Projects
In addition to optimizing energy use within a facility, the ERC can address supply-side energy issues as well. With the deregulation of the utility industry over the past 15 years, building and plant managers now have options in their gas and electric purchases. Much like the telephone industry, the local utility company still provides the wires or pipes to deliver the energy, but the actual commodity is supplied by a third party vendor. The ERC has over four years experience as the manager of the State of Illinois Bulk Natural Gas Purchase Program. Serving over 250 meters and 75 facilities, including office buildings, prisons and other state institutions, the program has an annual usage of almost 2 Bcf and a $10 million budget. In maintaining daily operation of the bulk natural gas purchase program, the ERC has developed a comprehensive database of gas usage histories, utility rates and prices. Using these baseline statistics, facilities with high energy consumption are targeted for building energy management services, including energy conservation and new technology applications. The ERC can bring the same expertise to your facility. By comparing historical utility bills to weather, facility operation and occupancy or production schedules, the ERC will develop an energy use profile forecasting your utility needs. Armed with this information, we can help you to solicit and evaluate pricing proposals from suppliers. In Illinois, customers now have an opportunity to also purchase electricity from a alternate vendor. Navigating the rate changes and pricing structures involved in this transition is a daunting task for facility managers. The ERC can facilitate such purchases or simply help you negotiate a better rate with your local utility company. Often significant savings can be realized by making slight adjustments to your electricity use patterns to avoid costly demand charges. Our team here at the Energy Resources Center can evaluate your total energy savings potential through demand shaving and kWh reductions, complete with a financial analysis showing immediate and short term paybacks. See our Engineering Solutions Group for more information.
Monica Tith
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Program Overview & Enrollment Documents
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