[0] Structure Consulting Group Receives High Ratings in Gartner Group Study.

Business Editors

TIBURON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2000

Structure Consulting Group LLC, a premier technology and business solution provider to the energy industry, consistently rated the best or among the best for providing better services at a lower cost than more than 80 comparison companies, including some of the major consulting players, according to a recent study conducted by the Gartner Group.

The study -- an applications services assessment -- was conducted by Gartner on behalf of the California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO). Support productivity and development productivity were measured, and a technical and environmental profile was assessed. Structure Consulting Group has provided business solutions to the Cal-ISO since the ISO's inception two years ago.

"Structure Consulting Group has been a valuable business partner for us since we began operating in 1998," Dennis Fishback, Cal-ISO chief information officer said. "Structure provides high-quality work in an efficient and timely manner and is able to keep costs reasonable."

Findings from the ISO's technical staff surveys concluded that Structure Consulting rated first or second among the 80-plus comparison companies in the following categories:

       --   management direction               view of IS management
       --   technical capabilities             view of quality
       --   stability of specifications        view of process control
       --   quality as a driving force         view of staff environment
       --   quality of work                    view of technology usage
       --   delivery capability                view of metrics usage
       --   user participation                 phase of evolution
       --   staff morale

Structure's survey rating for staff morale was the highest recorded rating in Gartner's peer-group database.

The Gartner report concluded: "Overall support business requirements are matched in the areas rated most important by the business, including accuracy, data currency and availability. SCG exceeded the business expectations with regard to responsiveness and user documentation."

ISO staff surveys revealed that Structure Consulting has extremely high ratings for responsiveness, problem-solving abilities and communication. In addition, Structure specifications are considered more stable than most organizations, its backlog is small and it has created a strong positive perception of an effective resource within the Cal-ISO.

The Gartner Group is recognized as the world leader in providing technology research, consumer and market intelligence, consulting, conferences and decision-making tools. Gartner's client database includes more than 9,600 organizations throughout the world.

Structure Consulting Group principal Rand Collins says the Gartner findings reflect the company's desire to provide cost-effective services to clients while building a superior staff that values integrity, flexibility, risk-taking and fun.

"We're pleased with the results of Gartner's research. The findings validate the great work of Structure Consulting Group's staff and encourage us to continue building our company with a model that stresses quality work, high staff morale and cost-effective services," Collins said.

In just two years of operation, Structure Consulting Group has grown its staff to approximately 80 employees. In addition to its work with the Cal-ISO, Structure's clients include Reliant Energy, Williams Energy Marketing and Trading, Dynegy and many other leading companies in the deregulated energy industry. The company projects revenues in excess of $20 million this year.

Structure Consulting Group LLC is a leading supplier of energy trading business solutions and consulting services to market participants across North America. Established in 1998, Structure Consulting has experience working with top-tier organizations in all stages of the energy value chain, including generation companies, energy marketers, system and market operators, transmission and distribution companies, and energy services companies. For more information about Structure Consulting Group, visit or contact us directly at [e-mail].