Strategic planning and the budgeting process

As the utility industry continues its transformation to a more competitive environment, companies are coming under ever-increasing pressure to avoid or minimize rate increases, implement new customer and environmental programs, and maintain profitability for shareholders. Two keys to having an effective organization in such an environment are the use of strategic planning and budgetary controls. The authors recently developed and implemented a strategic planning and budgeting process for a client in the Southwest. This paper reviews the highlights of that effort