The Center's Board of Directors has undertaken a philosophy of improvements to the facility that target energy efficiency, operational efficiency and a reduction in the building's carbon footprint.
"This was a very good time to lock-in a future rate that assures consistency in our utility budget," said Gregory J. Fox, chairman of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. "We have been using less energy in recent years as we find new ways to improve our energy efficiency across the Convention Center. These savings will contribute to our overall efficiency efforts."
The fixed rate will allow the Center's operating costs to be held constant, despite fluctuations in weather patterns and other variables.
"If we hit a polar vortex in the next two years, we are protected with budget certainty," said John J. McNichol, the Center's president and CEO. "It is an excellent time to buy in this market."
The Center issued a request for proposals on Dec. 29, 2015. Nine electricity suppliers submitted proposals that were opened Jan. 13, 2016. SMG, which operates the Convention Center, and its energy consultant, Choice Energy Services of New York City, reviewed the plans and then locked in the rate for the winning bid, according to Janet Mitrocsak, director of facilities for SMG.
Constellation of Baltimore, Md., will supply electricity to the Convention Center, beginning in June 2016 for a 24-month period, ending in 2018. Fixed pricing was requested with a 25 percent renewable energy source component. The fixed rate is just above 5 cents per kilowatt hour, which will result in
at least $275,000 in annual savings for the two-year period, estimated John Tracey, SMG's director of finance.
"We are very excited about our new relationship with the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and SMG. We look forward to helping them achieve their current and future energy goals and objectives," said Brian Weatherford, executive director, Constellation, an Exelon company.
The contract includes an online portal with Choice Energy Services that allows the Convention Center to monitor, store and measure all of its utility information. "We are thrilled to have represented the Pennsylvania Convention Center in their RFP process. We hope to continue to provide the Convention Center value through our proprietary expense data management system, Choice Connect, as well," said Kiki Dikmen, managing partner, Choice Energy Services.
The Center already has updated its lighting controls and building automation system to enhance energy efficiency. It also is installing a new roofing system that increases thermal insulation, allowing the facility to operate more efficiently and further reducing energy costs. The facility's 2011 expansion received a LEED-gold designation (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council.
