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Eco-efficiency is a management philosophy that aims at minimizing ecological damage while maximizing efficiency of the firm's production processes. While eco-efficiency at PNW takes many forms in our sustainability efforts, for the purpose of this report we are focusing on three primary areas that have some of the greatest potential in providing a cost effective energy future to our customers while continuing to reduce the environmental impacts and resource utilization associated with our product. These are forward looking, innovative approaches that look for new solutions or approaches to continually improve our sustainability effort. Key areas in which we accomplish that include: Renewable Energy
Renewable energy will be an increasing important part of our overall energy mix into the future. It can provide a carbon-free source of energy, while at the same time diversifying our fuel mix and reducing exposure to price volatility and other concerns associated with fossil fuels. Technology Innovation
The use of innovative new products and technologies will play a critical role in providing a sustainable energy future, providing new ways to deliver our product in a cost effective manner, improve customer service and system reliability and reduce negative impacts to our environment. Demand Side Management / Energy Efficiency
Demand Side Management/energy efficiency is also a critical component of our overall program to achieve a sustainable energy future. We are helping our customers to understand how they can more effectively use energy, and providing resources and incentives for them to accomplish that goal. Through the APS program, our customers have achieved signficiant savings in money and energy, and energy efficiency is a critical component of our long range energy plan.
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Pinnacle West and APS won a very visible award for something that often is invisible.
The company is the No. 1 energy utility for information technology (IT) innovation according to the 2008 edition of the InformationWeek 500. Pinnacle West/APS also ranked among the top 10 overall U.S. companies and highest among those based in Arizona.
InformationWeek, the leading IT trade publication, identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with the annual listing, now in its 20th year. It tracks the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices of America’s best-known companies.
“We are proud to have a truly world class IT organization composed of some of the industry’s brightest, most creative and dedicated people,” said Denny Brown, APSVice President and Chief Information Officer, “This list is unique among corporate rankings because it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders."
APS was cited on the strength of major information technology projects, including Transformer Oil Analysis and Notification (TOAN). The online systemـdeveloped to monitor major transformers for potential failure and enables APS to take preventive action. The system, which won the electric industry’s highest honor earlier this year, may help eliminate catastrophic outages and save APS and the industry potential billions of dollars.
Other ongoing APS information systems projects include a cutting-edge transformation of the Distribution Operations Management System (DOMS) from wall maps to computer; a significant upgrade to the Energy Management System (EMS); and a major back-office software implementation.
“Year after year, InformationWeek 500 companies harness technology to improve efficiency, boost productivity, drive revenue and establish a competitive advantage. We applaud this year’s winners, and the CIOs and other executives whose ingenuity and risk-taking are at the center of business technology innovation,” said InformationWeek Editor-in-Chief Rob Preston.
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