Energy Trading

Be Inc. Cinergy Corporation ENRON CORPORATION

Northeast Utilities Inc. Potomac Electric Power Company Reliant Energy Resources Corporation

Shv Holdings N.v. UGI Utilities, Inc. Williams Companies

Guide to Energy Trading

Maximize energy trading by using energy trading firms or energy trading software
By Paul Kocak

Energy trading requires the right knowledge tools to give you an edge over the competition. Natural gas trading, one of the key energy trade market segments, allows you to leverage your understanding of market conditions to forecast trends. There are two approaches you can use: professional energy traders or energy trading software. In either case, you'll be looking for helpful tools to facilitate your energy trading. Risk management is critical to success.

Energy traders are industry professionals who evaluate prior use patterns, market conditions and inventory pressures to predict future energy costs. Energy trading software is a tool energy traders use to make their forecasts. You can use the same tools gas traders use by using one of the commercially available software packages. Before deciding whether to consult an energy trader or embark on your own as a gas trader, consider these factors:

1. Ability to understand principles of energy trading risk management

2. Comparative level of trust in energy trading firms versus reliance on energy trading software

3. Willingness to tolerate risk in both the short and long term as an energy trader

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Assess the track record of energy trading companies you are considering Seek references or testimonials from previous clients. Look for nationally or internationally connected firms whose reputation can be established. Be sure to verify the authenticity of Internet sources, and of course picking up the phone and talking with a company representative will yield useful information as well as a flavor of the company's customer service.

I recommend:  Energy trading companies like Masefield and Towers Perrin have a global reach with offices in multiple countries. Firms like these offer the resources of industry experts to assist clients in risk management or market trends.

Energy trading software supported by real experts enables users to optimize the program Energy trading software supported by real experts enables users to optimize the program's features and benefits. Real-world engineers and market specialists supporting users of energy trading software make the software application robust and practical.

I recommend:  IntercontinentalExchange, or ICE, offers a web-based real-time platform for energy trade with an on-screen demo for over-the-counter energy trading. POMAX by Navita provides a multi-use platform used by traders worldwide. Helpful components include trading, risk management, market and data analysis and most importantly consulting with Navita staff engineers.

Sign up for forums or industry events or use an energy trading simulator Information clearinghouses connect you to industry people and events. Choose either an energy trader or energy trading software to match your acceptable level of risk.

I recommend:  The Energy Exchange provides a database linking technical experts in the energy field with financial analysts and investors. Visitors find links to energy companies, universities, government entities, trade organizations and allied service providers. Take a test drive with PFGBEST.com's energy simulated trading software with a 30-day free trial.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Review a list of times and locations for conferences of energy traders where you'll rub elbows with representatives of energy trading firms and developers of energy trading software. Ask questions, network and learn lessons from industry insiders.