2024 Recap: Featuring Project Updates, Changes to our Leadership Team, Conference Highlights and more! | |
2024 Annual Energy Transition Forum | |
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Technical Leadership for the Energy Transition
The 3rd Annual Energy Transition Forum brought together leading industry experts from major energy providers and utility companies across New England to explore the future of the energy transition. Organized by Cornerstone, the event featured engaging discussions on key topics, including the impact of recent elections on energy policy, the role of natural gas and LNG peak shaving, renewable natural gas (RNG), non-gas alternatives, advancements in electric transmission and distribution (T&D), and networked geothermal systems. Participants took part in thought-provoking conversations focused on overcoming regional energy challenges and advancing sustainable solutions. The event also highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving these goals. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the Energy Transition Forum remains an essential platform for driving innovation and building a sustainable future for New England. With plans to build on the success of this year’s event, the Forum is poised to continue inspiring progress and collaboration in the region’s energy sector.
Our panels this year included Opening Remarks with presenter Yash Sanghai, Energy Transition Progress & Outlook with presenter Pat Convery, Federal Policy & Impacts of the Election with presenter Keith Coyle, Peak Shaving & Natural Gas with presenters Jeff Tounge and Jay Gamble and moderator Craig Thomas, Role of RNG with presenters Lizzy Reinholt and Joshua Samuel and moderator Ryan Garcia, Future of Electric T&D with presenters Maija Benjamins and Giovanna Chabot and moderator Liz Parsons, Non-Gas Alternatives with presenters Aaron Pike, Angela Monroe, and Rob Furino and moderator Helen Ayotte, and Role of Networked Geothermal with Johnny Fry and Eric Bosworth and moderator Anthony Sweeney.
In addition to fostering valuable dialogue, the Forum made a meaningful contribution to the local community by raising $3,000 for the Worcester County Food Bank. These funds helped to provide meals for families in need in the Worcester community.
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Fueling Station | Ryan Garcia
Our client desired to rebuild their aging CNG Fueling Station with a modern set of equipment to improve the reliability of their facility. Cornerstone performed a technical analysis of the existing fueling station, including a review of historical fuel consumption records in order to size and select a replacement compressor, dryer, dual nozzle dispenser, six pack of storage vessels, priority panel, and canopy. Our team also developed and maintained a capital estimate to aid our client in securing project funding for the coming year. Cornerstone designed detailed drawings sealed by professional engineers for use in permitting and construction which documented demolition, civil, mechanical, and electrical scopes of work. We supported our client in all aspects of project development including process hazard analysis (PHA), conducting a competitive bid process, responding to contractor RFIs, reviewing contractor submittals, commissioning, and close out documentation.
T2 | Lauren DiLorenzo
Peak Shaving LNG Facilities play an integral part in ensuring all energy needs can be met during high demand periods. Cornerstone has been involved in various tank life extension projects to update aging systems, increasing overall safety and reliability. A recent project involved replacing the foundation heaters beneath an LNG storage tank, which are used to ensure the ground beneath the tank does not freeze and damage the structure. Due to the critical nature of tank foundation heaters, the new heating system must be installed while leaving the existing heater fully operational, which is accomplished by horizontally drilling beneath the tank to install casings. These casings are then fitted with the heaters, grouted, and commissioned, all while keeping the LNG tank online and able to support its community!
Peaks: Hydrogen Blending | Ryan Garcia
As part of our commitment to supporting the energy transition, our firm recently completed the detailed engineering phase for an exciting hydrogen blending pilot project. This project represents a critical step forward in exploring the integration of hydrogen into existing natural gas systems to decarbonize energy infrastructure.
The project began with a comprehensive review of historical operating records to establish baseline conditions and identify potential challenges. Our team collaborated closely with the electrolyzer manufacturer to ensure the integration of this technology into the pilot system would meet operational and performance objectives. The electrolyzer was strategically packaged within an available facility, which required incorporating ancillary components such as power distribution systems, filtered water supplies, a chiller, and exhaust and make-up air units to meet code-mandated air exchange requirements.
Our scope included multi-disciplinary engineering and design, with civil, mechanical, and electrical contributions ensuring the project met technical and regulatory standards. We facilitated a robust process hazard analysis (PHA) to address safety considerations and worked with stakeholders to prepare a competitive bid package, soliciting quotes for key equipment and services.
By progressing the project from concept development through detailed design, we have achieved a significant milestone: issuing the design package for bidding. The Issued for Bid (IFB) stage sets the foundation for project execution, and we are proud to have delivered a comprehensive and high-quality package that positions this hydrogen blending pilot for success.
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New Additions to Our Leadership Team | |
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Helen Ayotte, P.E.
Vice President of Engineering
Introducing Helen Ayotte, P.E., Vice President of Engineering, and partial shareholder of Cornerstone Energy Services! Helen brings a wealth of experience in driving innovation and leading high-performing technical teams in the natural gas industry. She has B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and a Masters in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. With nearly 20 years of natural gas utility transmission and distribution experience in engineering and operations, she has led a broad spectrum of technical functions such as engineering, measurement, pipeline integrity, supply chain, corrosion control, advanced leak detection, and GIS. Helen is passionate about fostering a collaborative culture that empowers teams to excel and consistently deliver high quality results. We are thrilled to have her expertise guiding our engineering efforts as we continue to innovate and scale our capabilities. Please join us in welcoming Helen to the company!
Connect with Helen today!
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Jennifer Cummins
Vice President & General Council
We are thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotion of Jennifer Cummins! Jennifer was promoted to Vice President & General Counsel in August of this year. Prior to her promotion, Jennifer served as Project Manager out of Cornerstone’s Idaho offices. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in the energy industry, primarily in the oil and gas business. Jennifer began her career at a small family-owned company, eventually working with midsize to large independent oil and gas exploration and operating companies. Her focus was on the upstream side of the industry, providing various business and real estate law services. These included transactional law matters, negotiation and acquisition, and providing opinion and resolution on a range of title issues. This also meant a lot of time spent in “The Patch” in the Permian Basin and areas of the Rocky Mountains. When not at work, Jennifer is a volunteer attorney with the Idaho Innocence Project. She proudly worked on the team that exonerated Christopher C. Tapp after he was wrongly convicted of murder and spent two decades in prison. Jennifer resides on an organic dairy farm in Southern Idaho with her husband, Trent, who is CFO and a potato farmer. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer on this remarkable achievement!
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Highlights from Recent Industry Conferences | |
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Appalachian Gas Measurement Short Course (AGMSC)
August | Pittsburgh, PA
Cornerstone had an exciting week at the Appalachian Gas Measurement Short Course this August in Pittsburgh, PA! In collaboration with Powell Controls and Beacon Energy Technical Services, we hosted three memorable hospitality events: a welcome BBQ, a Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres game, and a fun-filled outing at Top Golf. Joining the festivities were Cornerstone team members Ryan Garcia, Steve Sawyer, Pat Convery, Yash Sanghai, and Jessica Hitchcock.
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Special thanks to Vincent Argrave and Mark Firmin from A+ Corporation for capturing the moment! | |
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Gastech
September | Houston, TX
In September, Cornerstone partnered with Blue Engineering and Consulting Company to host a successful networking cocktail reception during Gastech 2024. Team members Yash Sanghai and Pat Convery attended throughout the week and played a crucial role in building valuable relationships with other industry leaders in the energy sector. It was an excellent opportunity to connect, share insights, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
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Canada Gas Association
October | Ottawa, Ontario
Cornerstone team member Yash Sanghai enjoyed representing Cornerstone at the Canada Gas Association event this past October. Colleagues gathered in a forum to explore the role of natural gas — including natural gas, hydrogen, and RNG — in Canada. The event challenged traditional ways of thinking on global and domestic energy security, innovation, affordability, resiliency, changing customer expectations, and more.
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University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
October | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
This October, Cornerstone proudly participated in the University of Mayagüez Career Fair Week, engaging in three impactful events: the Surveying Expo in collaboration with the Surveying Institute of Puerto Rico Student Chapter, as well as the Civil Engineering and Business Career Fairs. Representing Cornerstone were UPRM students and former summer interns Yanielyz Rosado and Genesis Feliciano, who enthusiastically attended events alongside team members Steve Sawyer and Madeline Jarvis. We’re thrilled to continue fostering connections with the next generation of industry talent!
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RNG
December | Anaheim, CA
This December, Steve Sawyer and Helen Ayotte represented Cornerstone at the RNG Conference in California. Cornerstone spent the week building valuable connections and had the pleasure of joining the Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise as Silver Sponsors alongside Stark Tech. A fantastic way to combine networking with unforgettable experiences!
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Opportunities to Connect with Cornerstone | |
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6th American LNG Forum
February 10 - 11 | Houston, TX
Don’t miss the American LNG Conference in Houston, TX this February, where Cornerstone will be proudly serving as a Silver Sponsor! Connect with team members Yash Sanghai, Helen Ayotte, and Pat Convery, and be sure to catch Cornerstone’s President and Chief Engineer as a featured speaker on Monday afternoon. It’s an event you won’t want to miss—join us for insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities!
If you are interested in setting up a time to meet at a specific event, please contact mjarvis@cornerstoneenergyinc.com
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Recent Professional Licenses & Certifications | |
Real Estate Broker License
Congratulations to Kirby Brown for obtaining his Real Estate Broker License! Obtaining this license requires completing a state-approved education program, gaining experience as a licensed agent and passing a comprehensive exam. Congratulations, Kirby!
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Fundamentals of Engineering
Congratulations to Khalil Haboub for passing the fundamentals of engineering exam and Emmanuel Henry for obtaining his Engineer Intern certification! These are important milestones on the path to becoming a licensed engineer. Congratulations, to Khalil and Emmanuel!
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Energy In Action: Highlights of 2024 | | |
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Cornerstone Gives Back
This summer Cornerstone celebrated 12 years in business! Each year we celebrate Cornerstone Gives Back, in an effort to keep us involved in our communities. Employees across our offices brought in donations and non-perishable items to support the local food banks of our office locations!
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Highwire Gold Safety Award
At Cornerstone, we make safety our number one priority. Which is why we were honored to receive the Gold 2024 Highwire Safety Award this summer! This score is based on our company's historical safety performance (TRIR, EMR, DART, and OSHA records) and leading indicators of performance (management systems, program elements, and advanced safety initiatives). Fewer than 20% of over 50,000 companies on the Highwire Platform receive this recognition each year. We are thrilled to be one of them!
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Celebrating the Holidays
Cornerstone employees celebrated the season with our annual holiday parties! It was a wonderful time to come together, reflect on a successful year, and enjoy some well-deserved festive cheer.
Offices celebrated with food, games, and plenty of laughter. A memorable way to celebrate the year and our incredible teams!
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"Successful Projects Start with the Cornerstone" | | |
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172 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA 01604
(774) 243-6701
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