Utilities companies are businesses heavily influenced by commodity price fluctuations. Well publicized business failures are compelling organizations to review and strengthen financial, trading and risk management capabilities. Methods for measuring market and credit risk must better reflect a company's business portfolio, as organizations in this industry are significant investors and users of derivatives. External oversight bodies are requiring more rigorous financial disclosure and demonstration of robust corporate governance policies and practices. Executives face increasingly sophisticated cash management solutions driven by technology and opening markets, as well as complex tax and funding structures requiring careful management of cash flow within the company. There is increasing pressure on financial officers to demonstrate that risk identification and financial management are grounded in timely, accurate forecast and performance data on which top management can base strategic decisions. Review of existing financial and risk reporting and mapping of financial systems and data across the enterprise can identify synergies and areas prime for optimization, encouraging consistency of data and identify areas for control enhancements.