The Cambridge Energy Alliance is pleased to announce the formation of its Energy Service team.  Five firms will become CEA's pre-qualified Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).  Starting in early 2008, these five companies will be the primary direct marketers and providers of services that will save electricity, natural gas, heating oil, and water for the residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial consumers in Cambridge who participate in the CEA program.  CEA is pleased to be teaming with the following outstanding companies.

Customer Group	Pre-qualified ESCOs
Small and Medium Housing  (Single family homes and buildings with up to 50 residential units)	Conservation Services Group Westborough, MA
Large Housing (Buildings with more than 50 residential units)	Ameresco Framingham, MA   RISE Engineering Cranston, RI
Small Business (Properties with peak electric demand below 200 kW)	DMJM Harris Energy Services Boston, MA
Large Business and Institution  (Properties with peak electric demand at 200 kW or higher)	Ameresco Framingham, MA   ConEd Solutions Burlington, MA

In the coming years, CEA and ESCOs will work together with thousands of Cambridge residential and business customers to identify and arrange financing for all cost-effective efficiency and renewable measures.  CEA expects the financing will be repaid from the annual energy savings realized by participating customers.  As part of this cost-saving effort, CEA will work with NSTAR, ISO-New England, the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust and other organizations to secure all available incentives to maximize the program's benefits to CEA participants.

Responsibilities of the ESCOs will include identifying electric, gas, oil, and water efficiency measures, supervising the installation of measures, and most importantly, assuring that the expected savings materialize.  Renewable measures, including solar hot water, photovoltaics, small wind turbines, and combined heat and power applications will also be a focus of the ESCOs in collaboration with CEA and participating customers. 

Background

The ESCO selection process began in July with the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).  A team of experts closely reviewed the responses to the RFQ, conducted detailed interviews with several potential candidates, and made its recommendations in October, which the CEA Board of Directors approved. 

The winning ESCOs were selected on the basis of the strength and depth of their technical abilities, a proven track record in delivering excellent quality and value to customers, a significant local presence and experience, and the capability to deliver the full range of CEA program features.  As a result, CEA now has a highly qualified ESCO team to implement a successful program and achieve the results expected from the CEA and Cambridge residents.