Find out what energy expert Bill Ruccius will discuss at the 2018 Asian Power Utility Forum in Manila

He will discuss renewables' role in a coal-dependent country.

Bill Ruccius has been in the electric power business for 24 years, with almost all that time in the Asia/ Pacific region. Since July 2016 he has been a consultant for energy projects in the Philippines and from June 2014 to June 2016 he was Director Business Development of Enfinity Asia Pacific. Prior to that, he was with Aboitiz Power as Senior Director, Business Development and from 2009 to 2011 and was Facility Manager of the Tiwi Geothermal complex following the purchase of the facilities by Aboitiz from PSALM. He has been involved in new project development, financing, construction and operation of coal, oil, gas, hydro, pet coke, wind and solar power plants.

From 1998 to 2003 he was President and CEO of AES Orient responsible for all business activities of AES Corp. in North and East Asia.

From 1996 to 1998 he was President and CEO of AES Lal Pir and President and CEO of AES Pak Gen in Pakistan.

He has a BS in Chemical Engineering and Masters of Business Administration. He was a Professor of Management at University of Houston and is a past winner of the Plunkett Award.

Miller will be among the speakers at the 2018 Asian Power Utility Forum, Manila leg. The event will be happening on February 27 at Makati Shangri-La.

What are your previous experiences and positions held that contributed to who you are as an expert in the power industry today?

My power experience was with AES Corp., a fast growing international power company which became the largest Independent Power Producer in the world. The company structure and philosophy was one of almost no corporate staff groups so as President and CEO of the independent subsidiaries I had to understand all parts of the business, learn how to operate in different cultures and economies, make decisions based on unique, local conditions and then be accountable for the results. As a Regional President and CEO I got to review and offer advice on power projects all over the world. This was a tremendous learning experience in a rapidly changing industry.

What are your key business philosophies?

Key business philosophies - 1. Attract good people to work for you, then give them freedom and the tools to do their job and then get out of the way so all you have to do is coach and advise. 2. Don't try to squeeze every penny out of a deal. The project has to be fair and balanced for all the stakeholders or it won't last. 3. The electricity you are selling cannot be far out of market price. Contracts will not hold things together if it isn't something the customers really want at a price they are willing to pay. 4. the most important - treat all people with dignity and respect no matter what education, wealth, power or position they have.

Can you give us a glimpse of what you will talk about at the Asian Power Utility Forum?

In the next 10 years there will be so many opportunities to replace expensive coal with low cost, clean solar. Solar technology and cost are changing so quickly that solar is now the low cost of power in many parts of the world. Solar projects are being built that sell power for US$ 0.02/kwh or less - that is 1 peso/kwh. Battery storage prices continue to drop so that in a few years even in the Philippines solar can be delivered 24 hours for less than 4 Peso/kwh - and it will just continue to decline. Solar is taking over power generation worldwide - not because of the Paris Climate Accord, but by things much more powerful - technology and economics.