Energy Trading and Regulatory Analysis

Challenge: A devastating explosion at a farm silo resulted in significant structural damage and loss of life, with renewable ethanol and fermentation-related causes suspected. However, critical production data and laboratory samples were not preserved by the owner, complicating the investigation.

Solution: EPS engineers performed forensic analyses, including debris mapping, blast force calculations, and process evaluations, to identify the origin and cause of the explosion. EPS’s investigation confirmed the presence of ethanol that had been improperly handled during the biofuel production supply chain.

Result: The investigation determined biofuel manufacturing operational missteps, key safety protocol violations, and destruction of data, resulting in a pre-trial award for the deceased’s family.

Challenge: An oil field services company in the Niobrara-DJ Basin faced significant financial challenges from its business partners during a rapid downturn in crude oil prices, with allegations of management failing to anticipate and mitigate the market impact.

Solution: Leveraging expertise in economic analysis, EPS demonstrated the strong correlation between crude oil prices and demand for oil field services, exposing critical flaws in the actions of the business partners.

Result: EPS provided pivotal evidence about the energy industry's market dynamics, demonstrating the predictability of the downturn, which substantively informed the court proceedings and clarified the parties' financial responsibilities. This analysis enabled the client to recover the monies owed successfully.