Integrated energy merchant value chain

Abstract

Methods and systems for structuring and operating an integrated energy merchant enterprise are provided. Enterprise core value creation functions are first identified. The core value creation functions are those that are primary profit and loss drivers and are generally market facing entities. The core value creation functions are then integrated with one or more integration functions. The integration functions and core value creation functions are controlled with one or more governance functions.

1 . A computer implemented method comprising:
 (a) identifying by a computer enterprise core value creation functions of an energy merchant enterprise comprising a plurality of business units;   (b) integrating by the computer the core value creation functions with one or more integration functions, wherein the one or more integration functions comprises an asset optimization function that optimizes maintenance plans; and   (c) controlling by the computer the core value creation functions and integration functions with one or more governance functions.   
     
     
         2 . The computer implemented method of  claim 1 , wherein the core value creation functions comprise an energy production function that ensures environmental compliance and safety. 
     
     
         3 . The computer implemented method of  claim 2 , wherein the core value creation functions further comprise a trading function. 
     
     
         4 . The computer implemented method of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more integration functions comprises an asset optimization function that integrates the production function and the trading function. 
     
     
         5 . The computer implemented method of  claim 1 , wherein the core value creation functions comprise an origination function. 
     
     
         6 . The computer implemented method of  claim 5 , wherein the core value creation functions further comprise a trading function. 
     
     
         7 . The computer implemented method of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more integration functions comprises a pricing and structuring function that integrates the originating function and the trading function. 
     
     
         8 . The computer implemented method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (d) defining by the computer roles that will not be performed independently by the core value creation functions.   
     
     
         9 . The computer implemented method of  claim 8 , wherein (d) comprises not allowing an originating function to independently acquire or divest assets. 
     
     
         10 . The computer implemented method of  claim 8 , wherein (d) comprises not allowing a generation function to independently assume price risks. 
     
     
         11 . The computer implemented method of  claim 8 , wherein (d) comprises not allowing a trading function to independently set risk guidelines. 
     
     
         12 . The computer implemented method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (d) defining by the computer roles that will not be performed independently by the integration functions.   
     
     
         13 . The computer implemented method of  claim 12 , wherein (d) comprises not allowing an asset optimization function to independently acquire or divest assets. 
     
     
         14 . The computer implemented method of  claim 12 , wherein (d) comprises not allowing a pricing and structuring function to independently determine final pricing for transactions. 
     
     
         15 . The computer implemented method of  claim 1 , wherein (b) comprises integrating management decision making. 
     
     
         16 . A computer implemented method comprising:
 (a) integrating by a computer a power generation function and a trading function with an asset optimization function, wherein the power generation function and trading function are core value creation functions of an energy merchant enterprise comprising a plurality of business units, wherein the assert optimization function optimizes maintenance plans;   (b) integrating by the computer the trading function and an origination function with a price and structuring function, wherein the origination function is a core value creation function of the energy merchant enterprise; and   (c) controlling by the computer the asset optimization and the price and structuring functions with a performance management function.   
     
     
         17 . The computer implemented method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 (d) integrating by the computer the trading function and an asset development and management function with the price and structuring function, wherein the asset development and management function is a core value creation function of the energy merchant enterprise.   
     
     
         18 . The computer implemented method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 (e) defining by the computer roles that will not be performed independently by the core value creation functions.   
     
     
         19 . The computer implemented method of  claim 18 , wherein (e) comprises not allowing the power generation function to independently assume price risks. 
     
     
         20 . The computer implemented method of  claim 18 , wherein (e) comprises not allowing the power generation function to independently make asset investments.