be considered.

• Developing cost and market benchmarks for a wireless affiliate of an electric utility to support a wireless marketing campaign. Conducted numerous interviews among potential targets and identified critical improvements needed. Collected information from key market competitors to determine how others were solving needs and benchmarked operating levels supported.

• Supporting legal position of fiber operator in contract dispute through market research and financial analysis. Developed legal opinion report for owner of dark fiber network facing potential litigation against Internet Service Provider threatening to default on lease agreement. Conducted market analysis and financial modeling of varying scenarios to identify a potential solution to support the needs of both parties.

• Conducting business case analysis in support of pending litigation on behalf of fixed wireless competitive local exchange carrier. Calculated economic harm caused by delivery of unsuitable transport equipment by technology vendor that ultimately contributed to bankruptcy of carrier. Conducted research into equipment failures and profiled key causes of operating and strategic losses. Developed analysis to support legal claims for damages.