Industry Overview 
Over the past few years project spending for the North American Power industry has been on a steady climb. Current economic conditions and the uncertainty over the direction of future environmental regulations are expected to slow growth in the industry for the time being. However it is anticipated that demand will continue to grow driving capital spending for the future.
Business Trends
Utilities and Private Energy Producers alike are facing many of the same challenges in crafting effective business plans to supply electricity in the most efficient manner. Not only is this expected to lead to development of new generation but also acquisition of existing assets and company mergers or consolidations.
Market & Economic Trends
Power Producers are facing precarious times. A weakening economy is creating concerns of the availability of credit and capital investment needed to move forward with generation projects to meet future demand growth. On the other hand the slumping economy may reduce the amount of supply needed for the time being. The industry has also experienced an increase in fuels and construction costs.
Corporate/Plant Trends
Power plant owners continue to define the most effective methods of operating an aging generation fleet. Many of the existing plant s in North America are reaching the end of efficient operation. Development plans are being formed to modernize or replace these plants as well as add new generating capacity.
Environmental Trends
Recent action by the Federal Courts reversing Environmental Protection Agency rulings is leading to some uncertainty of the environmental compliance landscape. Some project activity is still moving forward to comply with state implemented plans and court settlements. Future regulation of mercury and CO2 emissions are looming on the horizon.
Trends by Power Plant Fuel Type
Construction starts for new coal fired power plants have been on the increase over the past few years but rising costs and environmental road blocks may slow future development. New build starts in the natural gas fired sector have remained steady and may move forward in greater numbers to supply base load capacity for the future. Concerns over global warming continue to drive development of renewable energy projects.
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| Spending by Quarter - 1Q09 |
Spending Projections
Project Spending Index
Project Spending Gap Index
Capital Spending by Market Region
MRO Spending by Market Region
Plant Trends - Start-Ups & Closures
2009 Plant Start-Up Projections
Plant Analysis by Market Region
Plant Analysis by Fuel Type
Unit Trends - Start-Ups & Closures
2009 Unit Start-Up Projections
Unit Analysis by Market Region
Unit Analysis by Fuel Type
Economic Indicators
Current Economic Indicators 
Major Project Spending Analysis (04 - 08)
Capital Spending by Region
Maintenance Spending by Region
Historical Plant Trends (04 - 08)
Plant Start-Ups by Market Region
Plant Start-Ups by Fuel Type
Historical Unit Trends (04 - 08)
Unit Start-Ups by Market Region
Unit Start-Ups by Fuel Type
Historical Economic Trends
Dow Jones Industrials
Nasdaq Composite
S&P 500
Unemployment
Gross Domestic Product
Factory Workers
Factory Output
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