Latest news with #Guidehouse
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Morrisey approves $738K in emergency spending on out-of-state vendors to fix WV foster care
The West Virginia Department of Human Resources, located at One Davis Square in Charleston, (Lexi Browning | West Virginia Watch) Under Gov. Patrick Morrisey, the state has spent more than $700,000 in emergency purchases in an effort to fix glaring issues in West Virginia's foster care crisis. The money was spent on out-of-state vendors to help with urgent needs that included licensing new foster families and delays in placing children in homes. The state— which is the fastest in the nation to remove children from homes — doesn't have enough traditional foster homes, leading to some children being sent to out-of-state facilities or sleeping in hotels. About half of the money was spent on a foster care 'listening tour,' where Chicago-based Guidehouse advisory firm facilitated meetings around the state that brought together foster families, Child Protective Services workers, biological parents and more to air grievances and offer solutions for a laundry list of issues in the child welfare system. 'Without immediate intervention, West Virginia risks further deterioration of its child welfare system, placing countless children at greater risk of harm. The crisis demands urgent attention from agencies and community stakeholders to ensure that every child in the state receives the protection and care they deserve,' the state Department of Human Services wrote in an emergency purchasing request earlier this year requesting $348,000 for the listening session facilitator. Emergency purchases permit state agencies to bypass the usual bidding process required in state government. DoHS said in its request that the traditional procurement process 'would take too long and not align with the urgency required to address the crisis.' 'The CPS crisis has escalated to a level that demands swift intervention,' the request continued. The listening tour wrapped up last month, and Guidehouse will produce a report this summer with its findings. Morrisey, through an executive order, is requiring his office to review any purchasing requests over $100,000 as he looks to reduce government spending and root out waste. Along with approving the funds for the listening tour, Morrisey also approved a $390,000 emergency purchase request in March from DoHS for a vendor 'to provide solutions-driven approach' to improve the state's foster care licensing and placement issue. 'Governor Morrisey is committed to reforming the Child Welfare System and supports creative solutions to the many longstanding, inherited challenges,' Morrisey's spokesperson told West Virginia Watch. The one-year contract was awarded to Change & Innovation Agency, according to DoHS. The agency is a Missouri-based consulting firm that specializes in child welfare, child care and more. The agency will be tasked with helping DoHS improve its process for licensing foster families as the state has a backlog of families who have applied to foster. They'll also work on ensuring the state is in compliance with state and federal foster care guidelines. 'DoHS looks forward to partnering with Change & Innovation Agency to address the time required to license new foster families, placement delays and administrative burdens while developing a sustainable framework for long-term system improvements,' said Angel Hightower, communications director for DoHS. During the recent legislative session, Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, called for an outside agency to audit the state's foster care system, which is serving more than 6,100 kids with an ongoing shortage of CPS workers, in-state homes and mental health services for children. The state spent nearly $70 million last fiscal year to house foster children in out-of-state facilities because the state doesn't have the capacity to keep children close to home. Stuart also wanted a group to make recommendations for how DoHS could improve its foster care system. DoHS Secretary Alex Mayer pushed back on Stuart's legislation, saying that he wanted to assess the problems himself after taking on the role at the beginning of the year. He also vowed changes to the troubled system. Mayer attended the listening tour sessions, saying that it was imperative he hear from people around the state about their experiences with the child welfare system. Stuart paused his bill mandating the outside audit, and DoHS requested the outside group to help with placements in March before the legislative session adjourned. 'The emergency procurement differs significantly in scope and intent,' Hightower said. 'While Sen. Stuart's bill proposed an external audit and study of the child welfare system, the department's request focused on streamlining and improving foster care licensing and placement.' On Monday, Stuart said bringing in an outside group to help with licensing foster families showed a serious approach under Morrisey in addressing the issues. 'I hope that my efforts have played a role in trying to fix a broken system. I applaud the governor's office's willingness to invest in our kids,' Stuart said. 'I don't care what form it comes in or who gets the credit, but I want to make sure and my focus is the child welfare system — making sure it works for our kids and our families.' He added, 'I think there are a lot of people to blame here — administration after administration that didn't pay proper attention to this issue.' Stuart added that he expected more funding requests to address foster care problems. Lawmakers recently allocated more than $300 million in the upcoming budget for child welfare services; Morrisey cut 75% of lawmakers' allocated funding to West Virginia's Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, a program that helps foster children in the court system, before signing the budget bill. Morrisey recently announced sweeping reforms to the state's child welfare system that he said would end 'years of bureaucratic stonewalling' from within the agency and begin a 'new era of transparency.' The Republican governor attributed some of the changes to the recently-concluded DoHS listening tour. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Business Wire
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ComEd Energy Efficiency Program Exceeds 2024 Goals of Saving Customers 13 Million MWhs of Electricity
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2024, the award-winning ComEd Energy Efficiency Program helped customers save over 13 million megawatt hours (MWhs) of electricity, surpassing state law requirements. Since 2012, installed energy-efficiency measures have continued to deliver savings. This resulted in nearly $1.3 billion in electric bill savings for customers last year, according to ComEd. The energy-saving results are based on an independent evaluation of the ComEd program conducted by Guidehouse, a global consulting and managed services provider. With the average monthly residential customer bill in the ComEd service territory projected to increase by approximately $10.60 in June, the result of the annual PJM Interconnection capacity auction held last year, the evaluation shows the ComEd program continues to effectively assist customers in managing their energy consumption and maintaining control over electricity costs. 'ComEd recognizes the challenge posed by rising supply costs effective in June,' said Melissa Washington, senior vice president of customer operations and strategic initiatives for ComEd. 'Although we can't control this increase, we offer energy-efficiency options to help customers manage their energy costs and connect them to grants and bill-support options. The fact that customers are taking advantage of these options highlights their importance.' The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, funded in accordance with state law, offers services, incentives, and rebates to assist families and businesses in reducing costs and improving energy usage. In 2024, the program: provided ComEd residential and business customers with over $277 million in incentives through rebates and discounts on energy-efficiency measures and projects. increased the comfort and efficiency of more than 53,000 multi-family units by installing insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, and other measures at no cost to the residents. saved business customers more than 754,000 MWhs of electricity, amounting to over $79 million in bill savings, with an estimated total savings of 9.6 million MWh over the expected life of those measures, totaling more than $1 billion. saved residential customers over 1 million MWhs of electricity, resulting in over $170 million in bill savings, with an estimated total savings of 13.2 million MWh over the expected life of those measures, totaling nearly $2.2 billion. enabled over 161,000 income-eligible customers to save more than 730,000 MWhs, equating to nearly $123 million in annual bill savings. Income-eligible customers are also expected to realize estimated total savings of 10 million MWhs over the life of these measures, totaling more than $1.6 billion. 'By taking advantage of energy efficiency programs, customers can meaningfully reduce their energy bills,' said Paige Knutsen, executive director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA). 'Energy efficiency programs support thousands of strong, local jobs and help make our communities' homes and businesses more comfortable and resilient.' Since 2008, the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, one of the largest and longest-running of its kind, has saved customers over $11 billion on electric bills and more than 99 million megawatt-hours of electricity. This is equivalent to: avoiding over 74 billion pounds of carbon emissions, removing nearly 8 million cars from the road, and planting about 34 million acres of trees. ComEd also provides various bill-assistance options, such as budget billing, payment arrangements, and federal grants through LIHEAP. So far this year, ComEd has helped over 114,000 customers access nearly $22 million in financial assistance and other support programs. Customers can visit to find both energy-efficiency and bill-assistance options for which they may qualify.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI and Data Centers Reshape Utility Priorities
Annual State and Future of the Power Industry report reveals how utilities are adapting infrastructure to meet rising demand and energy transition goals MCLEAN, Va., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. power industry is poised for a transformative year ahead, as rising energy demand from AI and data centers, coupled with new energy policies at the federal level, create a complex and evolving operating environment. That's according to the 2025 edition of State and Future of the Power Industry, a survey and report that's published jointly by Guidehouse and Public Utilities Fortnightly and gathers insights from more than 300 utility executives and energy sector leaders. Now in its 10th year, the survey reveals a utility sector that is increasingly bullish and proactive, doubling down on core priorities like reliability and resilience in the face of intensifying demand from AI and data centers. After years of flat or declining loads, utilities are now planning for sustained growth—prompting a renewed emphasis on domestic baseload resources such as natural gas and nuclear. "The insights from this year's survey show an industry navigating a pivotal moment," said Michelle Fay, Partner and Global Energy Providers Lead at Guidehouse. "The surge in AI-driven energy demands and data center loads has highlighted the urgency for utilities to prioritize resilient, flexible infrastructure. By fostering collaboration with public stakeholders and regulators, utilities can proactively tackle these challenges to ensure a stable and reliable energy future for all." Key findings from the State and Future of the Power Industry report include: 95% of respondents identified either the new administration's evolving policy direction or surging load growth as the most disruptive force facing the sector this year. 61% said their systems can absorb some increased load, but reliability concerns will limit gains, while more than a quarter of respondents believe grid infrastructure is not ready for the projected demand. The top-cited longer-term threats are aging infrastructure (40%), climate-related events (35%), and energy inequity and affordability (25%). When asked about priorities for future infrastructure investment, 62% pointed to storm-hardened, self-healing, resilient grids—up from 57% in 2024. Despite the pressures, long-term energy goals remain intact, according to the report. Many respondents cited state mandates, regulatory pathways, and strong public support as stabilizing forces, suggesting that progress will continue even if federal incentives shift. "There's growing urgency around infrastructure modernization and expansion, but utilities are wisely avoiding overcommitment to short-term trends," said Ted Walker, Partner with the energy providers practice at Guidehouse. "They are prioritizing the development of resilient and flexible systems that can adapt to the evolving demands of their customers, ensuring stability and reliability—no matter how the future unfolds." About Guidehouse Guidehouse is a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm delivering value to commercial businesses and federal, state, and local governments. Purpose-built to serve industries focused on communities, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, defense, and national security, Guidehouse positions clients for AI- and data-led innovation, efficiency, and resilience. With a relentless pursuit of client success and high-quality standards, more than 18,000 colleagues collaborate across the firm to outwit complexity and achieve transformational impact, shaping the future by inspiring meaning in mission. Media Contact: GuidehouseCecile Fradkin cfradkin@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Guidehouse Sign in to access your portfolio
Fashion Value Chain
19-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Guidehouse Expands Chennai Footprint with New 250k sq. ft. Facility
State-of-the-art campus at Keppel One Paramount to host 5,000 employees across key operations; Facility will serve as a center for innovation and collaboration Guidehouse, a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm serving the commercial and public sectors, has opened a new 250,000 sq. ft. facility at Keppel One Paramount in Porur, Chennai. The new campus, designed for innovation and efficiency, reflects the firm's continued investment in India's skilled talent pool. Guidehouse Expands Chennai Footprint with New 250k sq. ft. Facility 'This is Guidehouses largest global office, built to our peoples and projects needs,' said Scott McIntyre, CEO of Guidehouse. 'We are excited about the opportunities and expertise our expanded footprint in Chennai will bring, further strengthening our global operations and supporting our long-term growth strategy.' Designed to accommodate up to 5,000 employees across two shifts, the facility will support Guidehouse's global operations in healthcare, financial services, technology, and corporate support functions. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the firm's expansion journey in Chennai, one of Guidehouse's key global delivery centers. Strategically located and spread across nine acres, the LEED Platinum-certified facility offers premium workspace and lifestyle amenities, including flexible workstations, wellness zones, green landscapes, and robust F&B options. 'This expansion represents a major step forward in Guidehouse's continued growth in Chennai, a vital hub in our global managed services delivery network,' said Mahendra Rawat, Partner and Country Head of Guidehouse India. 'This state-of-the-art facility, which will serve as a center for innovation and collaboration, reinforces our commitment to building a future-ready, people-first organization.' Guidehouse is also partnering with local NGOs to support school infrastructure and environmental projects, as part of its commitment to sustainable, inclusive development in India. Founded in 2018, Guidehouse has achieved five-fold growth to over $3 billion and expansion into additional markets with more than 18,000 employees in over 50 locations around the world. Named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, Guidehouse continues to build on its agility, capabilities, and scale with its integrated commercial and public sector business units and AI-led solutions. For more details, please visit: About Guidehouse Guidehouse is a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm delivering value to commercial businesses and federal, state, and local governments. Purpose-built to serve industries focused on communities, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, defense, and national security, Guidehouse positions clients for AI- and data-led innovation, efficiency, and resilience. With a relentless pursuit of client success and high-quality standards, more than 18,000 colleagues collaborate across the firm to outwit complexity and achieve transformational impact, shaping the future by inspiring meaning in mission.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Guidehouse Named Celonis Public Sector Partner of the Year
Innovation with process intelligence MCLEAN, Va., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guidehouse, a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm serving the commercial and public sectors, has been recognized as the Celonis Public Sector Partner of the Year for its pioneering work in process intelligence and innovation. This prestigious award underscores Guidehouse's leadership in transforming state and local government operations through advanced process mining and automation solutions. By harnessing Celonis' cutting-edge technology, Guidehouse empowers agencies to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery to constituents. "We are honored to be named Celonis Public Sector Partner of the Year, a testament to our unwavering commitment to helping governments modernize, innovate, and better serve their communities," said Stuart Brown, Guidehouse Technology and Innovation Leader. "With this recognition, Celonis reaffirms Guidehouse's role as a trusted partner in driving operational excellence and digital transformation in the public sector." Guidehouse brings over 30 years of experience in leading enterprise performance improvement and cultural transformation in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The firm's experts collaborate closely with government stakeholders to implement data-driven strategies that enhance policy effectiveness and operational efficiency. Together, Guidehouse's strategic partnership with Celonis enables federal, state, and local governments to modernize legacy systems, adopt digital-first strategies, and respond more effectively to evolving community needs. By using real-time data and analytics, government agencies can make informed decisions that improve resource allocation, enhance public trust, and deliver better outcomes for the people they serve. "Celonis is proud to recognize Guidehouse as our Public Sector Partner of the Year. In this era of modernization and process intelligence, Guidehouse exemplifies the type of partner Celonis seeks to grow with," said Aubrey Vaughan, Vice President, Public Sector Strategy at Celonis. "The combination of Celonis' market leading Process Intelligence and the industry-leading management consulting from Guidehouse delivers tangible value to our clients. We are excited about what this team can accomplish in the coming year." The prestigious award recognizes Guidehouse's exceptional efforts in transforming state and local government operations. By harnessing advanced process mining and automation, the company has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to innovation, efficiency, and resilience in the public sector. About Guidehouse Guidehouse is a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm serving the commercial and public sectors. Guidehouse is purpose-built to serve the national security, financial services, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure industries. With its agility, capabilities, and scale, the firm delivers technology-enabled and focused solutions that position clients for innovation, resilience, and growth. With high-quality standards and a relentless pursuit of client success, Guidehouse's more than 18,000 employees collaborate with leaders to outwit complexity and achieve transformational changes that meaningfully shape the future. Media Contact: GuidehouseCecile Fradkin cfradkin@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Guidehouse
