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Case
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Reference no. 9-109-001
Published by: Harvard Business Publishing
Originally published in: 2008
Version: 18 January 2012
Revision date: 7-Feb-2012

Abstract

An early adopter of Enterprise Risk Management, energy giant Hydro One anticipated new threats and opportunities in an industry that faced climate change and carbon legislation, the deregulation of electricity markets, and the greater adoption of renewable technologies. CEO Laura Formusa felt Hydro One's risk profile had shifted, to the extent that she had to ask herself - was the strategy tenable? The case provides a rich description of Enterprise Risk Management in action, and shows how Hydro One executives arrive at a shared understanding of the risk profile of the company. In the narrative a diverse group of managers (the chief executive, the chief financial officer, the head of the public relations and the chief regulatory officer) voice their views on the risks, collectively bringing a multiple stakeholder perspective to the risk profile. The case challenges students to define the problems and risks that the company faces, given its strategic objectives, its evolving risk profile, and the changing environment. The case also offers a discussion ground for defining the role of the chief risk officer, and the relationship between risk management, strategic planning and capital budgeting.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2006.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
Canada
Location:
Toronto

Featured company

Hydro One
Employees:
5001-10000
Turnover:
USD 3.7 billion
Industry:
Energy company

Featured protagonist

  • Laura Formusa (female), CEO

About

Abstract

An early adopter of Enterprise Risk Management, energy giant Hydro One anticipated new threats and opportunities in an industry that faced climate change and carbon legislation, the deregulation of electricity markets, and the greater adoption of renewable technologies. CEO Laura Formusa felt Hydro One's risk profile had shifted, to the extent that she had to ask herself - was the strategy tenable? The case provides a rich description of Enterprise Risk Management in action, and shows how Hydro One executives arrive at a shared understanding of the risk profile of the company. In the narrative a diverse group of managers (the chief executive, the chief financial officer, the head of the public relations and the chief regulatory officer) voice their views on the risks, collectively bringing a multiple stakeholder perspective to the risk profile. The case challenges students to define the problems and risks that the company faces, given its strategic objectives, its evolving risk profile, and the changing environment. The case also offers a discussion ground for defining the role of the chief risk officer, and the relationship between risk management, strategic planning and capital budgeting.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2006.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
Canada
Location:
Toronto

Featured company

Hydro One
Employees:
5001-10000
Turnover:
USD 3.7 billion
Industry:
Energy company

Featured protagonist

  • Laura Formusa (female), CEO

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