Laura D. Speake

Energy & Transportation Regional Chief Economist, Caterpillar

Laura joined Caterpillar in her current role in 2014. She is driven to develop a deep understanding the energy markets today, how the changes that are occurring in the near term and what the future may look like. Her experience from 19 years in the energy business cutting across technologies and fuels offers a unique perspective on the energy landscape of the future and the implications for Caterpillar. Her responsibilities include developing deep understand of the macroeconomic conditions that drive the Electric Power, Marine, Oil & Gas and Industrial segments of the E&T business. Support the Sales and Operations Planning by providing the high level sales forecast by region and engine model family. Forecast oil, gas and diesel prices for the corporation. Develop deeper understanding of the changing energy landscape and what the implications may be for the company.

Laura has extensive prior experience in the Energy sector, having spent 15 years with Southern Company, one of the largest electric utilities in the US and its subsidiaries. She has a broad range of experience both as an analyst and business development in the electric utility industry. Laura was the Forecasting Principal at Georgia Power Company. Her responsibilities included Forecast sales and revenues of approximately $5b annually for use in financial planning, budgeting and regulatory activities. Perform scenario / sensitivity analysis for revenue and energy forecasts, including updating year-end projections for Financial Planning. Support regulatory proceedings including the Integrated Resource Plan, Fuel Cost Recovery, Resource Certification (including new nuclear units at Plant Vogtle) and Rate Case filings. Research new technology, Electric Vehicles and Emerging Trends to evaluate potential changes to the forecasting process and future advances that impact sales and growth in the future.   

As the Business Development Manager at Southern Company, Laura’s responsibilities included identifying opportunities with new potential and existing wholesale customers. Develop and evaluate pricing, terms and conditions for various generating technologies, including CCGT, Coal and IGCC, and requirements contracts. Develop business cases for opportunities and evaluate revenue & net income potential. Negotiated contracts causing the construction of over 4GW of new combined cycle generation with an expected net income of nearly $1B over the contract periods.

In addition, Laura holds a PhD in Applied Economics from Clemson University.