Benjamin Schlesinger and Associates, Inc. [Resume

AJIT S. RATRA

SUMMARY

Mr. Ratra is a seasoned executive with extensive, diversified and progressive experience in directing technical, marketing and financial functions of a billion dollar natural gas utility, resulting in strategic change, and increased sales and profits. His 31 years of functional experience includes strategic planning, business development, gas supply, distribution planning, customer service, regulatory affairs and research and development. Mr. Ratra has a proven track record as a practical, results-oriented, thoughtful manager with experience in managing of change and delivery of regulatory testimony.

EDUCATION

George Washington University, Washington, DC, M.S.Engineering, B.S.Mechanical Engineering

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Public Utility Executive Program

EXPERIENCE

1997-Present PROJECT MANAGER, Benjamin Schlesinger and Associates, Inc. (BSA), Bethesda, Maryland.

	Directs BSA's worldwide analysis of strategic and economic analysis on behalf of clients in the natural gas distribution industry, including gas utilities, direct service gas pipelines, and independent gas marketing and sales enterprises.
	Led BSA's focused consulting efforts toward expansion of rural electric cooperatives into targeted gas distribution, including analyses and management support in Nevada, North Carolina, New York State and Pennsylvania. BSA teamed with Management Consulting Services in these efforts.
	Managed BSA's assignment for USAID leading to economic and market reform of Moldovagaz in the former Soviet Union.
	Prepared energy market assessments and forecasts for numerous clients in the banking, financial services, and energy production and marketing industries.

1974-1997 DIRECTOR, CORPORATE PLANNING (1978-92) and ASSISTANT TO THE CHAIRMAN (1986-89), Washington Gas Light Co. (WGL), Washington, DC.

Strategic Planning

	Directed strategic changes that created a more competitive company and improved sales and profits to record levels.
	Headed a corporate reorganization task force which created and implemented an organizational structure related to regulatory jurisdictions.
	Conceptualized and implemented a "right-sizing" and shared savings program that has saved WGL $3-5 million annually in operating costs.
	Coordinated strategy development for $100 million capital budget and $150 million operating budget.
	Developed and implemented a Corporate Goals program in the key results areas of the company which improved customer service, public safety and profits.
	Examined potential acquisition of a dozen gas distribution companies to improve growth potential and competitiveness.
	Acquired franchise to serve natural gas in six new counties which doubled the geographical area of company’s market.

Business Development

Directed and implemented a partnership market development strategy with automotive fleet customers, oil companies and auto manufacturers to create a new market for natural gas vehicles.

Created a market of 1,400 natural gas vehicles among 70 government and private fleets.

	Engineered and built 40 natural gas vehicle filling stations including public stations with Amoco and Shell.
	Worked with Gas Research Institute and auto manufacturers to develop natural gas vehicles with Ford, Chrysler and GM.

Gas Supply

	Developed gas supply strategy for the company that optimized adequacy, competitiveness and reliability of the supply portfolio.
	Evaluated various options such as pipeline supply, storage and peak-shaving for optimizing the economics of gas supply portfolio.
	Negotiated contracts with pipeline suppliers to increase the company supply.
	Testified before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) justifying the proposed portfolio.

Distribution Planning

	Implemented a network analysis for designing the distribution system to add new customers.
	Developed a distribution replacement program that improved public safety while preserving the competitive position of the company.
	Designed a work management system that helped reduce the repair-crew size by 33%.

Customer Services

	Introduced a computer-aided dispatch program to improve customer satisfaction and productivity of Appliance Service.
	Diagnosed and corrected poor performance problems in the commercial heating and air-conditioning systems.

Regulatory Affairs

	Testified as an expert witness before federal and state regulatory commissions on gas supply, new business and conservation issues.
	Presented the alternative fuels program before the regulatory and legislative bodies.
	Intervened in the pipeline rate cases before the FERC.

Research and Development

	Helped develop new gas using products with the appliance manufacturers.
	Developed gas-solar heating systems in concert with other utilities and appliance manufacturers.

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES

Mr. Ratra has served on committees of American Gas Association, the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, Council of Governments, the Board of Trade, and is a former President of the Exchange Club of Washington. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and a US Citizen.