Released by Ziphany, LLC
Decreased Risk & Improved Processes

Released on: February 26, 2008, 1:42 pm

Press Release Author: Dave Carswell / Ziphany

Industry: Energy

Press Release Summary: Ziphany's Energy Operations Platform (ZEOP) sheds light on
the future of deregulation with its Forecasting Wizard for energy marketers to
decrease risk by improving buying decisions.

Press Release Body: Ziphany, LLC has improved its load shaping and forecasting tool
- a module built into Ziphany's Energy Operations Platform (ZEOP), for energy
marketers (also known as ESCOs - Energy Service Companies). The Forecasting Wizard
provides increased simplicity and accuracy. Implementation of the new tool to
Ziphany's current customers of ZEOP began last Wednesday. According to Ziphany
Account Executive, Heather Jackson, "reports have been very positive, and the ease
of implementation has been very smooth."

ESCOs must give to the grid a forecast for each of their customers. Once an
accurate forecast is constructed, the energy marketer can define a consistent buying
strategy, fully aware of the level of risk being taken. When purchasing wholesale
energy, the ESCO benefits from having optimal foresight. Based on the usage
forecast, the energy marketer will decide what percentage to buy in the Day-Ahead
verses the Real-Time market.

Energy marketers have to deal with varying rules when forecasting load shapes for
each utility. In effect, meeting the competitive needs in multiple territories is a
difficult task. According to Project Leader, Klaus Hannes, "The [forecasting]
wizard is fully integrated into the ZEOP application, and it automatically
calculates expected usage baselines for individual customers of natural gas and of
electricity." And for electricity, it is also integrated in the bid-process. "Even
for customers without sufficient historical data, the wizard can still calculate
proper load shapes based on a number of preprogrammed criteria," says Hannes.

Once implemented for a new partner, Ziphany's Forecast Wizard guides the user
through the procedures, requiring no knowledge of forecasting methodology on the
user's behalf. It creates a detailed log, and it allows automatic scaling for
customers with insufficient historical data. The Wizard improves the quality of
market bids, allowing the accurate prediction of usage for electricity and natural
gas. "The operational benefits lead to better buying decisions," says Hannes.


About Ziphany, LLC
Ziphany, based in Buffalo, NY and founded in 1999 is a private company that exists
to serve the energy industry by enabling aggressive business growth of its partners
while significantly boosting bottom lines. By providing efficient, scalable, and
comprehensive solutions on proven platforms, Ziphany is uniquely positioned to equip
energy retailers with the information and tools needed to grow business.
To Learn More: www.ziphany.com

Web Site: http://www.ziphany.com

Contact Details: 870 River Road, North Tonawanda, NY
Office: 877-422-3433 x119
Fax: 716-695-1103
dcarswell@ziphany.com