A new independent power project in Brantford, Ontario is expected to deliver millions of dollars in savings for its host customer, possibly setting an example for many other customers on how to reduce electricity cost.
of a pre-engineered, fully “containerized”, behind-the-meter disributed generation package on March 24. The project, which will produce 1 MW of baseload power from a Siemens natural gas genset, is slated to be in operation within weeks. Citing the recently signed 10 year contract that provides the hos with dependable supply at fxed electricity prices, Mr. Freeman sresses that, “Public Energy is improving the operating cos economics for Ontario businesses.” Under the terms of the contract with Public Energy, the cusomer pays for electricity only. Capital and operating cos of the equipment is covered by Public Energy. “Onsite power below the cos of the grid is here!” Mr. Freeman proclaimed, highlighting the potential for many other cusomers to set up similar insallations. APPrO and others have often pointed to the fact that growing numbers of cusomers are able to generate their own power reliably at lower cos than that from the provincial grid using disributed generation. With gas prices at record lows and the cos of power for commercial cusomers on the rise, such insallations are likely to be increasingly attractive. “Public Energy is delivering baseload or peak avoidance resources designed to our cusomers’ specifc operating and regulatory requirements, whatever the jurisdiction,” he said.
Mr. Freeman notes that the benefts of a project like this include:
- Signifcant annual savings versus reliance on grid for all requirements even after carbon tax and paying grid charges
- 10-year agreement provides savings in the millions
- Increased cusomer power reliability
- Savings provide valuable contribution to ofsetting Covid-19 revenue losses.
“Our behind-the-meter solution which is cheaper than the grid will help keep Ontario competitive,” said John Douglas, Chairman of Public Energy Inc. Public Energy Inc. is an Ontario based company that designs, insalls, operates, fnances and maintains commercial disributed energy generation and sorage sysems with a focus on indusrial cusomers. Their sysems can include a solar photovoltaic component which of course improves the carbon footprint.
Many readers will know Mr. Freeman from his years of service as the Vice-President of Business Development with Horizon Utilities Corporation from 2007 to 2017 prior to when it was
https://magazine.appro.org/news/ontario-news/6256-1587317600-public-energy-project-set-to-deliver-millions-in-savings.html[4/28/2020 9:39:57 AM]
merged with Alectra.
“Public Energy is creating an avenue to protect manufacturing in Ontario and say competitive with siser plants and direct competitors in the United States,” Mr. Freeman says. For more information see https://publicenergyinc.com/
The cantilevered and stepped massing plays into the building’s sustainability benefits, as it forms balconies and green roofs that allow occupants fresh air and stunning views of the city. The building’s interior design plays a sustainability role as well, with “irresistible staircases” that offer unique terraces in the atrium and breathtaking views of the city. The goal: invite people to walk up the stairs rather than take the elevator, promoting physical health and energy reductions. One of the largest components of the building’s sustainable construction are the geothermal bores, a system that is essential for BU’s Climate Action Plan goal of net zero emissions by 2040. BU’s goals also put the university ahead of Carbon Free Boston, the city’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050. Suffolk’s team drilled and installed a total of 31 bores, each 1,500 feet deep, which will harness the thermal capacity of the earth for heating and cooling and eliminate the need to connect the building to a gas line.
The cantilevered and stepped massing plays into the building’s sustainability benefits, as it forms balconies and green roofs that allow occupants fresh air and stunning views of the city.