ECMC provides support in 2 basic areas:
Managing Energy Cost & Usage
- Developing Strategic Plans and Goals
- Implementing Programs to Achieve those goals
- Managing Energy Contracting Programs
Commercializing & Marketing Emerging Energy Technologies
Additional details on these services are provided below.
Strategic Plan Development
Energy cost management programs must be tailored to the specific needs of each organization. Areas normally addressed in an effective plan are:
- Defining Quantitative Goals – an essential first step
- Cost & Usage Tracking System – for setting goals, identifying opportunities and tracking performance
- Energy & Environmental Audits – identify and prioritize opportunities at each facility
- No-Cost / Low-Cost Programs – encouraging efficient behavior, operator training, preventive maintenance
- Expert Services – Retrocommissioning, continuous commissioning, operations monitoring & analysis
- Equipment Replacement or Addition – to go beyond what can be achieved by improving performance of existing systems
ECMC can help develop a comprehensive program plan or help refine programs you already have in place.
Program Definition and Implementation
Once the strategy and goals are developed, specific programs must be defined and implemented. Services ECMC can provide in this area include:
- Identifying and prioritizing opportunities at each facility
- Communicating plans to the organization
- Selecting service providers and, if necessary, preferred equipment
- Identifying utility or other subsidies
- Managing implementation
- Establishing monitoring and maintenance program to ensure savings persist
Energy Contracting Program Management
The primary goals of contracting for electricity or natural gas normally are reducing costs, managing price risk and stabilizing rates. Cost savings can be substantial in utility territories with high default rates and when you are able to lock in rates during market dips. Energy prices will remain volatile for the foreseeable future and contracting can help protect against periodic spikes and yield more predictable prices for budgets. Also, including wind or solar power in your supply can generate significant emissions reductions credits. ECMC support in this area includes:
- Identifying opportunities and developing contracting program plans
- Managing competitive procurement of electricity and natural gas supplies
Energy Technology Commercialization & Marketing Support
Most facility managers and engineers are inundated with sales pitches for ‘fantastic’ energy or water saving devices. Experience has shown that many – if not most – of these devices fail to deliver claimed savings. Hence consumers often ignore these pitches.
ECMC can help developers and suppliers develop credible backup for their claims and promotional approaches that will resonate with potential customers.