The Remarkable Odyssey of Bruce Scambler: Visionary, Businessman, and CPA

Introduction:

In the realm of energy and finance, Bruce Scambler stands as a towering figure with profound influence. With a comprehensive expertise in Electric Power Generation, Electricity Transmission, and Wind Technology, Bruce has forged his unique path in the industry. In this piece, we'll explore Mr. Scambler's career, highlighting his accomplishments, and uncovering the secrets to his extraordinary success.

The Genesis of Greatness:

Born with an insatiable curiosity and a resolute determination to make a difference, Bruce Scambler embarked on his journey as a proactive entrepreneur and later a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His affinity for numbers and sharp business instincts rapidly evolved into a thriving career in the energy sector. He established a robust foundation of skills, encompassing cost control, value-adding strategies, and project management.

Conquering the Energy Domain:

Bruce Scambler's mastery covers various facets of the energy industry, such as Electric Power Generation, Utilities and Independents, Electricity Transmission, Electricity deregulation, and market wholesaling. Additionally, he boasts experience in wind location development, contracting, wind project start-ups, new wind technology, and location evaluation and permitting.

His trailblazing approach to cost reduction and business expansion, coupled with his proficiency in reengineering, change management, process rationalization, and technology adaptation, distinguishes him from his contemporaries. His exceptional strengths include harnessing knowledge of market operations, financial and analytical scenario planning, and an impressive record in generation projects and co-generation.

Pioneering at National Grid Company PLC:

As Business Information Manager at National Grid Company PLC, Bruce Scambler reported to the General Manager (VP) Grid System Management. The company, which owns and operates the UK Electricity Grid Transmission System, was privatized in 1990 and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

During his tenure at National Grid Company PLC, Bruce Scambler was responsible for the business's well-being, including daily review of bidding and UK generation loading, analysis of regional electric companies' demand, and generator availability. He also provided Grid System output to settlements, trading reporting, and Grid System operations business information for Executive reviews.

Under Mr. Scambler's guidance, the company experienced remarkable growth. He assessed newly privatized resources and initiated new business opportunities, such as conceiving a grid-mounted Telephone Company called Energis, which now generates over $1 billion in annual revenues. Furthermore, he led the development of a reserve management business, producing new annual revenues exceeding $50 million.

Bruce's expertise extended to financial support, strategic planning, performance monitoring, and procurement guidance. He also managed overseas project finance and new business developments. During his time with the company, he facilitated change management and organizational reengineering, spearheading a plan to reduce operational sites from seven to a single National Control Center. This restructuring resulted in cost reductions of over 70% and staff and headcount reductions of over 88%.

Accomplishments at OGE Energy Corp:

At OGE Energy Corp, Bruce Scambler served as the Financial Planning Manager for the Electric Power Division. He reported to the Vice President of Electric Power Generation, and was responsible for the division's financial management and strategic planning, which achieved the #1 ranking in the US for least cost production.

Mr. Scambler's innovative approach to corporate motivation and training program development was showcased through the creation of a program using pictorial maps to display corporate culture, money flow, and strategy. All OGE members participated, working in teams, which significantly improved corporate knowledge of the business and enhanced shareholder value.

Additionally, Bruce contributed to the business awareness and training of all Electric Power members by developing an interactive program called Money Matter$. The program included engaging exercises, pictorial position maps, video course learning, and detailed training class courses linked to new computer implementation work. Participants remarked that the program was the "best training over the past 25 years."

Revolutionizing Business Systems with Accounting and Commercial Acumen:

Mr. Scambler developed advanced management reporting using a Balanced Scorecard approach and conducted in-depth reviews of cost drivers for power plants, Electric Power services, fuels and transport departments, gas and coal contracts, fuel purchasing, gas storage, and plant operations. These reviews matched the identified critical cost drivers for the business to specific performance measures for controlling long-term costs, with an emphasis on forecasting results.

Bruce Scambler was part of a team that reviewed legacy computer systems, leading to the purchase of SAP and the implementation of a training program within 12 months. This allowed for comprehensive mapping of current procedures, review of activities for Activity Based Costing, and a revised hierarchy structure for the company. Bruce Scambler worked on implementation teams for Investment Management, Budgeting, and Product Costing component modules.

Practical Problem Solving and Demonstrated Initiative:

Mr. Scambler's hands-on approach to problem-solving and self-starting initiative is exemplified through his collaboration with RWE Germany. He fostered a mutual exchange of cost-saving ideas, leading to reduced overhaul costs and other expenses. His UK experience included acting as a liaison with Power Gen., visiting the company in Coventry, and setting up mutually beneficial visits and a secondment exchange.

Fuel Rationalization and Market Operations Expertise:

Bruce also contributed to the establishment of a fuels management program, which included hedging of gas and oil, use of storage, and reduction in onerous take-or-pay contracts. Over two years, the fuels cost for equivalent quantities was reduced by over 35%. Mr. Scambler's specialist skills in market operations of deregulated electricity markets, combined with his financial and analytical scenario planning experience in UK and US power pools, demonstrated his ability to solve strategic asset valuation in a deregulated scenario.

Innovation in New Ventures:

Bruce Scambler utilized his specialist skills and UK experience in unbundling and deregulation to identify potential opportunities in the US electric industry. He has demonstrated his abilities to innovate, conceive, and plan new business opportunities for launch in deregulated OGE subsidiaries. These opportunities included power marketing, oil and gas industry calibration laboratories, and micro-generation. Opportunities focused on synergies and low-cost resources available in the local gas industry, linked to the deregulation of electricity and the development of micro-generation equipment.

Mastery of Presentation Skills:

Bruce Scambler's exceptional presentation skills have led to invitations to speak at various events and conferences. He was the keynote speaker at the Frontiers of Power Conference and presented at the Oklahoma ISA Society and the Society of Engineering conference on "The Industry, Energy & Conservation in the 21st Century" in Washington, DC. Bruce Scambler's presentation on "Achieving Number 1 Ranking Using the Balanced Scorecard" in London was audience-graded as the best presentation of the conference, leading to a repeat invite.

Conclusion:

Bruce Scambler's extraordinary odyssey as an innovator, entrepreneur, and CPA is an inspiring testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for making a difference in the energy and finance sectors. His achievements and leadership have left an indelible mark on the industry, making Bruce Scambler a role model for aspiring professionals looking to follow in his footsteps.

As Bruce Scambler once said, "Success isn't about achieving individual goals; it's about fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. It's about embracing change and turning challenges into opportunities." This statement reflects the essence of his inspiring journey, which serves as a guiding light for future generations of professionals in the energy and finance sectors.