A survey of 100 executives in the electric and natural gas industries revealed that their list of critical business issues was topped by environmental concerns and, more specifically, emissions of greenhouse gases.

The survey was conducted by Capgemini, a technology consulting firm, and Platts, a supplier of energy and metals information.

According to the survey results, 95 percent of executives polled said the industries' engagement with the environment as a high priority increased from 2006 to 2007. Furthermore, 77 percent of participants identified environmental issues such as climate change and potential restrictions on carbon emissions as the issues of highest concern.

More than half the executives surveyed said that in the past year the industries' focus on technology has increased because of growing interest in sustainability and emissions controls.

Following the environment, the highest-rated issues were:

• Addressing the uncertainty of regulation,
• Coping with the aging workforce and workforce management,
• Building new infrastructure while replacing aging and overburdened facilities, and
• Increasing adaptation of new technologies that can enhance energy consumption management.

Over the next 10 years, the officials believe their major business and management issues will be environment, conservation, energy efficiency, increased use of renewables, and continued volatility in natural gas prices.

Information on the study is available at www.us.capgemini.com/PlattsStudy.